A/T - Harsh 4 to 3 Downshift When Accelerating
NUMBER: 18-14-00GROUP: Vehicle Performance
DATE: August 25, 2000
SUBJECT:
4 To 3 Harsh Downshift In The 25 to 40 MPH Range
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Transmission Control Module (TCM) with new software.
MODELS:
2000 (LH) Concorde/Intrepid/LHS/300M
NOTE:
THIS INFORMATION APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 42LE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE BUILT PRIOR TO JAN. 12, 2000 (MDH0112XX).
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Some vehicles may experience a harsh 4 to 3 downshift when accelerating in the 25 to 40 mile per hour range.
DIAGNOSIS:
Using the Mopar Diagnostic System (MDS2) and or the Diagnostic Scan Tool (DRB III) 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 then further with this bulletin. If the only condition described by the vehicle operator is a harsh 4 to 3 downshift, Perform The Repair Procedure.
NOTE:
WHENEVER A TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM) IS REPLACED, THE SOFTWARE OF THE REPLACEMENT CONTROLLER MUST BE VERIFIED FOR THE LATEST REVISION LEVEL. USE THE FLASH PROCEDURE TO UPDATE REPLACED CONTROLLERS AS NECESSARY.
PARTS REQUIRED:
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
NOTE:
THE MDS2 AND DRB III(R) ARE REQUIRED TO PERFORM PART OF THIS REPAIR. THE MDS2 SYSTEM MUST BE OPERATING AT CIS CD2065 OR HIGHER.
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
1. Log onto the MDS2 system.
2. Connect the MDS2 (Mopar Diagnostic System) and DRB III(R) (Scan Tool) to the vehicle and switch the ignition key to "ON".
3. Use the arrow keys and select # 2 CONNECT TO MDS1 OR MDS2 on the DRB III(R) MAIN MENU SCREEN.
4. Use the arrow keys and select # 2 RUN MDS2 APPLICATION on the DRB III(R) MAIN MENU SCREEN.
NOTE:
ONCE MDS2, DRB III(R), AND VEHICLE COMMUNICATION HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED, THE "CANNOT READ VIN FROM DRB III(R)" MESSAGE (ON THE MDS2) WILL BE REPLACED BY THE VEHICLE VIN. PRESS THE "OK" BUTTON ON THE MDS2 TO REQUEST A MDS2 SESSION FOR THE VEHICLE VIN INDICATED. PRESS THE "OK" BUTTON WHEN ASKED TO BEGIN SESSION.
5. Push the FLASH tab on the MDS2.
NOTE:
A MESSAGE MAY APPEAR THAT INDICATES NO UPDATES ARE AVAILABLE. IF THIS OCCURS, MAKE SURE YOUR DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT IS OPERATING AT THE LATEST SOFTWARE LEVEL AS LISTED EARLIER IN THIS BULLETIN. IF THE LATEST SOFTWARE IS INSTALLED, AND NO UPDATES ARE AVAILABLE, ANOTHER VEHICLE CONDITION EXISTS THAT WILL REQUIRE FURTHER INVESTIGATION.
6. Select READ PART NUMBERS FROM VEHICLE and click SHOW UPDATES on the MDS2.
NOTE:
A MESSAGE MAY APPEAR THAT INDICATES NO UPDATES ARE AVAILABLE. IF THIS OCCURS, MAKE SURE YOUR DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT IS OPERATING AT THE LATEST SOFTWARE LEVEL AS LISTED EARLIER IN THIS BULLETIN. IF THE LATEST SOFTWARE IS INSTALLED, AND NO UPDATES ARE AVAILABLE, ANOTHER VEHICLE CONDITION EXISTS THAT WILL REQUIRE FURTHER INVESTIGATION.
7. Select the new software part number with the light pen and click UPDATE CONTROLLER SOFTWARE.
8. The MDS2 and DRB III(R) will prompt for any operator action needed during the remainder of the reprogramming process.
NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING STEPS ARE REQUIRED BY LAW.
9. Type the necessary information on the "Authorized Software Update Label" p/n 04669020 (Figure 1). Attach the label to the PCM and cover the label with the clear plastic overlay.
10. Type the necessary information on the "Authorized Modification Label" p/n 04275086 and attach the label near the VECI label (Figure 2).
POLICY: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
TIME ALLOWANCE:
FAILURE CODE: FM - Flash Module