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TSB Number: 18-037-06 Subject: Vehicle Surge, Grumble/Drone During Torque Convertor L

5569 Views 58 Replies 16 Participants Last post by  DAYLEY/CHALLENGER
NUMBER: 18-037-06
GROUP: Electrical
DATE: November 21, 2006

SUBJECT: FLASH: Vehicle Surge, Grumble/Drone During Torque Convertor Lockup And/Or 1-2 Part Throttle Shift Quality

OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software.

MODELS:
2007 (KA) Nitro

NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicle built with a 3.7L engine (sales code EKG) on or prior to November 17, 2006 (MDH 1117XX).

SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
The vehicle operator may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
• Shift quality, repeatable bump during 1-2 part throttle upshift
• Surge between 60 and 80 kph (38 and 50 mph) push/pull sensation under light throttle
• Drone or driveline grumble between 60 and 80 kph (38 and 50 mph) under light throttle

DIAGNOSIS:
Using a Scan Tool (StarSCAN®) with the appropriate Diagnostic Procedures available in TechCONNECT, verify all engine systems are functioning as designed. If DTC's are present record them on the repair order and repair as necessary before proceeding further with this bulletin. If the vehicle operator describes the Symptom/Condition above perform the Repair Procedure.

PARTS REQUIRED:
Qty. Part No. Description
1 04275086AB Label, Authorized Modification 18-037-06 -2

SPECIAL TOOLS / EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
NPN Battery Charger
CH9401 StarSCAN® Tool
CH9404 StarSCAN® Vehicle Cable
CH9409 StarSCAN® Documentation Kit
CH9410 StarSCAN® Ethernet Cable, 12 ft.
CH9412 StarSCAN® Software Update Device Kit
TechCONNECT PC or equivalent

REPAIR PROCEDURE -USING THE INTERNET TO RETRIEVE THE FLASH FILE:
NOTE: When performing this Repair Procedure, the software release level in the StarSCAN®; must be programmed with 7.02 SP1 level software or higher. The software release level is visible in the blue header at the top of the
StarSCAN® 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® for the dealer's network refer to either: “DealerCONNECT > Service > StarSCAN and StarMOBILE tools > Online Documentation”, or refer to the StarSCAN® Quick Start Networking Guide.
The StarSCAN® Quick Start Networking Guide is also available on the
www.dcctools.com 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® ethernet cable to the StarSCAN® and the dealer's network drop.
3. Connect the CH9404 StarSCAN® vehicle cable to the StarSCAN® and the vehicle.
4. Power ON the StarSCAN®. 3- 18-037-06
5. Retrieve the old PCM part number. Using the StarSCAN® at the “Home” screen:
a. Select “ECU View”
b. Touch the screen to highlight the PCM in the list of modules.
c. Select “More Options”
d. Select “ECU Flash”
e. Record the part number at the top of the “Flash PCM” screen for later reference.
f. Select “Browse for New File”. Follow the on screen instructions.
g. Select “Download to Scantool”.
h. Select “Close” after the download is complete, then select “Back”.
i. Highlight the listed calibration.
j. Select “Update Controller”. Follow on screen instructions.
k. When the update is complete, select “OK”.
l. Verify the part number at the top of the “Flash PCM” screen has updated to the new part number.

NOTE: Due to the PCM programming procedure, a DTC may be set in other modules (TCM, BCM, MIC, 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.

NOTE: The following step is required by law when reprogramming a PCM and/or TCM.
6. Type the necessary information on the “Authorized Modification Label” p/n
04275086AB and attach near the VECI label (Fig. 1).
Fig. 1 AUTHORIZED MODIFICATION LABEL
1 -POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE P/N (INSERT P/N) USED
2 -CHANGE AUTHORITY: TSB XX-XXX-XX
3 -DEALER CODE: XXXXX
4 -DATE: XX-XX-XX
1. Go to Miscellaneous Functions menu of the StarSCAN® and perform the
Transmission Quick Learn Procedure.

18-037-06 -4

POLICY:
Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.

TIME ALLOWANCE:
Labor Operation No: Description Amount
18-19-06-33 Flash PCM (B) 0.4 Hrs.

FAILURE CODE: ZZ Service Action
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This supposeduly will fix the rough/weird shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. Make an appointment with your service department - apparently it wont take more then an hour. I get mine dealt with Monday so we will see.
G
Tranny Issues

New to this site, and about as mechanical as Jessica Simpson ! My problem seems to be when accelerating and letting off the gas, I'm getting a lot of 'clunking' noise. Also when I shift from park or reverse to drive. Is this addressed in that TSB mentioned above ? Anyone else have this ? I've got 1500 miles on my Nitro. Thanks for your help !
New to this site, and about as mechanical as Jessica Simpson ! My problem seems to be when accelerating and letting off the gas, I'm getting a lot of 'clunking' noise. Also when I shift from park or reverse to drive. Is this addressed in that TSB mentioned above ? Anyone else have this ? I've got 1500 miles on my Nitro. Thanks for your help !
That isnt listed as one of the symptoms and I dont have those problems, but I would most defintely take it to a dealership and get it checked out..
I think NitroLarry had this problem with his Nitro. Something about a ton of loose bolts in the rear end suspension mount points. Larry? Care to chime in on this one?
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I have that "Clunking" on my Nitro too. I thought, (and still do) it is from the differential gears.
My full size Dodge van did the same thing and that was deamed Normal!
My Nitro will be at the shop for the TSB repair on thursday, I'll let you know how it goes.
Is this Loose Bolt thing for Real? I dont think so, there is no TSB on it....
Well, there wouldn't be a TSB necessarily. It's likely Chrysler is unaware of the problem, or they are and it's being investigated to determine how many and what VIN range are affected. This is all speculation on my part.

Anyways, my Nitro had 16, and I'm not kidding, loose bolts. The looseness ranged from some being loose enough to turn by hand and other requiring additional torque with an air impact gun.

The problems my Nitro exhibited with this problem were two-fold. There was a clunking over bumps and uneven surfaces. There there was a sound more described as a snap that occured upon acceleration from a stop or also just before a stop.

I've attached some pics of the Nitro's rear suspension to give a visual aid. There are four links attaching the rear axle to the body, upper and lower. Where those links attached to the body there were improperly torqued and this is what caused the snap sound from the loading and unloading of the axle during accel and decel.
The other pics show the rear stabilizer bar where the retainers attach to the rear axle, 2 of the bolts were finger loose and that was the cause of the clunking/rattle over bumps.
The other pic is a closer detail of the upper control arm/link from the axle to the body and where it attaches.

In my Nitro it was very easy to tell something was wrong because if you sat in the back seat, and in my case, on the right side you could feel the movement of the something loose when the snap occured.

Your Nitro isn't going to fall apart, if yours has this problem, bring it to the dealer and have it checked out, it will be fine after that.

If anyone has more question or want me to clarify something about the problem my Nitro had just ask.
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Godo info Larry, Rep points added for ya..I get this service bulletin resolved tomorrow (hopefully)
Back to this TSB...

I had the reprogram done today on my Nitro. As far as what I was experiencing was it seemed to be hunting between gears...obviously the 1-2 shift and I did hear the noise caused be the torque converter.

It's too early to really tell because after the reprogram the transmission's adaptive memory is reset and will have to relearn my driving habits. I'll have a better feel for it in a week or so. That's all I have on this TSB for now.
The only issue I notice is when accelerating slowly it just stays in first gear 1-3 seconds longer then it should...ill find out tomorrow, I get it done @ 10am :)
That is crazy man. I guess the nut tightener took the day off. They don't have enyone to fill that spot on the line when someone goes missing? LMAO!
I bet that problem was very very rare..

My nitro is in the shop getting this TSB addressed! Will post back when I get it to see how it is :)
WHAT kinda mileage are you experiencing this at. I have had no probs and i am at a 1000 miles yesterday?
Well, this is a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) meaning it doesnt effect all nitros..My nitro has around 500 miles on it..if it was an issue you would be experiencing it from day 1 as it is a software error
Just picked up my Nitro after the got this TSB dealt with and this thing now shifts like a champ..no more 1-2 shift delay :Racing: So if youre experiecing this problem take yours in and get it fixed!
Great info

The dealer had no idea about this fix, the "flash" seemed to have fixed mine.....
G
This supposeduly will fix the rough/weird shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. Make an appointment with your service department - apparently it wont take more then an hour. I get mine dealt with Monday so we will see.
Had the upgrade done yesterday - drove over 150 miles today with same or worse problems with surging between 30-55 mph. The flash did not fix the problem. With the milage set, the learn codes should be well completed.
Will find out tomorrow at Dodge delaership.
Called my dealer today. Told them the TSB number and asked if they were able to do this. They said I must have been on the internet!!! Anyway they can and I will set up appt next week after I get the new Windshield.!!!
Called my dealer today. Told them the TSB number and asked if they were able to do this. They said I must have been on the internet!!! Anyway they can and I will set up appt next week after I get the new Windshield.!!!

Hmm. What do you figure they meant by "must of have been on the internet"?
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