Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

PCM - Sag/Hesitation/Stumble/Stall: Overview

NUMBER: 18-05-99

GROUP: Vehicle Performance

DATE: Feb. 26, 1999

SUBJECT:
Sags/Hesitation/Stumble/Start & Stall, A/C Bump Improvements, Addition Of Leak Detection Pump (LDP) Monitor Test

OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the powertrain control module (PCM) with new software (calibration changes).

MODELS:
1997 - 1998 (NS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager

SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
1997/1998 3.0L ATX Powertrains

^ Sags/Hesitation/Stumble/Start & Stall after a cold start in ambient temperatures of -7° - 30° C (20° - 86° F). This condition may persist for up to a minute into a drive cycle and is attributed to high driveability index (DI) fuel. See TSB 14-08-97 for more detail on Driveability Index fuel.

1997/1998 2.4/3.0/3.3/3.8L Powertrains

^ Provides further enhancements to the software originally released in Technical Service Bulletins 18-19-97 Rev A dated Oct. 17, 1997 and 18-20-98 dated Apr. 17, 1998 for "Bump" Feel during A/C Compressor Engagement. See TSB 18-19-97A and/or 18-20-98 for further details regarding this subject.

1997/1998 2.4/3.0/3.3/3.8L Powertrains Equipped With Leak Detection Pump (1998 California Emission (Sales Code NAE) only included LDP)

^ Addition of LDP Monitor Test. This test makes the DRB III(R) capable of running the LDP monitor. This will allow technicians to verify LDP repairs easily.

DIAGNOSIS:
Using the Mopar Diagnostic System (MDS/MDS2) and or the Diagnostic Scan Tool (DRB III(R)) with the appropriate Diagnostic Procedures Manual, verify all engine/transmission systems are functioning as designed. If Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) are present, record them on the repair order and repair as necessary before proceeding further with this bulletin. If no DTC's are present and the customer has described the above symptoms, perform the Repair Procedure.

NOTE:
WHENEVER A POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) IS REPLACED DUE TO FAILURE, THE SOFTWARE OF THE REPLACEMENT CONTROLLER MUST BE VERIFIED FOR THE LATEST REVISION LEVEL. USE THE FLASH PROCEDURE TO UPDATE REPLACED CONTROLLERS AS NECESSARY.

PARTS REQUIRED:

1 04669020 Label, Authorized Software Update
1 04275086 Label, Authorized Modification

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:

1 CH6OOO Scan Tool (DRB III(R))
1 CH7035 General Purpose Interface Bus Cable (GPIB)
1 CH7OOO/7001 J1962 Cable
1 MDS1 or MDS2

NOTE:
THE MDS1/MDS2 AND DRB III(R) ARE REQUIRED TO PERFORM PART OF THIS REPAIR. IF USING THE MDSl AND DRB III(R) THE MDS MUST BE OPERATING AT RELEASE 21 OR HIGHER AND TIL CD RELEASE 1179 OR HIGHER MUST BE INSTALLED. IF USING THE MDS2 AND DRB III(R) THE SYSTEM MUST BE OPERATING AT CIS CD2030 OR HIGHER.

POLICY: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.

TIME ALLOWANCE:

Labor Operation No: 08-19-42-98 0.5 Hrs.

FAILURE CODE: FM - Flash Module