PCM - Excessive Crank Time/Start Die Out/Weak Run Up: Overview
NO: 18-18-98GROUP: Vehicle Performance
DATE: Apr. 10, 1998
SUBJECT:
Excessive Cold Crank Time, Start Die Out Or Weak Run Up, Sags/Stumble/Hesitation After A Cold Start, Idle RPM Cycling
MODELS:
1997 - 1998 (FJ) Avenger/Sebring
1997 - 1998 (JA) Cirrus/Stratus/Breeze
1997 - 1998 (JX) Sebring Convertible
NOTE:
THIS INFORMATION APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L ENGINE BUILT PRIOR TO THE FOLLOWING DATES: (FJ) DEC. 10, 1997 (MDH 1210XX), (JA) MAR.25, 1998 (MDH 0325XX), AND (JX) FEDERAL CALIBRATION NOV. 25, 1997 (MDH 1125XX) - (JX) CALIFORNIA/NORTHEAST CALIBRATION MAR. 3, 1998 (MDH 0303XX).
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
1997 MODELS:
1. (FJ/JA/JX) - Excessive cold crank time (excess of 30 seconds) followed by a very rough idle or excessive cold crank time with a no start condition. This may be caused by no/low compression due to loose carbon holding valves open. Performing a clear flood procedure (WOT Start) will allow the vehicle to start. This condition typically follows a cold start with an engine run time of less than 60 seconds. An example of this would be pulling the vehicle from a garage to the driveway and turning the engine off. The subsequent start may experience the condition.
2. (FJ/JA/JX) - Sags, stumble, or hesitation after a cold start in ambient temperatures of 4 to 32 C (40 to 90 F). This condition may persist for up to a minute into a drive cycle and is attributed to high driveability index (DI) fuel.
3. (JA/JX) - Die out or very weak run up during partial cool downs or hot starts. This may be experienced with coolant temperatures between 65 to 82 C (150 to 180 F).
1998 MODELS:
1. (FJ/JA/JX) - Excessive cold crank time (excess of 30 seconds) followed by a very rough idle or excessive cold crank time with a no start condition. This may be caused by no/low compression due to loose carbon holding valves open. Performing a clear flood procedure (WOT Start) will allow the vehicle to start. This condition typically follows a cold start with an engine run time of less than 60 seconds. An example of this would be pulling the vehicle from a garage to the driveway and turning the engine off. The subsequent start may experience the condition.
2. (FJ/JA/JX) - Sags, stumble, or hesitation after a cold start in ambient temperatures of 4 to 32 C (40 to 90 F). This condition may persist for up to a minute into a drive cycle and is attributed to high driveability index (DI) fuel.
3. (JA/JX) - Idle RPM cycling of +/- 300 RPM in hot ambient conditions with the AC compressor engaged.
4. (JA/JX) - Die out or weak run up during cold starts in ambient temperatures of -18 to 10C (0 to 50 F).
DIAGNOSIS:
Using the Mopar Diagnostic System (MDS) 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 any of the symptoms have been experienced, perform the Repair Procedure.
NOTE:
WHENEVER A POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) IS REPLACED DUE TO FAILURE, THE SOFTWARE OF THE REPLACEMENT CONTROLLER SHOULD BE VERIFIED FOR THE LATEST REVISION LEVEL. USE THE FLASH PROCEDURE TO UPDATE REPLACED CONTROLLERS AS NECESSARY.
EQUIPMENT/PARTS REQUIRED:
1 CH6000 Scan Tool (DRB III(R))
1 CH7035 General Purpose Interface Bus Cable (GPIB)
1 CH7000/7001 J1962 Cable
1 CH7010 J1962 MMC Cable
1 04669020 Label - Authorized Software Update
1 04275086 Label - Authorized Modification
NOTE:
THE MDS AND DRB III(R) ARE REQUIRED TO PERFORM THIS REPAIR AND THE SYSTEM MUST BE OPERATING WITH RELEASE 21 OR HIGHER AND TIL CD RELEASE 1156 OR HIGHER MUST BE INSTALLED.
POLICY: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
TIME ALLOWANCE:
Labor Operation No: 08-19-40-92 0.5 Hrs.
FAILURE CODE: FM - Flash Module