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FCA is Recalling 5,660 Fiat 500e EVs over Software Incompatibility

When you say recall in today's automotive industry, it's the same as entering a coffee shop and asking for a latte: you're very close to getting one.
Fiat 500e 1 photo
Photo: Fiat
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is preparing for the third recall involving the Fiat 500e after it found a software glitch in 2013-2015 Fiat 500 EV cars built between March 2012 and November 2014.

As a safety and repair measure, Fiat will call in 5,660 500e cars according to a report submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The document mentions that "if the vehicle goes into limp home mode, incompatible software between Electric Vehicle Control Unit (EVCU) and Battery Pack Control Module (BPCM) may cause the electric propulsion system to fully shut down."

Well, no one wants that, right? However, this malfunction comes after in March 2014, FCA conducted update sessions that were meant to improve both the EVCU and the BPCM. Back then, officials said such software changes are made to improve range estimation, charging system robustness and diagnostic capability.

In addition, the Limp Home Mode was added, and this caused the incompatibility that triggered the recall. For now, it is not known whether injuries, deaths or crashes occurred due to this malfunction. When the error comes up, the vehicle will conduct a general shut-down by opening the EV battery pack contactors, causing a loss of power which may increase the risk of a crash.

As a remedy, Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software to ensure compatibility between components, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 15, 2015 but in the meanwhile, owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R15.
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