PCM/Spark Plugs - Cold Weather No Starts
NO: 18-15-95GROUP: Vehicle Performance
DATE: May 5, 1995
SUBJECT:
Cold Weather No-Starts
MODELS:
1995 (LH) Concorde/Intrepid/Vision/LHS/New Yorker
NOTE:
THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.5L ENGINE BUILT BEFORE FEB. 17, 1995 (MDH 02-17-XX).
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Engine fails to start in extremely cold weather (below 0° F.). Engine will crank and may fire intermittently but does not continue running. Engine may also fail to jump start. It may be necessary to dry spark plugs and move vehicle to a warmer area (repair bay) to start.
DIAGNOSIS:
Using the Mopar Diagnostic System (MDS) or the Scan Tool (DRB III) with the appropriate Diagnostic Manual, verify that all engine systems are functioning as designed. If Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) are present, record them on the repair order for future reference and repair as necessary.
NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING REPAIR PROCEDURE AND PARTS ARE ONLY INTENDED TO IMPROVE COLD STARTING PROBLEMS IN EXTREMELY COLD WEATHER. IT WILL NOT RESOLVE DRIVEABILITY RELATED HARD STARTING OR NO-START COMPLAINTS UNDER OTHER CONDITIONS.
EQUIPMENT/PARTS REQUIRED:
1 CH6OOO Scan Tool (DRBIII)
1 CH7035 General Purpose Interface Bus Cable (GPIB)
1 CH7020 Body Cable
5.5 4761838 Mopar 5W30 Motor Oil
1 5281090 Mopar Oil Filter
6 56027275 Spark Plug (Champion RC-12-LYC)*
1 4275086 Label - Authorized Modification
1 4669020 Label - Authorized Software Update
* Spark Plug, P/N 56027275 (Champion RC-12-LYC), with a .035" gap is the only spark plug certified for the 3.5L engine. For vehicles built between Oct. 24, 1994 and Feb. 17, 1995 the new software included in this bulletin must also be installed.
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
This bulletin involves changing engine oil and filter and replacing spark plugs, and reprogramming the powertrain control module with new software.
1. Replace the plugs with P/N 56027275. Verity gap of 0.035 in. on new plugs before installation.
NOTE:
TO REMOVE THE CABLES FROM THE SPARK PLUGS, LIGHTLY GRASP THE RUBBER CAP AT THE TOP OF THE CABLE WITH PLIERS, AND PULL STRAIGHT UP WITH A STEADY TWISTING MOTION. DO NOT PULL ON THE CABLE ITSELF.
2. Change engine oil and filter using Mopar 5W30 oil, P/N 4761S38.
NOTE:
REVIEW WITH THE OWNER THE PROPER USE OF 5W30 ENGINE OIL AS DESCRIBED IN THE OWNERS MANUAL. SAE 5W30 AIDS IN LOW TEMPERATURE STARTING AND IMPROVED FUEL ECONOMY, HOWEVER, CONTINUED USE ABOVE 32 DEGREES F. AMBIENT TEMPERATURE MAY CAUSE INTERNAL ENGINE DAMAGE.
NOTE:
MDS AND DRBIII ARE REQUIRED TO PERFORM THE FOLLOWING REPAIR. MDS MUST BE OPERATING WITH RELEASE 16 OR HIGHER AND TIL 1080 OR HIGHER INSTALLED.
3. Connect the MDS (Mopar Diagnostic System) and DRBIII (Scan Tool) to the vehicle and power them up.
4. Use the arrow keys and select # 2 MDS DIAGNOSTICS on the DRBIII MAIN MENU Screen.
5. Use the arrow keys and select DIAGNOSTIC MENU on the MDS, then press NEXT MENU.
6. Use the arrow keys and select CONTROLLER PROGRAMMING on the MDS, then press NEXT MENU.
7. Use the arrow keys and select PROGRAM CONTROLLER PART on the MDS, then press NEXT MENU.
8. Follow the steps presented on the MDS and DRBIII which will allow the DRBIII to obtain the current part number of the controller.
9. The MDS will display the part number of the controller on the vehicle and the appropriate replacement part number, then press NEXT MENU to begin programming. If the controller on the vehicle has already been updated or programmed, a NO UPDATES AVAILABLE message will be displayed. Check the part number of the controller on the vehicle and compare it to the part number displayed. If the controller has already been updated, then a system problem actually exists and should be corrected.
10. The MDS and DRBIII will prompt the operator for any action needed during the remainder of the programming process
NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING STEPS ARE REQUIRED BY LAW.
11. Type the necessary information on the "Authorized Software Update" label, P/N 4669020. Attach the label to the PCM and cover the label with the clear plastic overlay.
12. Type the necessary information on the Authorized Modification Label and attach the label near the VECI Label.
NOTE:
FOR VEHICLES CONSISTENTLY EXPOSED TO TEMPERATURES BELOW 0° degree F, A MOPAR ENGINE BLOCK HEATER, P/N 82300749, IS RECOMMENDED.
POLICY:
Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
TIME ALLOWANCE:
Labor Operation No: O8-19-41-96 0.9 Hrs.
FAILURE CODE: FM - Flash Module