Charger Forums banner

8 speed transmission recall/TSB?

29K views 25 replies 13 participants last post by  RT_HEMICHARGED 
#1 ·
Anyone else get some paperwork for this? I'm just curious as to what it's for, if I can expect any differences etc. I've never had a complaint about the transmission so I'm a little curious about it. Dealer called it a recall however it's listed as a TSB, am I missing something?


Make : DODGE Model : CHARGER Year : 2012
Manufacturer : Chrysler Group LLC
Service Bulletin Number : SB-21-007-12 Date of Bulletin : MAR 08, 2012
NHTSA Item Number : 10044176
Component : POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)
 
#2 ·
I checked NHTSA on the "recall" and it is not a recall that I can find.

There are 8 recalls on 2012 Chargers, but none of them are for this.

It must be a voluntary campaign that isn't technically a recall. I had a voluntary campaign on my 2011 Grand Caravan R/T and they mentioned a free repair/replacement as part of a quality campaign.

This is probably one of those. Basically get it done before it becomes wide spread and becomes a mandatory recall.:bigthumb:

Regards,
Brian
BND Automotive LLC:driving:
440-821-9040
www.bndautomotive.com
 
#4 ·
KWG,

Its a software update. It is a service bulletin not a recall. Copy below.

NUMBER: 21-007-12
GROUP: Transmission and
Transfer Case
DATE: March 08, 201
2

SUBJECT:
Flash: Launch Shudder And/Or MIL Illumination And/Or Harsh Shifts With Transmission
Operation Improvements
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves flash reprogramming the Transmission Control Module (TCM) and
the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software.
NOTE: Both modules must be updated for all changes to be implemented. Refer to
the “Symptoms/Conditions” for a detailed description of the changes.
MODELS:
2012 (LD) Charger
2012 (LX) 300
NOTE: This Service Bulletin applies to vehicles built with 3.6L engine (sales code
ERB) with a 8 speed automatic transmission (sales code DFG) built before
January 17, 2012 (MDH 0117XX).
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Some customers may experience transmission shift, engagement, shudder or operation
concerns. Refer to Transmission section below for details. Customers may also notice a
MIL illumination. Upon further investigation by the Technician any of the following DTC's
may be set:
MIL
i. P0441 - Evap Purge System Performance.
ii. P0420 - Catalyst Efficiency (Bank 1).
iii. P0430 - Catalyst Efficiency (Bank2).
iv. P0133 - O2 Sensor 1/1 Slow Response.
v. P0153 - O2 Sensor 2/1 Slow Response.
vi. P0300 - Multiple Cylinder Misfire.
vii. P0301 - Cylinder 1 Misfire.
viii.P0302 - Cylinder 2 Misfire.
ix. P0303 - Cylinder 3 Misfire.
x. P0304 - Cylinder 4 Misfire.
xi. P0305 - Cylinder 5 Misfire.
xii. P0306 - Cylinder 6 Misfire.
xiii.P113D - O2 Sensor 1/1 Slow Response (High Frequency).
xiv.P113E - O2 Sensor 2/1 Slow Response (High Frequency).
xv. P0128 - Thermostat Rationality.
Transmission:
i. Paddle shifting stops working until ignition is cycled. This can happen with a lot of
aggressive paddle shifting in low gears. The transmission calculates the clutches are
getting hot and will disables paddle shifting until key off event. The software has
been changed to bring back the paddle shifting function as soon as clutch
temperatures are reduced. The cluster will also provide a message to the driver that
informs them the paddle function is disabled.
ii. Vehicle will not stay in Sport mode. This happens whenever the vehicle is shifted out
of drive. The updated software keeps the vehicle in sport mode until the driver
deselects the sport mode or the ignition is cycled.
iii. Launch shudder. This condition happens when the vehicle is started and
immediately shifted in drive and 15% or more throttle is applied.
iv. 1 - 2 or 2 - 3 upshift bump in cold temperatures between -22° F (-30° C) and 50° F
(10° C).
v. 2 - 3 upshift bump. This condition occurs when the driver lifts their foot off the
accelerator pedal right before the transmission perform the 2 - 3 upshift.
vi. 3 - 2 downshift bump. This condition happens during light braking or coasting down
with no throttle input.
vii. 7 - 6 downshift bump. This condition happens during light braking or coasting down
with no throttle input
 
#5 · (Edited)
The 845RE wont have this problem

This is interesting - I have a 2013 and some of the issues mentioned towards the end of the post in regards to the transmission "bumps", so it appears the programming update doesn't help much. Drives you crazy once you hear it... spent a fair amount of time tracking it down myself.

More interestingly, Chrysler's version of the ZF 8HP45 transmission (the 845RE, to be manufactured in the Kokomo, IN plant) should start rolling out in Chargers later this year or next. Among fitment updates, their design will include EXTRA FRICTION PLATES IN THE CLUTCHES, for "improved performance," which I'm now realizing was implemented to remedy the above problems!!

Since early adopters are stuck with the German-made transmission, my question is what are the long-term wear implications... its my understanding that this tranny is only semi-serviceable here. Wonder if the new ones will fit our vehicles :cowsmile:
 
#6 · (Edited)
Posted this over on the 300 forums last week where others have the same problem...

Where do I begin? Same issue, but mine has a "clunk" along with the hard downshift. 6 months ago, took it in. Dealer agreed there is a problem. Could not find the cause. Elevated it to Chrysler's Tech Center. Nothing happens. Took it to a second dealer. They hear it, and say it's normal. Read about many others on multiple forums with same condition. Months past. Second dealer calls last week, says ZF transmission people need to see my car. They want to travel 800 miles to evaluate it. OK, take car to dealership. Car sits at dealership for 5 days waiting for ZF people to arrive. They don't. Keep saying they will be there the next day. Nothing. Finally give up, pick the car up after 5 days. No loaner was ever offered. Two days later, get a call, dealer says ZF people here. No notice, just show up. Interrupt my dinner and bring the car back up yet again. Take ZF transmission guy for a drive. Yep, "something's not right there", he says. We take it back, he puts it up on the rack. Says "it's not our transmission, it's the car". Dealer says, "nope, it's not the car must be the transmission". ZF guy takes some data and travels 11 hours back to his headquarters after spending two hours here. Next day, a manager from Chrysler headquarters calls. This genius says "sorry, we won't fix your car". I say, I didn't ask you too, YOU called me and asked me to bring my car to the dealer so ZF can look at it. I did this as a FAVOR to you, get it? Now, you call and tell me there's nothing you will do for me? What part about this am I missing? I was home minding my own business when I get a call, my car sits for 5 days while a technician travels from S. Carolina to PA to see my car, admits a problem and then leaves. Dealer #2 wants nothing to do with it. Chrysler manager suggest that I take it to yet another dealership. What? Finally tell him that Chrysler customer service is atrocious, not to mention insulting and I hang up. I'm still where I was at the beginning. End of story. End of Chrysler's for me.
 
#7 · (Edited)
Dealership and customer service issues aside, I don't think the harshness is a "problem" as is claimed by many. Every 6cyl w/ the 8 speed has a slightly harsh downshift as you're describing based from what I hear and what I've driven(and I drove probably about 4-5 of them before buying). Clunking however? I haven't experienced that and could very well be an issue. This being said I don't understand why people are buying the car if it they didn't like how it shifted. I had the above service done and it's a slight change but not drastic however I expected it to operate this way, as that's how it was when I tested them.

I would just be patient and see what happens. If you honestly believe other car companies are going to offer much better customer service I have some bad news for you. Google "Si transmission problems." Honda Si owners were picketing outside of dealerships and the company didn't do squat.
 
#11 · (Edited)
Anyone have any luck in getting this resolved? Mine appears to be getting worse, louder clunk and now jolting the car forward while lightly breaking- a little disheartening. Seems like 4-3 downshift and 2-1, I think someone mentioned these same points as well
Going in for state inspection at yet another dealer soon. I'll try to address it with them, but really, I've given up on getting this resolved. It SHOULDN'T be this hard to get this fixed. Yes, mine is getting worse, with a "clunk" heard all through the range, even at parking lot speeds. With light throttle pressure on and off at 5 mph or so it makes a distinctive "clunk - clunk". Can produce it on-demand by simply shifting into reverse from park - "CLUNK" into gear. I'm convinced this is a mechanical issue with the rear. Something is loose or defective. That's the clunking problem. The other issue is the awful transmission. It obviously is downshifting poorly. As a result, it only makes any rear drivetrain issue even more noticable. My take.
 
#10 ·
Didn't notice much after the software update, but the vehicle was going smoothly beforehand. I think anything that ws different was due to the resetting of the PCM. Seems to be working well and no "clunk" yet. But my other vehicle is a big clunky V8 SUV so maybe it is a matter of perspective. Compared to that mine is smooth as silk. I have looked for it a bit. Maybe there is a bit of a 3/2 downshift feel, but hardly a clunk. I think the change in friction parts etc. going into the US manufactured 8 spd are there to match it up with the Hemi in future models. Can't remember where I read that, though.
 
#12 ·
I just ordered a 2013 Charger SXT AWD Jazz Blue to be built today. Dealer told me about 8 weeks before I see it. Hope these transmission problems in the later builds are being resolved. My '05 300C Hemi which I'm trading in on the Charger has a Mercedes transmission "shudder" at approx 45 mph under medium acceleration, feels like it's going over rumble strips. Took it in for that and all they did was put some tranny additive in it. Worked fine for 4 months, then started to shudder again. So the dealer contacted Chrysler, they hooked up a flight recorder and recorded the problem when it was happening, and sent the data to Chrysler and the results were inconclusive and found nothing wrong with it. So they were told to repeat the additive, worked for a few months and now shuddering once again. So I figured on trading it in, as I heard these 8 speeds were the greatest thing since sliced bread. 300 HP V-6 luxury/sport sedan that gets 18-19 mpg in town and 30mpg on the highway, and goes 0-60 in 5.8 seconds in the AWD version? And all that for just south of $30K.....Can't beat that. So what is up with mopar's German tranny's? I'd hate to go through that issue again with this Charger.
 
#13 ·
I just ordered a 2013 Charger SXT AWD Jazz Blue to be built today.....
First let me say that is going to be one sweet ride! You should definitely post some pictures when it arrives! :beerchug:

Mine (non AWD) makes a horrible clunking sound (or double clunk sometimes), which can be heard inside the cabin- sometimes when coming to a stop (during downshifting), sometimes while accelerating, sometimes when simply putting it into reverse (though many cars do this)). I cannot replicate it all of the time, but it is certainly unnerving, and some passengers have commented on it. I also occasionally get some shudder on acceleration as you mention, but nothing too rough yet.

Whether or not its actually the transmission, drivetrain, or combination of both (FJP makes some good points) im not sure. It developed a light version of the noise within the first few hundred miles (of course not at the dealer), but now at 2k, it is much louder. Other than this, the car is awesome and a lot of fun to drive! Im just hoping the transmission doesnt die a day after the warranty is up. Its German (ZF) and imported as an assembly- i've read that this means dealers have limited repair capabilities (and is likely expensive to replace)

Fortunately i havent found to many similar accounts online- so whatever the issue, it doesnt appear very widespread. But i still cant help but to think the implementation of the ZF model was rushed to oblige CAFE standards while Chrysler got US plants up for their revised version. Will report back if i ever find a fix or it falls out, but happy to keep driving it in the meantime :banana:
 
#15 ·
hello all- anyone have updates on this? a few months and roadtrips later (about 4800 mi at this point) i still get the clunking every time i drive and its starting to drive me up a wall. dealer gives the notorious "cannot duplicate". thinking about contacting corporate to help out, but not sure ive given enough time for 'break-in'. read stories about the trans coming around eventually (if thats actually what it is).

thanks for any info. and happy almost 4th!
 
#16 ·
I've had the TSB done on mine, but I can honestly say that I don't have any complaints, nor did I before it was done (but at only about 4,000 miles). No clunking as described on this forum. I thought it was a lot better at starting from stop after the service but that is all I noticed. The downshift delay was also better but it was subtle enough for me to question my own objectivity.
 
#17 ·
I have not noticed any problems with my 8 speed before or after the recall. But, I have went to turn off the engine after I thought I was in park and took my foot off the brake and started rolling backwards to find the engine still running and the car in reverse instead of park. I called Chrysler after the 3rd time it has happened. I suggested they either add a oral warning tone or allow me to turn off the car when I hit the button no matter what gear I am in. I just called them within the hour so I am not sure if I will get a response back but if you have had this issue I suggest you call the 1-800-getadodge number and let them know about it. This is a saftey issue that needs to be addressed.
 
#18 ·
I had gotten a survey from Chrysler regarding the keyless ignition features and it seemed the questions were looking for comments regarding being able to leave the motor running after leaving the vehicle, gear warnings, and power-on warnings.

I can say that sometimes this thing is so quiet that I can't tell if it is on without looking at the start button. That is why I put the CAI on, to get a little feedback. I did just what you described a couple times when I first got the car.
 
#19 · (Edited)
First, apologies for the length of this post.

Well I'm not liking what I'm hearing here about the 8A. Nor what sounds like Chrysler/ZF attitude.
Apparently getting rescued from The Brink of Extinction (twice) has not filtered upstairs regarding take care of customers and they will take care of you.

I had a 2011 200 V6 6A and it had some surging-feeling issues in the lower gears. I felt it during road tests of two different cars but figured it was just a learning issue that would go away with time. It didn't.

Mopar did a reflash which took care of about 70% of the stumble/surge, but it still felt like a carbureted car with issues, at lower speeds.

It's disturbing that the makers are still giving the standard blowoff to people who they really shouldn't be alienating. So much for vaunted German engineering. So much for New Chrysler/FIAT.

I had an interesting and more positive experience with GM Customer Service a few years back, though not of a mechanical nature. But it DID involve a dealership and the A-hole "service" department attitude.

AM radio quit working. That's the only part of the $1600 radio/GPS (almost useless and very user-unfriendly...unless you think you can drive across/under rivers, etc.) that I used and of course it went kablooey.

Bought the car, a GP GXP, used and bought the GMPP extended warranty from Black Cadillac in PA.

Long story less long: First (of five) service visits, "We can't fix it, there's nothing wrong with it. AM is on the way out anyway. Try satellite. Don't let the door hit you on the way out."

I took it back and said that is not an answer. So they replaced the entire damn unit. No worries! Warranty!

Still not fixed. I found a GM phone number during a net search and phoned them. Wonder of wonders, I got a squared-away case manager who apparently contacted the "service" department.

Those folks, after hearing from GM, were SO glad to see me, kissed my ass and said how can we help you sir, etc. etc.
Three more attempts and it finally turned out to be a $10 gadget that a competent troubleshooter would probably have found if their M.O. was not fastest-easiest, forget about troubleshoot.

I'd asked them if they considered sending the car to a sound system specialist. I happened to talk to a local sight-n-sound shop about the radio problem, and they said often car dealers will bring in their troublesome problems because they're better versed with this equipment than the dealer service monkeys.

I seriously considered taking the car to the sound shop to get it fixed, outside of the warranty system, because I had more faith that they could fix it than the half-fast service department. But I wanted to force the dealer and GM to do their job.

Another funny thing happened shortly thereafter. A rear strut went bad. From my reading of the warranty, the suspension parts were out of warranty by either time or miles.
Yet the service manager was sooooo glad to replace the strut under warranty.
Clearly, the GM Case Manager put The Fear Of Gawd into these idiots. Thank you, sir!

They sent the car out to a tire shop "expert." I guess struts were beyond their abilities.
Oh boy, there are a lot of them running around loose.

The tire shop installed the strut.
Also they "corrected" the staggered tire factory fitment. On the GP GXP, the front tires are bigger than the backs, contrary to RWD hot rod tradition.

Of course, the idiot tire shop experts "fixed" that and switched the fronts and the backs. :bowdown: The Buick/Pontiac service manager explained to me how the wrong tires were at the wrong ends of the car, and by golly sir we have fixed that for you!:locked:

It never ends. Neither the tire/suspension shop nor the dealer service department apparently bothered to look up anything.

:biggrinjester: These people are out there, and they are multiplying.

Have any of you guys with the 8A issue gone to an independent, competent, expert trannie shop?
A lot of the guys with the GM 4T60-E & 4T65-E had them rebuilt with HD aftermarket components because they wanted them built to last, they didn't want to keep going back and getting warranty repairs that weren't.

Looking forward to hearing that this issue is RESOLVED. I hope.

Again, apologies for the lengthy post. This sort of runaround just seriously ticks me off.
 
#20 ·
I spoke too soon, I have started to notice what I have read to be described as a downshift bump, it feels as though there is excessive transmission drag when down shifting usually in the lower gears at slower speeds. No other problems, need to take it tot eh dealership and have it looked at.
 
#23 ·
Mine went clunk while coasting into a stop sign and then refused to move forward at all. Reverse worked but forward did not. At 4600 miles, the transmission has been returned to Chrysler for an autopsy and a new unit is on the way. There were broken parts in the pan when it was removed. 2013 Charger SXT AWD.
 
#24 ·
I just want to say I'm glad to have the older, tried and true 5-speed Mercedes trans. I've never had any of the symptoms I've read on this thread. And it just proves the old wisdom of mechanics: less complexity/fewer moving parts typically lasts longer. ('12 R/T, no flash updates to anything yet)
 
#25 ·
I've got a 2013 SXT AWD 8 speed bought new in May. It now has 4000 miles on it. Mine has never clunked yet, but now it just started to develop a 1st to 2nd gear slip/over-rev on cold starts. It started last week when the temperatures dipped into the 30 degree range overnight. But the car is in the garage where it is in the 40's. It only slips/revs between 1st and 2nd gear the initial morning start up for a block or two until it warms up but it also does it when I leave work in the afternoon the first shift sequence. Then it is fine the rest of the time. I'm calling the dealer tomorrow to see if this is an issue that has been seen before.
 
#26 ·
A buddy of mine just got a 2013 Chrysler 300S and he was suddenly driving on the freeway one day, and the car wouldn't let him accelerate. Speed would increase if he was giving it light amounts of throttle, but if he gave it a lot, the transmission would downshift, but the car wouldn't accelerate at all. It was as if it was hitting a speed limiter. Has this happened to anyone?
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top