Customer Satisfaction Notification R48 Reprogram Powertrain Control Module (RC-CR48-16)

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION NOTIFICATION R48 REPROGRAM POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE

SERVICE CAMPAIGN BULLETIN

MODELS

2012 - 2015 (FF) Fiat 500 

SUBJECT

Power Control Module (PCM) software on about 17 516 of the above vehicles may have backup lamp illumination timing that does not meet customer expectations.

REPAIR

The PCM module must be reprogrammed with new software.

PARTS INFORMATION

No parts are required to perform this service procedure.

PARTS RETURN

No parts return required for this campaign.

SPECIAL TOOLS

The following special tools are required to perform this repair: 

• NPN wiTECH Micro pod II
• NPN Laptop Computer
• NPN wiTECH Software

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Open the hood. Install a battery charger and verify that the charging rate provides 13.2 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 voltmeter 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.
2. Connect the micro pod II to the vehicle data link connector.
3. Place the ignition in the "RUN"  position.
4. Open the wiTECH Diagnostic application.
5. Starting at the "Select Tool" screen, highlight the row/tool for the micro pod II device you are using. Then select "Next"  at bottom right side of the screen.
6. Enter your "User id"  and "Password"  , then select "Finish"  at the bottom of the screen.
7. Inspect/Reprogram the PCM with the latest software. Detailed instructions for flashing control modules using the wiTECH Diagnostic Application are available by selecting the "HELP" tab on the upper portion of the wiTECH window, then "HELP CONTENTS." This will open the Welcome to wiTECH Help screen where help topics can be selected.
   NOTE: Follow all screen prompts that apply to the vehicle.
8. Is the vehicle equipped with a manual transmission?
   1. Yes >>> Fully depress the clutch pedal and then release it, push OK to continue.
   2. No >>> Push OK to continue.
9. Is the vehicle equipped with cruise control?
   1. Yes >>> Depress cruise on/off switch until the cruise indicator in the cluster illuminates and push OK to continue.
   2. No >>> Push OK to continue.
10. Clear any DTCs that may have been set in all modules due to reprogramming. The wiTECH application will automatically present all DTCs after the flash and allow them to be cleared.
11. Turn the ignition to the "OFF"  position and remove the wiTECH micro pod II 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 FCA Canada to record recall service completions and provide dealer payments.

Parts listed on any campaign are required for the repair but may not always be eligible for reimbursement. As stated in the Service Administration Manual; Normal shop supplies, such as general-purpose cleaners, solvents, lubricants, etc. submitted on claims are subject to non-payment or chargeback.

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

	Labour Operation Number	Time Allowance
PCM module update previously performed	18-R48-181	0.2 hours
Reprogram PCM module	18-R48-182	0.3 hours

OWNER NOTIFICATION AND SERVICE SCHEDULING

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

Enclosed with each owner letter is a Service Authorization Card 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 studio 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."  The VIN list for each recall displayed can be sorted by: those vehicles that were unsold at recall launch, those with a phone number, city, Postal Code, or VIN sequence.

Dealers should 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.

VIN lists may contain confidential, restricted owner name and address information. Use of this information is permitted for this notification 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.

FCA Canada Inc.

J.D. Kiritsis

National Service and Parts Manager

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION NOTIFICATION R48 REPROGRAM THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE

Dear Vehicle Owner:

At FCA Canada Inc., we recognize that the success of our business depends on the satisfaction of our customers. We are constantly monitoring the quality of our products and looking for opportunities to improve our vehicles even after they are sold. Because your long-term satisfaction is important to us, we are contacting you on important improvements we would like to make to your vehicle. This will be done at no charge to you.

We are recommending the following improvements be performed on certain 2012 through 2015 model year Fiat 500 vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. 

Recommended Service: 

The on-board powertrain control module software requires an update to improve activation timing of the backup lamps when shifting the transmission into reverse. The updated software will turn the backup lamps on sooner, indicating to other road users that the driver has selected reverse gear. 

What your dealer will do: 

FCA Canada will repair your vehicle free of charge (parts and labour).  To do this, your dealer will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software.

What you must do: 

Contact your authorized FCA Canada Fiat Studio to schedule a service appointment.

If you need help: 

If you require additional assistance or information, please contact FCA Canada Customer Care Centre:

By Phone: 1-800-465-2001 (English) or 1-800-387-9983 (French),

By Email: www.fcacanada.ca/en/contact_us.php (English) or www.fcacanada.ca/fr/contact_us.php (French), By mail: FCA Canada Customer Care Centre, P.O. Box 1621, Windsor, Ontario, N9A 4H6.

If you have already experienced this condition and have paid to have it repaired, you will still be required to have the campaign performed by an authorized FCA Canada Fiat Studio at no charge to you. Once completed, please send your original receipts and/or adequate proof of payment along with the campaign invoice to the following address for further review of possible  reimbursement: FCA Canada Customer Care Centre, P.O. Box 1621, Windsor, Ontario, N9A 4H6.

If your name and address indicated above are incorrect or if you no longer own the vehicle, please contact the Customer Name & Address Call Centre at 1-800-373-1474 to update your information.

We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Yours very truly,

FCA Canada Inc. 

National Service and Parts Manager