Remember back a few years ago, when Toyota had the whole “unintended acceleration” issue that resulted in lawsuits, fines, government interference and a field day for wanna-be comedians? Remember laughing at just how scary unintended acceleration in a Corolla could possibly be? (“Maybe I’ll be able to properly merge into traffic this time!”) We aren’t trying to downplay the seriousness of the recalls…there were injuries and deaths involved with the Toyota situation, and there were several issues at play, including floor mats that could manage to hang up the throttle pedal, the electronic pedal itself and other issues…but keep in mind that’s what happend with sedans that barely crested 250 horsepower and were designed for safety and ease of use in mind.
Now picture the same thing happening with a new Dodge Demon for half a second. 840 horsepower, out of your control. If you think you puckered when you were mashing the gas on your own accord, what happens when the car does it for you? Well, that’s what FCA is trying to get the jump on, and as a result all 2014-16 Chrysler 300s, Dodge Chargers, and Dodge Challengers with the 5.7L V8 and Mopar Stage 1 Performance Package, and the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon are being recalled. The issue lies with the PCM from the performance package. PCM P/N P5160023 and P5160025 for the 5.7L cars and P/N 68412287AA for the Demon Crate PCM are the ones affected.
Per the NHTSA campaign information:
“Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain Mopar Stage 1 Kit Performance Packages Powertrain Control Modules (PCM) Part Numbers P5160023, P5160025, and Demon Crate PCM Part Number 68412287AA. The PCMs are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle’s wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will either perform a software update or replace the PCM, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin August 31, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is U82, and U83.”
Should your car go mental before it goes to the dealership, FCA recommends that you shift to neutral, lay into the brakes and once stopped, shut it down. In the meantime, don’t use cruise until you get the car serviced.”
How does a software update fix a short circuit?
Smells like bullshit.
It doesn’t. What it will do is give the cruise control redundancy to be able to turn it off should you ever get a short.
DBW sucks!