Intermittent VTA / Temp Display Slow / Poor A/C PERF (18-021-00)

INTERMITTENT VTA / TEMP DISPLAY SLOW / POOR A/C PERF

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

INTERMITTENT VTA, OVERHEAD TEMPERATURE DISPLAY SLOW TO UPDATE, POOR A/C PERFORMANCE AFTER START UP

Model(s): 1998-1999 Chrysler (LH) Concorde, LHS, 300M

1998-1999 Dodge (LH) Intrepid

Group: Vehicle Performance

Bulletin No.: 18-021-00

Date: October 6, 2000

OVERVIEW

This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software.

The label located on the PCM includes a serial number (S/N TxxEHyyyzzzwww) that identifies the year of the circuit board inside the controller. The 2nd and 3rd positions (xx) indicate the year.

PCM Model Year	Engine Application	2nd/3rd Position
2000	3.2L / 3.5L	81
2000	2.7L	92

PCM's with numbers less than those listed in the table are not included in the Technical Service Bulletin.

SYMPTOM/CONDITION

Some vehicles may exhibit one or more of the following: Vehicle Theft Alarm (VTA) security light intermittently NOT blinking after locking all doors and/or the outside temperature display will be slow to update and/or poor A/C performance is experienced after vehicle start up.

DIAGNOSIS

Using the Mopar Diagnostic System (MDS2) and or the Diagnostic Scan Tool (DRB III) with the appropriate Diagnostic Procedures, verify all engine/transmission systems are functioning as designed. If other Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) are present, record them on the repair order and repair as necessary before proceeding further with this bulletin. If the condition(s) can be duplicated or is described by the customer, perform the REPAIR PROCEDURE  .

PARTS REQUIRED

Qty.	Part Number	Description
1	04669020	Label, Authorized Software Update
1	04275086	Label, Authorized Modification

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

Tool Number	Description
CH6000	Scan Tool (DRB III)
CH7035	General Purpose Interface Bus Cable (GPIB)
CH7000/7001	J1962 Cable
---	MDS2

REPAIR PROCEDURE

1. Log onto the MDS2 System.
2. Connect the MDS2 (Mopar Diagnostic System) and DRB III (Scan Tool) to the vehicle and switch the ignition to "ON".
   NOTE: Auto connection will occur once the DRB III, MDS2 and vehicle establish communication. The "Cannot Read VIN From DRB III" message (on the MDS2) will be replaced by the vehicle VIN. Press the "OK" button on the MDS2 to request a MDS2 session for the vehicle VIN indicated. Press the "OK" button when asked to begin session.
3. Push the FLASH tab on the MDS2.
4. Select READ PART NUMBERS FROM VEHICLE and click SHOW UPDATES on the MDS2.
   NOTE: A message may appear (after step 3 or 4) that indicates no updates are available. If this occurs, make sure your diagnostic equipment is operating at the latest software level as listed earlier in this bulletin. If the latest software is installed, and no updates are available, another vehicle condition exists that will require further investigation.
5. Select the new software part number with the light pen and click UPDATE CONTROLLER SOFTWARE.
6. The MDS2 and DRB III will prompt for any operator action needed during the remainder of the reprogramming process.
7. Type the necessary information on the "Authorized Software Update Label" P/N 04669020 Fig 1 ). Attach the label to the PCM and cover the label with the clear plastic overlay.
8. Type the necessary information on the "Authorized Modification Label" P/N 04275086 (Fig 2 ) and attach the label near the VECI label.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

POLICY: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.

LABOR OPERATION NO.: 08-19-46-91

TIME ALLOWANCE: 0.5 Hr.

FAILURE CODE: FM - Flash Module