California Emissions Recall #C17

Reprogram PCM – Transmission OBD Calibration

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Date: May 2003

Effective immediately, all repairs on involved vehicles are to be performed according to this recall. Technical Service Bulletin #18-036-02 is being cancelled. Those vehicles that have already had this repair performed, as determined by our warranty records, have been excluded from this recall.

Models: 2003 (DR) Dodge Ram Pick-up Trucks

NOTE: This recall applies only to the above trucks equipped with California Emissions (sales code NAE) 5.9L Cummins turbo diesel engine (sales code ETC or ETH) and 47RE automatic transmission (sales code DGP) built at:

• St. Louis North Assembly Plant (“J” in the 11th VIN position) through September 23, 2002 (MDH 0923XX).
• Saltillo Assembly Plant (“G” in the 11th VIN position) through September 22, 2002 (MDH 0922XX).

IMPORTANT: Some of the involved vehicles may be in dealer new vehicle inventory. Dealers should complete this recall service on these vehicles before retail delivery. Dealers should also perform this recall on vehicles in for service. Involved vehicles can be determined by using the VIP inquiry process.

Subject:

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) on about 440 of the above vehicles was programmed with errors in the automatic transmission diagnostic information. As a result, the PCM will not detect a transmission governor pressure sensor problem, or illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) if this sensor fails in the future.

Repair:

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) must be reprogrammed (flashed).

Parts Information:

Due to the small number of vehicles involved in this recall and the likelihood that the required labels are already in your parts inventory, no labels will be distributed initially. The following labels may be ordered as needed.

Each vehicle requires application of the following labels:

Service Procedure:

The MDS2 (Mopar Diagnostic System) with the DRB III (Diagnostic Readout Box scan tool) operating at CIS CD2123 or higher is required to perform this repair.

A. Reprogram the ECM:

B. Install Authorized Software Update Label:

Type or print (with a ballpoint pen) the part number, dealer code and date on the Authorized Software Update Label (Figure 1) and attach it to the PCM. Cover the label with the clear plastic portion of the label.

Figure 1

C. Install the Authorized Modifications Label:

Type or print (with a ballpoint pen) the recall number, dealer code and date on the Authorized Modifications

D. Complete Proof of Correction Form for California Residents:

This recall is subject to the State of California Registration Renewal/Emissions Recall Enforcement Program. Complete a Vehicle Emission Recall Proof of Correction Form (Form No. 81-016-1053) and supply it to vehicle owners residing in the state of California for proof that this recall has been performed when they renew the vehicle registration.

Completion Reporting and Reimbursement

Claims for vehicles which have been serviced must be submitted on the DIAL System. Claims submitted will be used by DaimlerChrysler to record recall service completions and provide dealer payments.

Use one of the following labor operation number and time allowance:

NOTE: See the Warranty Administration Manual, Recall Claim Processing Section, for complete recall claim processing instructions.

Parts Return: Not Applicable

Dealer Notification and Vehicle List

All dealers will receive a copy of this dealer recall notification letter by Dmail and by first class mail. Two additional copies will be sent through the DCMMS, DealerCONNECT and the MDS2 will be updated to include this recall in the near future.

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. Involved dealers were also mailed a copy of their vehicle (VIN) list with the dealer recall notification letter.

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.

Owner Notification and Service Scheduling

All involved vehicle owners known to DaimlerChrysler are being notified of the service requirement by first class mail. They are requested to schedule appointments for this service with their dealers.

Enclosed with each owner letter is an Owner Notification Form. The involved vehicle and recall are identified on the form for owner or dealer reference as needed.

This page was edited on: May 3, 2004