Safety Recall N01/NHTSA 13V-233 Reprogram Occupant Restraint Control Module (N01)

SAFETY RECALL N01/NHTSA 13V-233 REPROGRAM OCCUPANT RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

SERVICE CAMPAIGN BULLETIN

MODELS

2010-2012 (MK) Jeep® Patriot and Compass 

SUBJECT

The Occupant Restraint Control Module (ORC) on about 254,300 of the above vehicles may have a software error. This could result in non-deployment of the seatbelt pretensioner and/or side airbag curtains during certain low speed roll-over events and increase the risk of serious injury to vehicle occupants.

REPAIR

The ORC must be reprogrammed with new software.

PARTS INFORMATION

No parts are required to perform this service procedure.

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

1. 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.
2. Connect the wiTECH VCI pod to the vehicle data link connector located to the right of the hood release lever.
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 wiPOD 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. From the "Vehicle View"  screen, click on the ORC icon.
8. From the "ORC View"  click on the "Flash Tab"  .
9. With the cursor over the desired flash file, click the small green arrow button on the right side of the screen.
10. From the "Flash Tab"  screen follow the wiTECH screen instructions to complete the flash.
11. Once the flash is complete click the "OK"  button on the "Flash Tab"  screen.
12. Select the "Clear DTC's"  button.
13. Turn the ignition to the "OFF"  position and remove the wiPOD 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 Chrysler to record recall service completions and provide dealer payments.

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

	Labor Operation Number	Time Allowance
ORC Module Update Previously Performed	08-N0-11-81	0.2 hours
Reprogram ORC Module (2010 and 2011 model years)	08-N0-11-82	0.2 hours
Reprogram ORC Module (2012 model year)	08-N0-11-83	0.3 hours

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

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 Service/Field Operations

Chrysler Group LLC

SAFETY RECALL N01/NHTSA 13V-233 REPROGRAM OCCUPANT RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

Dear: (Name)

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

Chrysler has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in some 2010 through 2012 model year Jeep® Patriot and Compass vehicles. 

The problem is... The Occupant Restraint Control Module (ORC) in your vehicle (VIN: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx) may have a software error. This could result in non-deployment of the seatbelt pretensioner and/or side airbag curtains during certain low speed roll-over events and increase the risk of serious injury to vehicle occupants. 

What your dealer will do... Chrysler will repair your vehicle free of charge (parts and labor).  To do this, your dealer will reprogram the ORC module with new software. The work will take about 1/2 hour to complete. However, additional time may be necessary depending on service schedules.

What you must do to ensure your safety...  Simply contact your Chrysler, Jeep, or Dodge dealer  right away to schedule a service appointment. Please 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 the Chrysler Group Recall Assistance Center 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. You may also update this information on the web at CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC

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.

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, 1200 New Jersey Ave., S.E., 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

Chrysler Group LLC

Notification Code N01

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