No Response From TCM When Using Generic Scan Tools (18-10-00)

Publication date: 2000-07-28
Reference number: 18-10-00

NO RESPONSE FROM TCM WHEN USING GENERIC SCAN TOOLS

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): 18-10-00, Date of Issue: July 28, 2000

NO RESPONSE FROM TCM WHEN USING SOME GENERIC SCAN TOOLS

Model(s): 2000 Chrysler (GS) Voyager (European Market); 2000 Chrysler (JA) Cirrus; 2000 Dodge (JA) Stratus; 2000 Plymouth (JA) Breeze; 2000 Chrysler (JX) Sebring Convertible; 2000 Chrysler (NS) Town & Country; 2000 Dodge (NS) Caravan; 2000 Plymouth (NS) Voyager; 2000 Plymouth (PR) Prowler

Group: Vehicle Performance

Bulletin No.: 18-10-00

Date: July 28, 2000

OVERVIEW

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

NOTE: This information applies to vehicles equipped with a 41TE/AE OR 42LE automatic transaxle built prior to the following dates:

MODELS AFFECTED

Model	Date/MDH
GS	October 22, 1999 (MDH1022XX)
JA	October 18, 1999 (MDH1018XX)
JX	October 18, 1999 (MDH1018XX)
NS	October 22, 1999 (MDH1022XX)
PR	October 28, 1999 (MDH1028XX)

DISCUSSION

Models built prior to the dates in the above table may not respond properly to diagnostic requests from some aftermarket generic scan tools. In these cases, the aftermarket generic scan tool may indicate that the Transmission Control Module (TCM) is not responding. This may lead to unnecessary diagnostic procedures and or replacement of good TCM's.

NOTE: The DRB III, MDS2, and D.A.R.T. work properly with TCM communication.

NOTE: Whenever a Transmission Control Module (TCM) is replaced, the software of the replacement controller must be verified for the latest revision level. Use the flash procedure to update replaced controllers as necessary.

PARTS REQUIRED

PARTS INFORMATION

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

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

EQUIPMENT INFORMATION

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

REPAIR PROCEDURE

Log onto the MDS2 system.
Connect the MDS2 (Mopar Diagnostic System) and DRB III (Scan Tool) to the vehicle and switch the ignition key to "ON".
Use the arrow keys and select #2 CONNECT TO MDS1 OR MDS2 on the DRB III MAIN MENU SCREEN.
Use the arrow keys and select #2 RUN MDS2 APPLICATION on the DRB III MAIN MENU SCREEN.
NOTE: Once MDS2, DRB III, and vehicle communication has been established, 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.
Push the FLASH tab on the MDS2.
NOTE: A message may appear 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.
Select READ PART NUMBERS FROM VEHICLE and click SHOW UPDATES on the MDS2.
NOTE: A message may appear 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.
Select the new software part number with the light pen and click UPDATE CONTROLLER SOFTWARE.
The MDS2 and DRB III will prompt for any operator action needed during the remainder of the reprogramming process.
NOTE: The following steps are required by law.
Type the necessary information on the "Authorized Software Update Label" P/N 04669020 (Fig. Fig 1 ). Attach the label to the PCM and cover the label with the clear plastic overlay.
Type the necessary information on the "Authorized Modification Label" P/N 04275086 and attach the label near the VECI label (Fig. Fig 2 ).

WARRANTY INFORMATION

POLICY: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.

LABOR OPERATION NO.: 08-19-51-91 - (Reprogram PCM).

TIME ALLOWANCE: 0.5 Hrs.

FAILURE CODE: FM - Flash Module

Fig 1: Authorized Software Update Label

Fig 2: Authorized Modification Label