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

5556 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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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.!!!
Well , I have an appointment at 1:30 Thursday to get the transmission reprogramed. My noise and shifting miscue is around 42 mph. Hope this corrects the problem. I will keep you posted, David
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I got the same result that Packerbacker got. It only does it with little throttle. If you are on the gas somewhat it shifts ok. The wife was at the dealer 1 1/2 hrs for the reprogram.
Called the dealer and spoke to the service manager. They said that the trans quicklearn was done. Guess I will drive it a little more and see if it smooths out with some use.
Just to update...the 1st to 2nd has now stopped the clunk. Maybe the vehicle has to get used to us. They have a soul you know. Remember the movie "Christine" ?
I have thought about this topic lately and today when mine made a little growl I remembered the problem that GM had with the trailblazers. At 58mph (on ours anyway) there would be a sort of roar comming from the rearend area. As it turned out when the torque converter locked up 1 to 1 it sent sort of a distorted sound up thur the rear springs and sounded off in the cabin area. They replaced the rear springs (slightly different strenght) and the noise went away. Something to ponder.
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