Hi guys. Long time lurker, first time poster.

I've owned my SRT6 for about a year now, and it's started dropping into limp mode when it gets warm. After searching the forum I came to the conclusion that it was the intercooler pump, but I took it to the dealer anyway since it was still under warranty. They ran a port diagnostic and apparently found some EGR codes. So they investigated the EGR system (including removing the supercharger), but found no issue. They've decided it needs a new ECU, which isn't covered under warranty. Because the fault (the one they've decided on) isn't covered by the warranty, neither is their diagnostic charges. So, I'm looking at £600 for them to put the car back together and £1800+ for a new ECU.

So... there's the story... now here are the questions. Do you think it's really an ECU issue, or something else? Could the pump failing cause an EGR code? If it's the pump, what can I do to prove it?

Any help you could give would be greatly appreciated

 

rg44
The attached page contains numerous threads concerning the pump failure issue, this is not an ECU issue. You should print the various threads and present it to the dealer, as proof that its a pump failure. When it goes into a limp mode, it is protecting the supercharger from a failure of overheating. Failures usually happen during warm/hot weather.
Good luck with the dealer....
Dennis
https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...archid=1452373

 

In limp mode you only get 2nd gear for forward travel. I believe you aren't in limp mode but are experiencing the supercharger shutting off leaving you with very little power but still all forward gears (like an NA Crossfire ).

This problem is the above mentioned pump problem or a restricted cooling system. Have the dealer replace the pump (or do it yourself).

If your car is in fact going into limp mode then it's something else.

 

I'm afraid your first mistake was to take the car to the dealer before posting here.

Limp mode only uses one gear and you have not said that is your condition specifically.

I think the dealer has you over a barrel with the car in pieces and I would get pictures of it now and a written letter explaining the problems and the fixes planned by them. This would be your right and would be a great help in any legal action.

If they take a car apart and then find they were on the wrong track, I cannot see why you have to pay for their error.

Next I would remove that car from their grasp.

Did they have to remove the SC for an EGR fault? I doubt it.

If you do have only one gear I would suspect that it a transmission fault, the valve plate most likely.

 

Thanks for the replies.

tighed1, you hit the nail on the head! I'm getting (very) reduced performance but still have use of all the gears, although it does do odd things when changing up ... like not changing up...

I really thought it was the IC pump, and can fit a new one myself without too much difficulty, but I still took it to the dealer because I'd rather the warranty company pay for the pump than it come out of my wallet. In hindsight that was a bad decision but right now I'm trying to make the best of the situation I've been dealt.

onehundred80, I fully agree. Either they're trying something dodgy, and need to be reported. Or they're plain incompetent, in which case I shouldn't have to pay for their stupidity. I do plan to take legal action against them, the problem is getting proof that their diagnosis was incorrect. I need to risk taking it to another certified workshop for that...

 

When dealing with them be pleasant and firm at the same time. You will not do any favors to yourself if you get mad with them. Get their diagnosis written on a quote and if possible a written explanation why they took your car apart. Just say you need to think about the work to be done. Nicey, nicey does the trick, when you have the written info you have them by the shorts.
When dealers get outmaneuvered they can suddenly say there is a big mistake and eat they'll eat the cost or most of it. Annoy them and they will fight all the way. Casually mention other work and maintenance on the car or other cars, show them a carrot for future profits, angry customers do not come back but satisfied customers, like you do. Just give them a snow job and get your car and a quote from them. You cannot afford too much now, times are tough ..... blah blah blah.

 

Chrysler is paying the bill since it is under warranty... Tell them to put the new pump on, and smile when it runs smooth...all that work for what should have been 1 hour and on the road... let them eat crow, but they are getting paid.... I just took mine into the dealer to get an air bag code removed, left over from the bodyshop screw up...and had a nice chat with one of their new technicians... He said I will call you if I get into a problem with a crossfire... and I just referred him to this site... They just don't have the training, but with our knowledge base here, they can learn...

 

A quick update...
I checked my warranty docs and no part of the supercharger system was covered. Called them up and tried to argue it was a water pump, but they refused to cover it because it's an auxiliary pump. So, after concluding my warranty wasn't worth the paper it was printed on, I ordered the pump from Needswings and fitted it myself. Job's a good'un! I've had no issues since. Thanks guys!

 

This just the kind of info Chrysler needs to hear. You should complain to them along with the bills, and your repair. Dealerships are getting away this crap way too often. Your money, but I would be all over this. The pump is part of the engine, without it, it will not function properly. It's not auxilliary in any given way. Give'n hell....

 

^^^THIS

I work in the dealer network for Nissan, and if the pump is required for the engine to properly function, it's covered. If the seatbelt failed and you went flying through the windshield, could they choose not to cover it because it's an auxillary part of the seat? Methinks not.

Call Chrysler's consumer affairs line and raise bloody hell.

 

Plenty of folks here have had their pumps replaced under warranty.

I found it less stressful (dealership working on MY car!) and time consuming to change my own as they failed.

 

that is true DJ...but unfortunitely for him...they charged him for their stupidity... All they want to do anymore, including the big rig shops, is throw parts at it until they get it right...makes you wonder what these "so called" auto tech schools are turning out... Probably the same BS the "truck driver training" schools are turning out... $$$$$ in their pockets from anyone willing to pay...

 

ECUs are covered under the 8 yr/80k FEDERAL emissions warranty; had mine replaced due to the dealer "blowing" it up (another story)---BUT The ECU is not the problem; they want to condemn the ECU way to quickly---This is the LAST part you condemn---The old saying garbage in/ garbage out---This is the problem; a bad signal is being sent to the ECM and it is RESPONDING; it's doing its job ---Dealers are LOST on this car...........

 

WELL SAID---They teach them to "replace with good know part"---This IS the TESTING procedure---My Alldata said this ALL the time!!!

 

Jimmy, the big rig dealerships do the same thing. I told a shop I had ABS problems, and I thought the trailer was the culprit. The trailers today, due to having ABS on them run an ECU. That ECU has to communicate with the tractor ECU. When they don't a code is thrown just like on our cars. The tractor dealer replaced the ECU. The trailer shop, said it was the tractor. It was just the opposite. I had already told them I didn't get a code when I pulled a different trailer...They just don't listen to those who drive the vehicle day in and day out...The ECU's in both the tractor and the trailer were fine. They were l sending a code that something was wrong. Idiots, I'm telling you...

 

What is the problem code? Did the mechanic follow factory procedures for diagnosing the code?

I have never understood how service people get away with this. We all know what goes on. We see it over and over again on TV shows and still no protection laws for the consumer.

Is this any different from picking my pocket in the waiting room.

This is why so many automotive authoritys recommend going to and indipendant with a good reputation. If he cheets too many customers he gets a bad rep and goes out of business. But dealers have a captive audience- waranty work.

 

Exactly, and the parent company pays the bill...passing it on the rest of the consumers. Chrysler needs to know which dealers do a good job and those who don't...and they won't if you don't make the call....

 

I would think Viagra would work for limp mode ask the dealer.

 

What a mess! Charging you a ton for a misdiagnosis, and telling you the lie that the ECU is not covered. The ECU is part of the emissions warranty which is a separate warranty that you do not pay extra for. Even if I had an extended warranty I would never take it to a dealer. Most people seem to think that if you have an extended warranty, you have to take it to a dealer which is wrong.

 

Warranties may be different in the UK.