Interior - 3rd Row Power Seat is Inoperative
NUMBER: 08-026-07 REV. AGROUP: Electrical
DATE: December 5, 2007
THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 08-026-07, DATED OCTOBER 26, 2007, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES. ALL REVISIONS ARE HIGHLIGHTED WITH **ASTERISKS** AND INCLUDES THE ADDITION OF FLASH REPROGRAMMING THE SEAT MODULE TO CHANGE ITS SMALL OBSTRUCTION DETECTION CHARACTERISTICS.
THE StarSCAN(R) FLASH FILES FOR THIS BULLETIN MUST BE RETRIEVED FROM THE INTERNET.
StarSCAN(R) SOFTWARE LEVEL MUST BE AT RELEASE 8.03 OR HIGHER FOR THIS BULLETIN.
StarMOBILE STANDALONE MODE OR StarMOBILE DESKTOP CLIENT MAY ALSO BE USED TO PERFORM THIS PROCEDURE.
SUBJECT:
**Flash**: Third Row Power Seat Inoperable - Seat Upright With Seat Back Folded to Seat
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin describes Third Row Power Seat Operation when a small obstruction keeps the front leg(s) from latching onto the striker(s) and provides information to override the system for obstruction removal **and provides software to update the power seat module operating characteristics associated with small obstructions**.
MODELS:
2008 (RI) Caravan / Town & Country
NOTE:
This information applies to models equipped with a Third Row Power Seat (Sales Code JRJ) **built prior to December 6, 2007 (MDH1206XX)..
DISCUSSION:
Some customers may experience a condition when operating the Third Row Power Seat from the stowed position where the seat will power to the upright position but then the seat back folds onto the seat cushion preventing the seat from being used.
Once this occurs, the seat becomes inoperative or locked out and pushing any of the seat switch buttons will not operate the seat. Motor sounds may be heard but the seat will not move.
This type of operation can occur when a small obstruction prevents one or more of the front legs from latching onto their striker. The types of obstruction that can cause this are small or thin in nature like a small toy, newspaper, floor mat, etc. that may have accidentally blocked any of the strikers when the seat was in the stowed position.
If large / taller objects are encountered, obstruction detection will stop seat operation and cause slight reversal providing a visual indicator that something is in the way. Currently small or thin objects get bypassed since the seat is past what is considered a normal obstruction and the front legs are expected to be in the latching mode. If any of the legs cannot latch, the seat becomes inoperable.
**Software is now available that will prevent small obstructions from disabling the Third Row Seat operation by providing the same operating characteristics as those for large obstructions**.
DIAGNOSIS:
Visually check to see if an obstruction has blocked any of the Third Row Seat Legs from latching.
1. Was a thin obstruction found preventing leg latching?
a. Yes - Follow the remaining steps to remove obstruction and reset seat operation. Proceed with the Flash Repair Procedure.
b. No - Further diagnosis will be required.
2. Reach behind the front leg(s) that is/are latched and locate the cable that runs down to the latch mechanism.
3. Pull in on the cable(s) to unlatch the leg(s) or locate the lever and pull up on the lever while pulling forward on the leg and lifting up on the seat. Once the leg(s) are unlatched the seat will push upwards to allow the obstruction to be removed.
NOTE:
The leg latch must be held in the open position until the seat can be pushed upward. If the latch is not held open, it will re-latch preventing upward movement.
4. After the obstruction is removed, push the Third Row Power Seat "Normal switch button located in the "D pillar. This will cause the seat to cycle to the latched position and the seat will now work normally.
5. **Continue with the Flash Repair Procedure**.
SPECIAL TOOLS/EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
FLASH REPAIR PROCEDURE - USING THE INTERNET TO RETRIEVE THE FLASH FILE:
NOTE:
Before performing this Repair Procedure, the operating software in the StarSCAN(R); must be programmed with software release level 8.03 or higher. The software release level is visible in the blue header at the top of the StarSCAN(R) screen.
NOTE:
The StarSCAN� diagnostic scan tool fully supports Internet connectivity. However, to take advantage of this feature you must first configure the StarSCAN� for your dealership's network. Make sure the StarSCAN� is configured to the dealership's network before proceeding. For instruction on setting up your StarSCAN(R) for the dealer's network refer to either:
"DealerCONNECT > Service> StarSCAN and StarMOBILE tools > Online Documentation", or refer to the StarSCAN(R) Quick Start Networking Guide. The StarSCAN(R) Quick Start Networking Guide is also available on the website under the "Download Center".
NOTE:
If this flash process is interrupted/aborted, the flash should be restarted.
1. Install a battery charger and verify that the charging rate provides approximately 13.5 volts. Set the battery charger to continuous charge. Do not allow the charger to time out during the flash process. Remove the charger from the battery when the flash process is complete.
2. Connect the CH9410 StarSCAN(R) ethernet cable to the StarSCAN(R) and the dealer's network drop.
3. Connect the CH9404 StarSCAN(R) vehicle cable to the StarSCAN(R) and the vehicle data link connector (DLC).
4. Power ON the StarSCAN�.
5. Select "ECU View"
6. Touch the screen to highlight FSM in the list of modules.
7. Select "More Options"
8. Select "ECU Flash".
9. Record the "Part Number", displayed on the "Flash Fold and Stow" screen, for later reference.
10. Select "Browse for New File~. Follow the on screen instructions.
11. Highlight the listed Fold and Stow calibration.
12. Select "Download to Scantool".
13. Select "Close after the download is complete, then select "Back".
14. Highlight the flash file and select "Update Controller". Follow the on screen instructions.
15. When the Fold and Stow update is complete, select "OK". update is complete, select "0K".
16. Verify that the part number changed at the top of the "Flash Fold and Stow" screen.
NOTE:
Due to the FSM programming procedure, a DTC may be set in other modules (TCM, BCM, SKREEM, etc.) within the vehicle, if so equipped. Some DTC's may cause the MIL to illuminate. From the "Home" screen select "System View". Then select "All DTCs". Press "Clear All Stored DTCs" if there are any DTCs shown on the list.
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.