Safety Recall U43/NHTSA 18V-280 Transmission Park Lock Rod (U43)

SAFETY RECALL U43/NHTSA 18V-280 TRANSMISSION PARK LOCK ROD

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

REMEDY AVAILABLE

2018 (LX) Chrysler 300 

(LD) Dodge Charger 

(LA) Dodge Challenger 

(WK) Jeep® Grand Cherokee 

(WD) Dodge Durango 

(JL) Jeep® Wrangler 

(DS) RAM 1500 Pickup 

SUBJECT

The automatic transmissions on about 77 of the above vehicles may have been built with the incorrect park rod. An incorrect park rod in the transmission may not allow the vehicle to reach the mechanical "PARK" position although the indicator may display the "PARK" position. A loss of "PARK" may lead to a crash without prior warning.

REPAIR

The automatic transmission park rod on the all of the above-mentioned vehicles must be replaced with the correct park rod.

PARTS INFORMATION

Part Number	Description
CSAJU431AA	Part Package, LX/LA/LD-Models

Each package contains the following components:

Quantity	Description
1	Rod, Park
3	Screw, Guide Plate retaining
1	Assembly Adaptor

Part Number	Description
CSAJU432AA	Part Package, WD/DS/JL/WK - Models

Each package contains the following components:

Quantity	Description
1	Rod, Park
3	Screw, Guide Plate retaining
1	Assembly Adaptor

Part Number	Description
68218925AA	Fluid, Transmission - 8&9 Speed ATF, (6 Quarts)
06508295AA	Bolt, Hex Head Flange Bolt M10x1.5x25 (8 required)

PARTS RETURN

No parts return required for this campaign.

SPECIAL TOOLS

The following special tools are required to perform this repair: 

• NPN wiTECH micro pod II
• NPN Laptop Computer
• NPN wiTECH Software
• 10377 Remover/Installer, Guide Sleeve
• 10379 Pins, Valve Body Alignment

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
3. If equipped with skid plates remove them.
4. LX, LA, LD (AWD)  All Wheel Drive.
   1. Apply alignment index marks on the front propshaft mounting flanges and the transmission then remove the propshaft.
   2. LX, LA, LD (RWD) Rear Wheel Drive and (AWD) All Wheel Drive,  support the transmission and remove the rear support bolts and the crossmember to body bolts and the crossmember.
   3. LX, LA, LD (AWD)  All Wheel Drive remove the two steering gear to crossmember bolts and allow the steering gear to slightly roll out of the way of the transmission fluid pan bolts.
5. Remove the transmission fluid pan drain plug and allow the transmission fluid to drain into an appropriate container (Figure 1).
6. Reinstall transmission drain plug and tighten to 8 N.m (70 In. lbs.).
7. Turn the transmission electrical connector locking mechanism counter-clockwise and disconnect the connector from the transmission (Figure 2).
8. Remove the 13 transmission fluid pan retaining bolts.
9. Carefully remove the transmission fluid pan and the gasket which is attached to the pan.
10. Using a suitable tool, detach the Manual Park Release (MPR) cable from the lever (Figure 3).
11. Using a suitable tie strap, secure the MPR lever into position so the park release fork remains in the same position during the installation of the valve body assembly.
12. Disconnect the Hydraulic Impulse Oil Storage (H.I.S) connector from the oil accumulator (Figure 4).
13. Remove the three the H.I.S. fasteners (Figure 5).
14. Remove the two valve body assembly end retainer bolts (Figure 6).
15. Pull the electrical connector lock in a downward position to release the internal harness end from inside the transmission for valve body assembly removal (Figure 7).
16. Remove the speed sensor retaining bolt and pull the sensor loose from the case (Figure 8).
17. Using Remover/installer, Guide Sleeve 10377 carefully pull the electrical harness insulator straight out from the transmission case (Figure 9, and 10).
    NOTE: Illustration below shown for demonstration purpose.
18. Remove one of the middle valve body retaining bolts and install the alignment pin in its place (Figure 11).
19. Attach an appropriate tool on the alignment pin #10379 to assist with holding the valve body in position while removing the remaining fasteners (Figure 12).
20. Remove the last valve body bolt and carefully lower the valve body assembly from the transmission.
21. Remove the three park rod plate fasteners and detach the park rod from the keyed lever (Figure 13 and Figure 14).
22. Insert the NEW  park rod into the keyed lever, rotate the park rod into position and hand start the three NEW  fasteners and tighten to 10 N.m (89 In. lbs.) (Figure 13 and Figure 14).
23. Carefully guide the front of the valve body over the cradle while aligning the rear of the valve body with the alignment pin (Figure 15).
    NOTE: Make sure the speed sensor at the rear of the valve body does not get caught between the valve body and the transmission case when positioning the valve body to the case (Figure 15).
24. Install the valve body assembly retaining bolts not including 16-18 and hand tighten (Figure 16).
25. Remove the guide pin and install the remaining bolts.
26. Using Remover/Installer, Guide Sleeve 10377 carefully install the electrical harness insulator to the transmission case.
    NOTE: The connector has a key index that must be aligned to the mating side of the wiring connector (Figure 17).
    NOTE: Illustration shown for demonstration purpose.
27. Lock the electrical connector lock to the valve body wire harness end (Figure 18).
    NOTE: Illustration shown for demonstration purpose.
28. Install the speed sensor into the case then install the retaining bolt and tighten the bolt to 8 N.m (71 in. lbs.).
29. Tighten the valve body fasteners to 8 N.m (71 in. lbs.).
30. Install the Hydraulic Impulse Oil Storage accumulator and tighten the bolts to 8 N.m (71 in. lbs.).
31. Connect the H.I.S. electrical connector (Figure 19).
32. Remove the tie strap and reattach the Manual Park Release (MPR) cable to the lever.
33. Install the transmission fluid pan with gasket.
34. Install the thirteen oil pan retaining bolts and tighten the fasteners to 10 N.m (89 in. lbs.) using the sequence given (Figure 20).
35. Connect the transmission electrical plug connector then turn the locking mechanism of the harness plug clockwise to lock in place (Figure 21).
36. LX/LA/LD  Install the transmission crossmember to body bolts and tighten to 65 N.m (48 ft. lbs.).
37. LX/LA/LD  Install the crossmember to transmission bolts and tighten to 61 N.m (45 ft. lbs.).
38. LX/LA/LD  Lift steering gear into mounted position and install steering gear to cradle bolts and nuts with the heat shields, and tighten to 96 N.m (71 ft. lbs.).
39. Perform Transmission fill procedure below.
    CAUTION: A unique transmission fluid has been developed for this transmission. This fluid is NOT compatible with ATF+4 or any other current Mopar transmission fluid.
    NOTE: Tracer dye is not required to find leaks in the 8HP45 transmission. Tracer dye cannot be used in 8HP45 transmissions, poor shift quality will result. The 8HP45 fluid has illuminance that is visible under a black light.
    1. Remove the fill plug from the right rear of the transmission case.
    2. Add transmission fluid until it trickles from the fill opening.
    3. Install the fill plug and tighten to 35 N.m (26 ft. lbs.).
    4. Lower the vehicle for access to inside of the vehicle, leaving the tires at least 8 inches off the ground.
    5. Reconnect the battery ground cable.
    6. Start the engine.
    7. Check for transmission fluid leaks.
    8. Connect the WiTech  scan tool or use the vehicle information center, and verify that the transmission fluid temperature is below 30°C (86°F).
    9. LX/LA/LD (AWD)  Select "PCM"  from the topology section.
    10. LX/LA/LD (AWD)  Select "Misc. Functions". 
    11. LX/LA/LD (AWD)  Select "Enable Emissions rolls"  Test Mode.
    12. Using the center stack switch disable Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
    13. With the brakes applied, place the transmission in REVERSE  and hold for 5 seconds.
    14. Place the transmission in DRIVE  and hold for 5 seconds.
    15. Release the brakes, slowly accelerate to 2^nd gear and hold for 5 seconds.
    16. Apply the brakes and place transmission in NEUTRAL. 
    17. Raise the engine speed to 2000 RPM for 5 seconds.
    18. Return the engine to idle and place the transmission in PARK. 
    19. Raise the vehicle, remove the fill plug, and allow any excess fluid to drain out from the fill hole or add as necessary and tighten to 35 N.m (26 ft. lbs.).
    20. LX/LA/LD (AWD)  lower the vehicle and place gear selector in the position, and turn the engine to the OFF  position.
    21. LX/LA/LD (AWD)  Raise the vehicle, and install the front propshaft and the NEW  bolts and tighten to 61 N.m (45 ft. lbs.).
40. Install the skid plate/s and tighten the bolts to 75 N.m (55 ft. lbs.).
41. Lower the vehicle on the hoist.
42. Road test the vehicle.
43. Check for transmission fluid leaks.
44. Return the vehicle to the customer.

COMPLETION REPORTING AND REIMBURSEMENT

Claims for vehicles that have been serviced must be submitted on the DealerCONNECT Claim Entry Screen located on the Service tab. Claims paid will be used by FCA to record recall service completions and provide dealer payments.

Use the following labor operation numbers and time allowances:

	Labor Operation Number	Time Allowance
Replace transmission park rod JL, LX, LD, LA Model	21-U4-31-82	2.5 hours
Replace transmission park rod JL Model	21-U4-31-82	2.5 hours
Replace transmission park rod DS Model	21-U4-31-83	2.6 hours
Replace transmission park rod WK/WD Model	21-U4-31-83	2.6 hours

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT

All Wheel Drive (AWD) LX/LD/LA Model	21-U4-31-62	0.8 hours
Skid Plate (JL) Model	21-U4-31-60	0.1 hours
Skid Plate (WD/WK) Model	21-U4-31-61	0.3 hours

DEALER NOTIFICATION

To view this notification on DealerCONNECT, select "Global Recall System" on the Service tab, then click on the description of this notification.

OWNER NOTIFICATION AND SERVICE SCHEDULING

All involved vehicle owners known to FCA are being notified of the service requirement by first class mail. They are requested to schedule appointments for this service with their dealers. A generic copy of the owner letter is attached.

VEHICLE LISTS, GLOBAL RECALL SYSTEM, VIP AND DEALER FOLLOW UP

All involved vehicles have been entered into the DealerCONNECT Global Recall System (GRS) and Vehicle Information Plus (VIP) for dealer inquiry as needed.

GRS provides involved dealers with an updated  VIN list of their incomplete  vehicles. The owner's name, address and phone number are listed if known. Completed vehicles are removed from GRS within several days of repair claim submission.

To use this system, click on the "Service"  tab and then click on "Global Recall System."  Your dealer's VIN list for each recall displayed can be sorted by: those vehicles that were unsold at recall launch, those with a phone number, city, zip code, or VIN sequence.

Dealers must  perform this repair on all unsold vehicles before retail delivery. 

Dealers should also use the VIN list to follow up with all owners to schedule appointments for this repair.

Recall VIN lists may contain confidential, restricted owner name and address information that was obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles of various states. Use of this information is permitted for this recall only and is strictly prohibited from all other use. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

If you have any questions or need assistance in completing this action, please contact your Service and Parts District Manager.

Customer Services/Field Operations

FCA US LLC

IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL

Transmission Park Lock Rod 

Dear [Name],

This notice applies to your vehicle, 

[Model Year and Model] VIN XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 

U43/NHTSA 18V-280 

LOGO 

VEHICLE PICTURE 

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

FCA has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain [2018 Model Year (LX) Chrysler 300, (LD) Dodge Charger, (LA) Dodge Challenger, (WK) Jeep® Grand Cherokee, (WD) Dodge Durango, (JL) Jeep® Wrangler, (DS) RAM 1500 Pickup] vehicles.

It is extremely important to take steps now to repair your vehicle to ensure the safety of you and your passengers.

WHY DOES MY VEHICLE NEED REPAIRS? 

The automatic transmission on your vehicle [1] may have been built with the incorrect park rod. An incorrect park rod in the transmission may not allow the vehicle to reach the mechanical "PARK" position although the gear select indicator may display the "PARK" position. A loss of "PARK" may lead to vehicle rollaway, and may result in a vehicle crash or injury without prior warning. 

HOW DO I RESOLVE THIS IMPORTANT SAFETY ISSUE? 

FCA will repair your vehicle [2] free of charge (parts and labor). To do this, your dealer will replace the park rod. In addition, your dealer will require your vehicle for proper check-in, preparation, and check-out during your visit. Your time is important to us; please be aware that these steps may require more time. The estimated repair time is four hours. We recommend that you schedule a service appointment to minimize your inconvenience. Please bring this letter with you to your dealership.

TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE  REPAIR CALL 1-800-853-1403 OR YOUR CHRYSLER, DODGE, JEEP OR RAM DEALER TODAY

WHAT IF I ALREADY PAID TO HAVE THIS REPAIR COMPLETED? 

If you have already experienced this specific condition and have paid to have it repaired, you may visit www.fcarecallreimbursement.com  to submit your reimbursement request online. [3] Once we receive and verify the required documents, reimbursement will be sent to you within 60 days. If you have had previous repairs performed and/or already received reimbursement, you may still need to have the recall repair performed.

We apologize for any inconvenience, but are sincerely concerned about your safety. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Customer Assistance/Field Operations

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC

YOUR SCHEDULING OPTIONS 

1. RECOMMENDED OPTION Call your authorized Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep®/RAM Dealership 
2. Call the FCA Recall Assistance Center at 1-800-853-1403. An agent can confirm part availability and help schedule an appointment 
3. Visit recalls.mopar.com, scan the QR code below, or download the Mopar Owner's Companion App. 

QR Code 

Get access to recall notifications, locate your nearest dealer, and more through this website or Mopar Owner's Companion App. You will be asked to provide your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to protect and verify your identity. The last eight characters of your VIN are provided above.

DEALERSHIP INSTRUCTIONS 

Please reference Safety Recall U43.