Reflash warning-Chrysler 2011-2014 2.0 and 2.4 Litre
Good afternoon everyone. I just learned of a new TSB Monday night during a reprogramming class that could save some folks a lot of headache. I don't fix or re flash vehicles on a daily basis anymore, but this is a situation that could have easily bitten me and probably others too. I will admit to not always checking for TSBs before performing a flash. During the class the instructor-Gary Machiros brought up a recent issue that he knew about. The story goes like this. Vehicle had a transmission problem and either the transmission module was replaced and programmed or the trans module was programmed as part of the repair. The shop doing the repair then decided to flash the PCM to the latest calibration. No idea why maybe it had some kind of other issue, maybe it was just to make sure all modules were at their latest and greatest calibration. In any case, after the re flash, the vehicle is now a no start. Chrysler released a bulletin in late November for this issue. Somehow during the flash, the VIN# from the engine is checked against the VIN# of the vehicle, if they don't match, you now have a giant paperweight. This was a vehicle that at some point in the past had a used engine installed. I'm dying to know how the engine VIN is determined to not match during the re flash event. Just something to be aware of before you try to flash a PCM on one of these vehicles. Any one have any idea how the engine VIN is being determined? I'm also wondering if there will be further updates on Chrysler's part to not have this happen or to expand it to other vehicle car lines?
...Great question...engine is just a large heavy boat anchor that drags up a bunch of sea weed when raised from the bottom...It must determine it's the wrong one by looking at it's sensors (my guess)...curious (as always)...Dan H. ...South Texas...
Wow really interesting TSB, this is a big wake up call for me that's for sure! Thanks for the reminder to always check TSBs Phil.
Phil, Did you hear this from John Thornton at a class? I have been aware of this for a while. I have tasked my son who works as a FSE at Chrysler to put some meaning to this. By chance today I had one of these vehicle's in my bay. When I connected the Witech to the vehicle it prompts you with this message. Figured I would share this with you guys as I am not sure the Jbox version would prompt…
Often when Chrysler flashing is the topic I get confused and stay out of many discussions due to lack of clarity of the tooling. IE: WiTech with a micropod 2, Witech with a Jbox, or the J2534 app. I would think the Witech with jbox would prompt the same as with the micropod 2, I would think the Jbox app the same, have to find one of these vehicles and try. I look forward to any insight from…
curious about the answer.... I have no clue how PCM determines wrong engine .
I'm stuck on that too. ....."What part of an engine could possibly report it's VIN to the PCM?" Question of the day....
Hi Phil: I trust that things have been going well. I appreciate the heads up from you and Robert. It wouldn't affect me though. Why? I look at the TSBs & RRTs. I need to know pre and post-programming instructions. (Hint: the voltage requirement may be different on different module on the same vehicle along with other items needing to be completed.) My personal opinion is that anyone who…
But expecting a mechanic to read directions goes against 150 years of tradition! ;-)
Yup, Geoff. And if you keep doing what you're doing, you're gonna keep getting what you got. Guido
...I'm gonna steal that, frame it, and hang it on my wall !!!...Dan H. ...South Texas...
So that's why work keeps pissing me off....I KEEP DOING IT.
Now there is the sage words which have the potential to radically change the entire trade,
Hi Maynard: I can't claim credit for it. With my hair no longer the color that it used to be, it makes much more sense than when I was younger. I've had people ask me how I know something. I'll respond "experience". They may ask where I got it from. I explain that experience is what you get from screwing up (though usually with different words). I can't claim any divine wisdom. Let's just say…
Well colour is one thing, but just the posession of hair is something to not take for granted either. But that statement, you will keep getting what you always got..... for our trade that is of vital importance to consider these days. There is so much stuff now that wasnt in existance 30 years ago ( that is about when the dead sea was still sick right? ) :) ( ask me where i picked out that…
Could be the module was replaced with used using Autel or Launch and the VIN was rewritten, but, the 'original vin' did not change. Many aftermarket tools can read present vin and original vin. Might be worth a look before proceeding.