SUBJECT: OBDII Readiness Code Retention, Federal Packages
NO: 18-18-97
GROUP: Vehicle Performance
DATE: May 9,1997
MODELS:
1996 (FJ) Avenger/Sebring/Talon
1996 (JA) Cirrus/Stratus/Breeze
1996 (JX) Sebring Convertible
1996 (LH) Intrepid/Vision/Concorde/LHS
1996 (PL) Neon

NOTE: THIS INFORMATION APPLIES TO FEDERAL EMISSION PACKAGES ONLY(SALES CODE NAA):
DISCUSSION:
The On Board Diagnostics (OBD II) system includes a monitor called readiness codes. The readiness codes indicate that all OBD II diagnostic tests have been performed and that diagnostic trouble codes (DTC's) can be read. It has been determined that the codes may be cleared erroneously. Absence of readiness codes may cause owners to fail their emission inspection. To correct this condition, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) must be reprogrammed (flash updated).
PARTS REQUIRED:

1 CH6000 Scan Tool (DRB III )
1 CH7035 General Purpose Interface Bus Cable (GPIB)
1 CH7000/7001 J1962 Cable
1 4669020 Label - Authorized Software Update
1 4275086 Label -Authorized Modification

NOTE: WHENEVER A POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) IS REPLACED DUE TO FAILURE, THE SOFTWARE OF THE REPLACEMENT PCM SHOULD BE VERIFIED FOR THE LATEST REVISION LEVEL.

NOTE: THE MDS AND DRBIII ARE REQUIRED TO PERFORM THIS REPAIR AND THE SYSTEM MUST BE OPERATING WITH RELEASE 21 OR HIGHER AND TIL CD RELEASE 1131 OR HIGHER MUST BE INSTALLED.
REPAIR PROCEDURE:

This bulletin involves reprogramming (flashing) the PCM with new software (calibrations).

1. Connect the MDS to the DRBIII and connect the DRBIII to the PCM Data Link Connector (DLC) and power them up.
2. Use the arrow keys and select #2 MDS DIAGNOSTICS on the DRBIII MAIN MENU Screen.
3. Use the arrow keys and select DIAGNOSTIC MENU on the MDS, then press NEXT MENU.
4. Use the arrow keys and select VEHICLE CONTROLLER PROGRAMMING on the MDS, then press NEXT MENU.
5. Use the arrow keys and select PROGRAMMING OF ALL OTHER CONTROLLERS WITH MDS AND DRBIII on the MDS then press NEXT MENU.
6. Follow the steps presented on the MDS and DRBIII which will allow the DRBIII to obtain the current part number of the PCM.
7. The MDS will display the part number of the PCM on the vehicle and the appropriate replacement part number, then press NEXT MENU to begin programming.
If the PCM on the vehicle has already been updated or programmed, a NO UPDATES AVAILABLE message will be displayed. Check the part number of the PCM on the vehicle and compare it to the part number displayed. If the PCM has already been updated, then a system problem actually exists and should be corrected.
8. 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.

9. Type the necessary information on the "Authorized Software Update" label, p/n 04669020. Attach the label to the PCM and cover the label with the clear plastic overlay.
10. Type the necessary information on the Authorized Modification Label p/n 04275086 and attach the label near the VECI Label.
POLICY: