How to Fix Diagnostic Code P1697

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šŸšØ Diagnostic Profile

Vehicle Make: Chrysler

Description: PCM Failure with SRI Mile Not Stored. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) may be reporting an internal fault or communication issue, and the Service Reminder Indicator (SRI) mileage value is not being retained or displayed correctly. Verify the exact model year, engine, and transmission before proceeding.

šŸšØ Repair Difficulty Tier

Tier: [Intermediate]

Diagnosis requires a scan tool capable of reading PCM fault codes, checking battery and charging system health, and verifying data bus communication. Replacement or reprogramming of the PCM may require specialized programming equipment (such as a Stellantis-authorized wiTECH 2.0 interface) and access to current OEM software.

šŸ› ļø Resolution Steps

Step 1: Preliminary Inspection

  • Verify battery state of charge and terminal condition using a digital multimeter. A healthy, fully charged 12V battery at rest should read approximately 12.4Vā€“12.6V DC with no load.
  • Inspect PCM and main engine/body ground connections for corrosion, looseness, or damage. On most Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep platforms, the PCM ground straps are located at the engine block-to-body ground point and the battery negative terminal junction; verify continuity (near 0 ohms) to chassis ground.
  • Inspect the PCM connector(s) for bent, pushed-out, or corroded terminals. The PCM is typically mounted in the engine bay near the air cleaner housing or firewall, secured via a multi-pin harness connector (configuration varies by model year and engine).
  • Check charging system output with the engine running at idle, all accessories off. A properly functioning alternator/charging system should produce approximately 13.5Vā€“14.7V DC at the battery terminals.
  • Inspect wiring harnesses near the PCM and along the engine harness routing for chafing, heat damage, rodent damage, or water intrusion, particularly at harness grommets and connector seals.
  • Review service history for recent battery disconnection, jump starts, aftermarket alarm/remote start installations, or prior software updates that could affect module communication or stored SRI data.

Step 2: Diagnostic Verification

  • Connect a compatible OEM-level scan tool (e.g., wiTECH 2.0) or a quality aftermarket scan tool with full Chrysler/FCA bidirectional capability and retrieve all stored and pending DTCs from the PCM and related modules (BCM, TCM, instrument cluster).
  • Record freeze frame data and confirm whether the PCM-related fault is current, pending, or historical before condemning the module.
  • Check data bus communication health between the PCM and other modules via the OBD-II DLC. Chrysler vehicles typically use a CAN-C (high-speed) network on DLC pins 6 and 14; verify presence of valid CAN signal and check terminating resistance across the CAN lines (expect approximately 60 ohms total with the network at rest, indicating two healthy 120-ohm terminating resistors in parallel).
  • Verify the odometer and SRI (oil/service reminder) mileage values displayed in the instrument cluster and compare them against the PCM-stored values using scan tool data streams, since SRI logic is often shared/mirrored between the PCM and cluster on these platforms.
  • Perform a power and ground circuit test on the PCM using the OEM wiring diagram for the confirmed VIN/model year: verify constant battery power (B+), ignition-switched power, and ground circuits are present at the PCM connector using a digital multimeter referenced to a known good ground, rather than relying on an assumed universal pinout.
  • Confirm whether the PCM failure is a true internal fault or a symptom of a power, ground, or network issue (e.g., corroded ground, failing battery, chafed harness) before authorizing PCM replacement.

Step 3: Resolution & Reset Process

  • Repair any wiring, connector, battery, or charging system faults identified in Steps 1 and 2, and retest for PCM fault recurrence before condemning the module.
  • If the PCM is confirmed internally faulty, source a replacement module matched to the vehicle’s exact VIN, engine, and transmission configuration ā€” PCM part numbers are VIN-specific on Chrysler platforms and must be ordered through a dealer parts department or verified OEM supplier using the VIN, not a generic part number.
  • Program or reflash the replacement PCM using current OEM software (wiTECH 2.0 or equivalent authorized Stellantis diagnostic/programming platform) tied to the vehicle’s VIN. Follow the documented service procedure for module programming, including any required Secure Gateway authentication and post-programming module configuration/key learning.
  • Reset or update the SRI mileage value using the scan tool’s dedicated SRI/oil reminder reset function, or the applicable dash-cluster manual reset sequence (commonly cycling the ignition or odometer reset button per the documented procedure for the specific model year) to re-sync stored mileage between the PCM and cluster.
  • Clear all stored DTCs, perform a road test or OEM-specified drive cycle, and recheck for DTC return, confirming stable network communication and correct SRI mileage retention after an ignition cycle.
  • Document all test results, part numbers used, software calibration/version numbers applied, and final repair verification for warranty and service record purposes.

šŸ“¦ Parts, Labor, and Budget Estimates

Required Components/Software:

  • PCM replacement module (if confirmed faulty): VIN-specific OEM dealer part, or quality remanufactured unit programmed to VIN
  • OEM reprogramming/reflash access: wiTECH 2.0 subscription (Stellantis) or authorized dealer programming service
  • Battery test or replacement, if required: Group size-specific 12V automotive battery meeting OEM CCA/reserve capacity specification
  • Connector repair kit, terminals, dielectric grease, or wiring repair materials, if required

Average Component Price:

  • PCM module: approximately $400ā€“$900 (remanufactured/aftermarket) or $700ā€“$1,600+ (new OEM dealer unit), before programming fees
  • Software/programming fee: approximately $150ā€“$300 per module if performed by an independent shop with subscription access; dealer programming often bundled into labor at $120ā€“$250
  • Miscellaneous electrical repair materials (terminals, connectors, loom, ground straps): approximately $20ā€“$100
  • Battery replacement, if required: approximately $120ā€“$250 depending on group size and CCA rating

Estimated Labor Hours:

  • Diagnostic time (battery/charging check, DTC retrieval, bus/network and ground circuit testing): approximately 1.0ā€“1.5 hours
  • PCM replacement and programming (parts access, R&R, reflash/VIN programming): approximately 1.0ā€“2.0 hours depending on PCM mounting location and model year
  • Verification, SRI reset, and road test/drive cycle confirmation: approximately 0.3ā€“0.6 hours