Emissions Recall N09 Reprogram Powertrain Control Module (RC-N09-13)

Publication date: 2013-02-01
Reference number: RC-N09-13
Supersedes refnos: N09

EMISSIONS RECALL N09 REPROGRAM POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE

SERVICE CAMPAIGN BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): N09, Date of Issue: February 2013

CHRYSLER:

2013 (FF) Fiat 500

MODELS

2013 (FF) Fiat 500

NOTE: This recall applies only to the above vehicles equipped with a 1.4L engine (sales code EAB) and a manual transaxle (sales code DDF) built through November 12, 2012 (MDH 111218).

IMPORTANT: Many of the vehicles within the above build period have already been inspected or repaired and, therefore, have been excluded from this recall.

IMPORTANT: Some of the involved vehicles may be in Dealer vehicle inventory. Dealers should complete this recall service on these vehicles before retail delivery. Involved vehicles can be determined by using the VIP inquiry process.

SUBJECT

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) on about 540 of the above vehicles was inadvertently built with the incorrect emissions calibration software. This could result in exhaust emissions which may exceed EPA and/or California Emissions Standards.

Also, some customers may experience difficulty engaging the cruise control in 5^th gear.

REPAIR

The PCM must be reprogrammed (flashed) with the correct software.

PARTS INFORMATION

Part Number	Description
04275086AD	Label, Authorized Modification

NOTE: Due to the likelihood that the required labels are already in your parts inventory, no labels will be distributed initially. The above labels may be ordered as needed.

SPECIAL TOOLS

The following special tools are required to perform this repair:

NPN wiTECH VCI Pod Kit
NPN Laptop Computer
NPN wiTECH Software

SERVICE PROCEDURE

NOTE: wiTECH must be used to perform this recall. This procedure must be performed with software release level 13.03 or higher. If the reprogramming flash for the PCM is aborted or interrupted, repeat the procedure.

A. Reprogram the Powertrain Control Module

Open the hood. Install a battery charger and verify that the charging rate provides 13.0 to 13.5 volts. Do not allow the charger to time out during the flash process. Set the battery charger timer (if so equipped) to continuous charge.
NOTE: Use an accurate stand-alone voltmeter. The battery charger volt meter may not be sufficiently accurate. Voltages outside of the specified range will cause an unsuccessful flash. If voltage reading is too high, apply an electrical load by activating the park or headlamps and/or HVAC blower motor to lower the voltage.
Connect the wiTECH VCI pod to the vehicle data link connector located to the right of the hood release lever.
Place the ignition in the "RUN" position.
Open the wiTECH Diagnostic application.
Starting at the "Select Tool" screen, highlight the row/tool for the wiPOD device you are using. Then select "Next" at bottom right side of the screen.
Enter your "User id" and "Password", then select "Finish" at the bottom of the screen.
From the "Vehicle View" screen, click on the PCM icon.
From the "PCM View" screen select the "Flash" tab, compare the "Current ECU Flash Number" with the "New Part Number" listed on the "sort table". If the "Current ECU Flash Number" is the same as the "New Part Number" continue to Step 13. If the part numbers are not the same, continue with Step 9.
With the cursor over flash file part number RC-N09-13 , click the small green arrow button on the right side of the screen.
From the "Flash Tab" screen follow the wiTECH screen instructions to complete the flash.
Verify that all Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) have been cleared.
Turn the ignition to the "OFF" position and remove the wiTECH VCI pod and battery charger from the vehicle.
Continue with Section B. Install Authorized Modifications Label.

B. Install the Authorized Modifications Label

Type or print (with a ballpoint pen) the recall number, repair modification, dealer code and date on the Authorized Modifications Label (Figure 1).
Attach the label near the VECI label and then close the hood.
Complete Proof of Correction Form for California Residents.
NOTE: This recall is subject to the State of California Registration Renewal/Emissions Recall Enforcement Program . Complete a Vehicle Emission Recall Proof of Correction Form (Form No. 81-016-1053) and supply it to vehicle owners residing in the state of California. The correction form will provide proof that this recall has been performed when the owner renews the vehicle registration.

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 Chrysler Group LLC to record recall service completions and provide dealer payments.

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

LABOR OPERATION NUMBERS AND TIME ALLOWANCES

	Labor Operation Number	Time Allowance
PCM Update Previously Performed	08-N0-91-81	0.2 hours
Reprogram PCM	08-N0-91-82	0.3 hours

Add the cost of the recall parts package plus applicable dealer allowance to your claim.

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

DEALER NOTIFICATION

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 Chrysler 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

Chrysler Group LLC

EMISSIONS RECALL N09 REPROGRAM POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE

Dear: (Name)

Chrysler has determined that some 2013 Fiat 500 vehicles equipped with a 1.4L engine and a manual transaxle may require reprogramming of the Powertrain Control Module.

Recommended Service: The Powertrain Control Module on your vehicle (VIN: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx) may have been inadvertently built with the incorrect emissions calibration software. This could result in exhaust emissions which may exceed EPA and/or California Emissions Standards.

Also, some customers may experience difficulty engaging the cruise control in 5th gear.

What your studio will do: Fiat will service your vehicle free of charge (parts and labor). To do this, your studio will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. The work will take about 1/2 hour to complete. We recommend that you make an appointment with your studio to minimize your inconvenience.

What you should do: Simply contact your Fiat studio, at your convenience, to schedule a service appointment. Your studio will collect the necessary information to ensure that the appropriate parts are available so your service can be completed in a timely manner. Although not required, we recommend bringing this letter with you to your studio, when you bring your vehicle in for this service.

If you need help: Please contact the Fiat Customer Assistance Center at 1-888-242-6342.

California residents... The State of California requires the completion of emission recall repairs prior to vehicle registration renewal. Your dealer will provide you with a Vehicle Emission Recall Proof of Correction Form after the recall service is performed. Be sure to save this form since the California Department of Motor Vehicles may require that you supply it as proof that the recall has been performed.

If you have already experienced this condition and have paid to have it repaired, please send your original receipts and/or other adequate proof of payment to the following address for reimbursement: Chrysler Customer Assistance, P.O. Box 21-8007, Auburn Hills, MI 48321-8007, Attention: Reimbursement. Once we receive and verify the required documents, reimbursement will be sent to you within 60 days.

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

We apologize for any inconvenience this service may cause to your schedule. Moving forward we are committed to providing our customers with world class quality products, ensuring that you have a positive studio experience and following up on any issues and concerns that you may have in a timely manner through our Customer Assistance Center.

Sincerely,

Customer Service / Field Operations

Chrysler Group LLC

Notification Code N09