Safety Recall F51 Reprogram HVAC Module (F51)

Publication date: 2006-12-01
Reference number: F51

SAFETY RECALL F51 REPROGRAM HVAC MODULE

SERVICE CAMPAIGN BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): F51, Date of Issue: December, 2006

CHRYSLER:

2007 (JS) Chrysler Sebring

MODELS

2007 (JS) Chrysler Sebring

NOTE: This recall applies only to the above vehicles equipped with an automatic temperature control air conditioning system (sales code HAB) built through December 11, 2006 (MDH 121109) .

IMPORTANT: Some of the involved vehicles may be in dealer new vehicle inventory. Federal law requires you to complete this recall service on these vehicles before retail delivery. Dealers should also consider this requirement to apply to used vehicle inventory and should perform this recall on vehicles in for service. Involved vehicles can be determined by using the VIP inquiry process.

SUBJECT

The software programmed into the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) module on about 6,000 of the above vehicles may cause the windshield defrosting and defogging functions to become inoperative. This can decrease the driver's visibility under certain driving conditions and result in a crash without warning.

REPAIR

The HVAC module must be reprogrammed (flashed).

PARTS INFORMATION

No parts are required to perform this service procedure.

SPECIAL TOOLS

The following existing special tools may be required to perform this repair:

CH9401* StarSCAN® Tool
CH9404* StarSCAN Vehicle Cable
CH9409* StarSCAN Documentation Kit
CH9410* StarSCAN Ethernet Cable 12 ft.
CH9412* StarSCAN Software Update Device Kit

* Part of CH9400 kit.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

Reprogram the HVAC Module

NOTE: The StarSCAN must be at version 7.02 SP3 or higher before this procedure can be performed. The software release level is visible in the blue header at the top of the StarSCAN screen.

Open the hood and install a battery charger. Verify that the charging rate provides approximately 13.5 volts.
Use the following procedure to determine the HVAC module software part number:
1. Connect the StarSCAN to the vehicle data link connector located under the steering column and turn the ignition key to the "RUN" position.
2. Power ON the StarSCAN.
3. From the StarSCAN Home Screen, select "ECU View" .
4. From the StarSCAN ECU View Screen, select HVAC from the list of modules.
5. Select "More Options" and then select "ECU Flash" .
6. Record the part number displayed at the top of the "Flash HVAC" screen for later reference.
Connect the CH9410 StarSCAN ethernet cable to the StarSCAN and the dealer's network drop.
Select "Browse for New File" and follow the on screen instructions.
Highlight the calibration and then select "Download to Scantool" .
Select "Close" after the download is complete, then select "Back" .
Highlight the listed calibration.
Select "Update Controller" and follow the screen instructions.
When the HVAC update is complete, select "OK" .
Verify that the part number at the top of the screen has been updated to the new part number.
After completing HVAC module reprogramming, clear all Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) using the following procedure:
1. Return to the "Main Menu" (Home Page)
2. Select "System View"
3. Select "All DTC's"
4. Select "Clear All Stored DTC's"
5. Follow the screen prompts.
Disconnect and remove the StarSCAN and battery charger from the vehicle.

COMPLETION REPORTING AND REIMBURSEMENT

Claims for vehicles that have been serviced must be submitted on the DealerCONNECT Claim Entry Screen located on the Service tab. Claims submitted will be used by DaimlerChrysler to record recall service completions and provide dealer payments.

Use one of the following labor operation numbers and time allowances:

LABOR OPERATION NUMBER AND TIME ALLOWANCE

	Labor Operation Number	Time Allowance
HVAC Module Update Previously Performed	18-F5-11-81	0.2 hours
Reprogram HVAC Module	18-F5-11-82	0.3 hours

NOTE: See the Warranty Administration Manual, Recall Claim Processing Section, for complete recall claim processing instructions.

DEALER NOTIFICATION

All dealers will receive three copies of this dealer recall notification letter by mail. To view this notification on DealerCONNECT, select "Global Recall System" on the Service tab, then click on the description of this notification.

OWNER NOTIFICATION AND SERVICE SCHEDULING

All involved vehicle owners known to DaimlerChrysler are being notified of the service requirement by first class mail. They are requested to schedule appointments for this service with their dealers. A generic copy of the owner letter is attached.

Enclosed with each owner letter is an Owner Notification postcard to allow owners to update our records if applicable.

VEHICLE LISTS, GLOBAL RECALL SYSTEM, VIP AND DEALER FOLLOW UP

All involved vehicles have been entered into the DealerCONNECT Global Recall System (GRS) and Vehicle Information Plus (VIP) for dealer inquiry as needed.

GRS provides involved dealers with an updated VIN list of their incomplete vehicles. The owner's name, address and phone number are listed if known. Completed vehicles are removed from GRS within several days of repair claim submission.

To use this system, click on the "Service" tab and then click on "Global Recall System." Your dealer's VIN list for each recall displayed can be sorted by: those vehicles that were unsold at recall launch, those with a phone number, city, zip code, or VIN sequence.

Dealers must perform this repair on all unsold vehicles before retail delivery. Dealers should also use the VIN list to follow up with all owners to schedule appointments for this repair.

Recall VIN lists may contain confidential, restricted owner name and address information that was obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles of various states. Use of this information is permitted for this recall only and is strictly prohibited from all other use .

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

If you have any questions or need assistance in completing this action, please contact your Service and Parts District Manager.

Customer Services Field Operations

DaimlerChrysler Corporation

SAFETY RECALL F51 - REPROGRAM HVAC MODULE

Dear: (Name)

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

DaimlerChrysler Corporation has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in some 2007 model year Chrysler Sebring vehicles equipped with air conditioning and automatic temperature control.

The problem is... The software programmed into the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) module on your vehicle (VIN: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx) may cause the windshield defrosting and defogging functions to become inoperative. This can decrease the driver's visibility under certain driving conditions and result in a crash without warning.

What your dealer will do... DaimlerChrysler will repair your vehicle free of charge (parts and labor). To do this, your dealer will reprogram the HVAC module. The work will take about 1/2 hour to complete. However, additional time may be necessary depending on how dealer appointments are scheduled and processed.

What you must do to ensure your safety... Simply contact your dealer right away to schedule a service appointment. Remember to bring this letter with you to your dealer.

If you need help... If you have questions or concerns which your dealer is unable to resolve, please contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Please help us update our records, by filling out the attached prepaid postcard, if any of the conditions listed on the card apply to you or your vehicle.

If you have already experienced this condition and have paid to have it repaired, you may send your original receipts and/or other adequate proof of payment to the following address for reimbursement: DaimlerChrysler P.O. Box 4639 Oak Ridge, TN 37831, Attention: Reimbursement.

If your dealer fails or is unable to remedy this defect without charge and within a reasonable time, you may submit a written complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20590, or call the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.

We're sorry for any inconvenience, but we are sincerely concerned about your safety. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Customer Services Field Operations

DaimlerChrysler Corporation

Notification Code F51

Note to lessors receiving this recall: Federal regulation requires that you forward this recall notice to the lessee within 10 days .