Engine Controls - Poor Shift Quality/Converter Shudder
NUMBER: 21-015-07GROUP: Transmission
DATE: October 19, 2007
THE DRBIII(R) FLASH FILES FOR THIS BULLETIN ARE AVAILABLE ON DealerCONNECT.
FOR MARKETS OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA, THE FLASH FILES AND REPROGRAMMING INSTRUCTIONS WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE ON ITIL/ISIS DVD DECEMBER, 2007.
SUBJECT:
Flash: Shift Quality Improvements Or Torque Converter Shudder With Coordinated Change
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software, performing Quicklearn and depending on the Symptom/Condition, replacing the torque converter with a revised part.
MODELS:
2007 (RG) Chrysler Voyager (International Markets)
2007 (RS) Town & Country/Voyager/Caravan
NOTE:
This bulletin applies to models equipped with a 3.3L or 3.8L engine (sales code EGA, EGM or EGH).
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Some customers may experience the following:
1. Shift quality concerns associated with 1 - 2 or 2 - 3 upshift harshness and / or 2 - 1 coast down harshness.
2. Transmission Shudder.
a. If experienced, the shudder may occur when the transmission temperature is between 38° C and 54° C (100° F and 130° F) during steady state driving with the torque convertor in partial lock (EMCC) operation. The shudder feels like the vehicle is being driven over rumble strips.
DIAGNOSIS:
Using a Scan Tool (DRBIII(R)) and appropriate Diagnostic Procedures available in DealerCONNECT > TechCONNECT, verify all transmission Systems are functioning as designed.
If the vehicle operator describes the Symptom/Conditions and / or they can be verified, perform the appropriate Repair Procedure as follows:
^ Symptom Condition 1 - Shift Quality, Perform Flash Only.
^ Symptom Condition 2 - Shudder, Perform Flash and Torque Converter Replacement.
PARTS REQUIRED:
SPECIAL TOOLS/EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
NOTE:
An updated J1962 cable has been released. This cable has a red colored connector at the DRBIII(R) connection. Use this cable whenever a flash is being performed.
FLASH REPAIR PROCEDURE:
NOTE:
Whenever a controller is programmed, the software in the DRBIII(R); must be programmed with the latest revision level available.
NOTE:
If this flash process is interrupted/aborted, the flash should be restarted and then follow the directions on the DRBIII(R).
1. Before beginning the reprogramming procedure, remove any old flash reprogramming files from the DRBIII(R) memory. To clear the memory from the MAIN MENU:
a. Simultaneously press the "MORE" and "YES" keys.
b. A screen will appear requesting a "COLD BOOT".
c. Follow the on screen instructions by selecting the "F4" key.
d. When the DRBIII(R) reboots to the MAIN MENU, proceed to Step # 2
2. With the ignition switch in the "RUN" position, determine the original part number of the PCM currently in the vehicle. Using the DRBIII(R) select:
a. "DRBIII(R) Standalone"
b. "1998 - 2007 Diagnostics"
c. "All (Except Below)"
d. "Engine"
e. "Module Display"
f. Record the "PCM part # on the repair order for later reference.
3. Connect the DRBIII(R) to TechCONNECT. Open TechTOOLS and verify that the "DRBIII(R) Status: Connected" message is in the upper right corner of the TechTOOLS screen.
4. Enter the "PCM part # recorded in Step # 2 in the "Parts Criteria area and select "Show Updates". TechTOOLS will populate the appropriate calibration.
5. Select the calibration.
6. Select the "DRBIII" radio button which is next to the "Download/Update" button.
7. Select the "Download/Update" button.
8. Monitor the "Flash Download/Update Progress" window on the TechCONNECT and follow the instructions on TechCONNECT. When the flash process is complete, proceed to Step # 9.
9. Disconnect the DRBIII(R) from TechCONNECT.
10. Open the hood, install a battery charger and verify that charging rate provides approximately 13.5 volts.
11. Connect the DRBIII(R) to the vehicle.
12. Download the flash from the DRBIII(R) to the vehicle. Using the DRBIII(R) select:
a. "Vehicle Flash"
b. Follow the directions on the DRBIII(R) screen. When the flash process is finished, complete the remaining steps.
NOTE:
Due to the PCM programming procedure, a DTC may be set in other modules (TCM, BCM, MIC, SKIM, etc.) within the vehicle, if so equipped. Some DTC's may cause the MIL to illuminate. Check all modules using "Module Scan", record the DTC's, and erase these DTC's prior to returning the vehicle to the customer. Erase any DTC's in the PCM only after all other modules have had their DTC's erased.
13. With the DRBIII(R) perform Quicklearn procedure.
NOTE:
The following step is required by U.S. law.
14. Type the necessary information on the "Authorized Modification Label p/n 04275086AB and attach near the VECI label (Fig 1).
TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACEMENT:
1. Following the procedures in DealerCONNECT > TechCONNECT, replace the torque converter with pn 05093926AB.
2. Enable Torque Converter Break In with the DRBIII(R).
a. Select TCC Break In View.
b. Select Break In.
NOTE:
The torque converter includes new friction material (EMCC1) that must be operated with the latest software calibration described by this bulletin.
POLICY:
Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
TIME ALLOWANCE:
FAILURE CODE:
Disclaimer:
This bulletin is supplied as technical information only and is not an authorization for repair.