I received my first recall notice on my car..Gauge Cluster

[gossame1]

Hello Gang,

Just got notification FROM Chrysler that my car has been involved with its first recall. I found out that it involves recalibration of the gauge cluster. I contacted my dealer's service manager and he said that the recall involves "flashing" software. I am wondering, after the software upgrade is performed, could something else be affected by the new software? Anyone have experience with HAVING their 300 or Magnum's computer flashed for upgrades? This to me sounds like dealing with my home computer and Windows Update! Are these software upgrades going to be a regular occurrence with these cars? or on a "as needed basis" given symptom descriptions? Any information would be greatly appreciated, I am concerned that something else could go wrong. I know the car is under warranty, but the car is less than 3 weeks old!

Thanks again,

Brian T Carotenuto

[MagnumFreak]

As with any software upgrade the biggest unknown is what other things are going to be effected by the change. Some people on this forum have had their Magnums reflashed. No noticeable change except now the oil pressure display on the EVIC maintenance screen is all garbled. Just like rolling dice, you never know whtat to expect.

Hopefully Bill Gates didn't write this software.

[jeffp]

Generally the software flash is just like an upgraded BIOS in your computer (actually it is in your computer, just one of the ones in the car). There are 3 computers that I have heard of needing to be upgraded. The transmission had some early on, the PCM (engine and related stuff) regularlly has upgrades, and the cabin control node in the EVIC, have all had updates issued. Generaly if there is a major fix, like drivability or emissions, DC will issue a recall and reflash all the cars; otherwise they will reflash only if the customer has a complaint about an issue that was addressed in a service bulletin (TSB) that has a flash fix. My 300C was one of the early off the line cars (3/15/04) and has had 4 flashes so fa (that I know of)r. Hopefully, once they bugs are worked out, they will be fewer and farther (should that be further?) between. The actual flash procedure takes only a few minutes to upload to the car through the dataport under the steering column.

[mikemullin6]

Can you post more specifics on this recall? What model(s) are involved, etc..

Thanks

[KintlaLake]

If this recall is what it sounds like it is, Brian, it's a flash of the CCN (Cabin Control Node). And it's a piece of cake -- I had my RT's CCN flashed and the instrument cluster replaced recently to correct an incorrect outside-temp readout. No worries.

[gossame1]

Good Evening, and Happy Holidays,

Thanks to everyone who has replied to this post so far, it helps my nerves a little bit better. I am just concerned, given the fact that it is my [u]first[/u ]new car. I was driving an older Plymouth before. I know that everything will be taken care of soon. I'll report back after I have the recall REPAIR completed. Happy Holidays to everyone here!

Sincerely yours,

Brian T. Carotenuto

[badss]

December 2004
Dealer Service Instructions for:
Customer Satisfaction Notification D36 36
Instrument Cluster Gauge Accuracy
2005 (LX) Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum
NOTE: This notification applies only to the above vehicles built from
November 20, 2004 through December 2, 2004 (MDH 112000 through 120200).
IMPORTANT: Many of the vehicles within the above build period have already
been inspected or repaired and, therefore, have been excluded FROM this recall.
The instrument cluster on about 4,700 of the above vehicles may display inaccurate
speedometer, tachometer, coolant temperature, and fuel gauge readings.
The instrument cluster gauges must be calibrated using the StarSCAN tool.
Models
IMPORTANT: Some of the involved vehicles may be in dealer vehicle
inventory. Dealers should complete this REPAIR on these vehicles before retail
delivery. Dealers should also perform this REPAIR on vehicles in for service.
Involved vehicles can be determined by using the VIP inquiry process.
Subject
Repair

My suggestion is to be patient with these dealers, the cd's have not been released and fankly, I am surprised you recieved a notice this soon!