2015-'16 Dodge Dart Recalled for Engine Control Module Safety Software Issue

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Published: 03/08/2016  - by Anita Lienert, Correspondent

The 2016 Dodge Dart with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a manual transmission is being recalled to update the engine control module software. | March 8, 2016 | Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

WASHINGTON — Fiat-Chrysler is recalling 1,232 2015-'16 Dodge Dart compact sedans equipped with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a manual transmission because of an engine control module safety software issue, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"In the affected vehicles, the powertrain control module that monitors the engine torque output may be missing a backup layer of software," NHTSA said in its recall summary. "Without a backup layer of software, the control module may fail to prevent an un-commanded torque event, increasing the risk of a crash."

Simply put, the concern is that the cars may experience unintended acceleration.

There are no injuries, accidents or complaints linked to the recall, Fiat-Chrysler said in a filing with federal safety regulators.

Fiat-Chrysler spokesman Eric Mayne told Edmunds there are three layers of safety software in the affected cars and that two of them remain functional.

A stop-sale order is in effect on the affected vehicles.

The affected 2016 Dart cars were built from July 25, 2015 to December 16, 2015. The affected 2015 Dart cars were brought in for dealer service between September 15, 2015 and January 12, 2016.

Dodge dealers will update the engine control module software. The recall is expected to begin within 60 days. Owners can contact Fiat-Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

Edmunds says: Owners should wait for their official recall notice and then schedule a service appointment with their dealer. But if you have an immediate concern, it's best to contact your dealer now.

http://www.edmunds.com/car-news/2015-16-dodge-dart-recalled-for-engine-control-module-safety-software-issue.html

FCA RECALLS DODGE DART TO PREVENT 'UNINTENDED TORQUE EVENT'

FCA RECALLS DODGE DART TO PREVENT 'UNINTENDED TORQUE EVENT'

By Justin King

Tuesday, Mar 8th, 2016

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has issued a recall for a small batch of 2016 Dodge Dart sedans equipped with a 2.0-liter engine and manual transmission.

Approximately 1,200 units may have left the factory with improper software for the powertrain control module (PCM). The programming lacks redundant protections to protect against certain unintended engine behavior.

"Without a backup layer of software, the control module may fail to prevent an un-commanded torque event, increasing the risk of a crash," the recall documents note.

FCA suggests the software was created with several layers of programming, including provisions designed to detect engine control malfunctions and validate calculations. The software was 'desensitized' to enable engine calibration development, consistent with standard development procedures.

"If the level-two diagnostic calibrations are desensitized, there is a risk of not diagnosing certain module failure modes that would inhibit the software's ability to determine when the engine is producing more torque than what the driver is currently requesting," the recall chronology notes.

The desensitized test software appears to have mistakenly made its way to the factory floor with the developer mode enabled, allowing production cars to leave the assembly line without the safety provisions activated.

FCA is not aware of any accidents or injuries associated with the issue. Service technicians will simply install an ECM software update to restore proper function.

http://www.leftlanenews.com/fca-recalls-dodge-dart-to-prevent-unintended-torque-event-91184.html#