P1607 on 2015-2016 Ram ProMaster City: PCM Shutdown Timer Fault Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2015-2016 Ram PROMASTER CITY

For the 2015-2016 ProMaster City with the 2.4L Tigershark engine, this code is exceptionally well-documented by the manufacturer as a software flaw. Ram released several Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) acknowledging that P1607, often appearing with other codes, is typically a software glitch that requires a PCM reflash. Unlike on many other vehicles where this code might point to a bad battery or faulty wiring first, on this specific platform, the most common and manufacturer-prescribed cause is outdated PCM software.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light (MIL) is on
• Hard starting or no-start conditions, especially when the engine is cold
• Rough or unstable idle
• Engine stalling, sometimes intermittently
• Hesitation or reduced power during acceleration
• Poor fuel economy

Most Likely Causes

1. Outdated PCM Software 🔴 High Probability Ram issued multiple TSBs for the 2015-2016 ProMaster City specifically to fix this and other related codes with a software update. This indicates a widespread, known bug in the original factory programming.
   How to confirm: A Ram dealer or a shop with a wiTECH scan tool can check the current software calibration ID against the latest version available from FCA (Stellantis). This is the definitive diagnostic step.
   Typical fix: Reprogramming (flashing) the Powertrain Control Module to the latest software version. This service typically takes about an hour of labor.
   Est. part cost: $0
2. Weak or Failing Battery 🟡 Medium Probability Modern vehicles are highly sensitive to voltage irregularities. A weak battery can cause a variety of unpredictable electronic faults, including disrupting the PCM's shutdown sequence and timer, which can trigger a P1607 code.
   How to confirm: Test the battery voltage with a multimeter. It should be ~12.4-12.7V with the engine off and 13.5-14.5V when running. A load test at an auto parts store is the most definitive way to confirm battery health. An owner reported replacing a 4-year-old battery that tested at 689 CCA (down from 800) as preventative maintenance.
   Typical fix: Replace the vehicle's 12V battery. The battery is located under the driver's side floor panel.
   Est. part cost: $150-$300
3. Poor Battery/Ground Connections ⚪ Low Probability
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the battery terminals for corrosion (white or green buildup). Follow the main negative cable to the chassis and the engine block to ensure the ground points are clean, tight, and free of rust or paint. 🎬 Watch: Finding and inspecting the ground strap on a ProMaster.
   Typical fix: Clean the battery terminals and cable ends with a wire brush. Secure all ground connections. Apply a corrosion inhibitor to prevent future buildup.
   Est. part cost: $5-$20

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM): This is a last resort. If a software update has been performed and all power/ground circuits are verified to be good, the PCM itself may have an internal hardware failure. Replacement PCMs must be programmed to the vehicle's VIN.
• Faulty PCM Power Relay: A failing relay can cause intermittent power loss to the PCM, disrupting its shutdown timer and triggering this code. It's a less common but possible cause that is inexpensive to check before replacing the entire PCM.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check for TSBs: The first and most important step is to confirm if the vehicle's software is outdated. A dealer or qualified shop using a wiTECH tool can do this easily. The known TSBs for this issue are #18-063-17 REV. A, #18-008-16 REV. B, and others.
2. Test Battery and Connections: Before proceeding with a software update, perform a full battery health check, including a load test. A weak battery can cause this code. Ensure battery terminals and the main chassis grounds are clean and tight. The battery is located under a floor panel on the driver's side.
3. Perform PCM Software Update: If the software is old, have the PCM reprogrammed (flashed) by a dealer or qualified shop. This is the most likely fix. The process takes approximately 5-6 minutes for the download itself, plus setup time. The dealer will use the wiTECH Diagnostic Application.
🎬 See how a technician uses wiTECH to program the PCM.
4. Inspect PCM Power and Ground Circuits: If the code returns after a reflash and battery check, inspect the wiring providing power and ground to the PCM. Check the PCM power relay and associated fuses for faults.
5. PCM Replacement: If all previous steps fail, the PCM may have an internal hardware fault and require replacement. This is the final and most expensive step. Ensure the replacement PCM is programmed with the vehicle's VIN.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Software Update — This is not a physical part, but a service. It is the most common fix documented in multiple manufacturer TSBs for the 2015-2016 ProMaster City. One owner of a similar Ram vehicle reported being charged $445 for a software update out of warranty.
  Trusted brands: Mopar (via wiTECH)
  OEM price range: $150-$450
  Aftermarket price range: N/A
• Powertrain Control Module (PCM) (OEM #68232044AG (supersedes 68232044AA-AF), 68257650) — Only needed in the rare case that a software update and wiring checks do not resolve the code, indicating an internal hardware failure. Several part numbers exist and have been superseded. RepairPal estimates the part cost around $960, with a total job cost of $1045-$1085.
  Trusted brands: Mopar
  OEM price range: $880-$970
  Aftermarket price range: $400-$700

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P2610 — Stands for 'PCM Internal Engine Off Timer Performance'. This code is very similar to P1607 and is often listed in the same TSBs, pointing to a PCM software update as the fix.
• P0507 — 'Idle Speed Performance Higher Than Expected'. This code is also mentioned in TSB #18-063-17 REV. A and #18-008-16 REV. B as being resolved by the same PCM software flash.
• P0335 — 'Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit'. TSBs #18-008-16 REV. B, #18-030-16, and others for platform mates indicate this code can be falsely set due to the same software issue that causes P1607.
• P0456 — 'EVAP System Small Leak'. This code is also listed in multiple TSBs alongside P1607, indicating the software update resolves it.
• C0501 — 'Wheel Speed Signal Left Front Rationality'. This chassis code is mentioned in TSBs as being fixed by the same powertrain software update.
• U0402 — 'Implausible Data Received From TCM'. This communication code is also frequently cited in the relevant TSBs for the 2.4L engine family.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 18-063-17 REV. A: Addresses P1607 along with idle speed and other codes, fixed by a PCM software update.
• 18-008-16 REV. B: Cites P1607 with rough idle, crank sensor, and EVAP codes, recommending a PCM reflash.
• 18-008-16: Original version of the bulletin, also listing P1607 as a software-related fault.
• 18-030-16: Lists P1607 among codes related to fuel system and sensor performance that are fixed by a software update.
• 1801416REVA

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Multiple Technical Service Bulletins (#18-063-17 REV. A, #18-008-16 REV. B, #18-030-16, etc.) were issued by Ram to address P1607 and a host of other seemingly unrelated codes with a single PCM software update. This indicates a widespread software issue in the original factory programming for these model years.
• The ProMaster City is a rebadged Fiat Doblò, but it uses a Chrysler 2.4L Tigershark engine and powertrain, not a Fiat engine. Therefore, issues are shared with other Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge products using this engine, not with the European Doblò.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Battery Voltage During PCM/TCM Flash — expected: Must be maintained between 13.2 and 13.5 volts. Failure: Dropping below 13.2 volts can interrupt the flash process, potentially corrupting the module.
• PCM Fused Ignition Switch Circuit Voltage — expected: Test light illuminates brightly when probing the circuit with ignition ON.. Failure: Test light is dim or does not illuminate, indicating an open or high resistance in the power supply circuit to the PCM.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH Diagnostic Application: Reprogram the PCM — This is the primary repair step for a 2015-2016 ProMaster City with code P1607. It is used to load the latest manufacturer software that corrects the internal timer rationality fault. The function is found within the main application after connecting to the vehicle.
• wiTECH Diagnostic Application: Clear all DTCs — This function is automatically presented after a successful PCM flash. It must be run to clear P1607 and any other codes that were set due to the reprogramming event.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Main Engine/PCM Ground — A primary ground point is often located on the engine block near the starter or on the transmission bellhousing. Another key ground is attached to the chassis frame, often underneath the underhood fuse box (PDC).. A poor ground connection can cause voltage irregularities and communication errors within the PCM, potentially triggering internal timer faults like P1607. Ensuring these grounds are clean and tight is a crucial step if a software update does not resolve the issue.
• Battery Ground — The main battery negative cable connects directly to the vehicle's chassis, typically on the inner fender or strut tower near the battery. The battery itself is located under the driver's side floor panel.. This is the master ground for the entire electrical system. Corrosion or a loose connection here can cause widespread electronic issues, including PCM malfunctions.
• PCM C1 Connector — This is one of the main multi-pin connectors plugging directly into the Powertrain Control Module.. For advanced diagnosis, technicians may need to test for power and ground directly at the PCM connector pins. For example, on some Chrysler vehicles, pins for the fused ignition switch circuit are located in this connector and must show proper voltage.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Ram ProMaster Forum user (2016 Ram ProMaster City) — Check engine light on with multiple codes, including P1607 and P2610.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) The owner did not attempt any repairs themselves and went directly to a dealership.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The dealership identified TSB 18-063-17 REV. A, which addresses P1607 and P2610 among many others. They performed the PCM software update (reflash) which resolved all fault codes. The owner reported the issue was fixed under the powertrain warranty.
• 5thGenRams Forum user (similar Ram vehicle) (2019 Ram 1500) — Multiple warning lights and error codes related to driver assistance systems.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) An initial software update by the dealer did not fix the issue.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The dealer performed a second, different software update which resolved the problems. The owner was charged $445 for the software update service out of warranty, highlighting that this is a billable repair.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 68232044AA, ...AB, ...AC, ...AD, ...AE, ...AF → 68232044AG — Progressive software and potential hardware revisions to address factory bugs and improve performance. The existence of numerous superseded parts for the PCM reinforces the known issues that were corrected over time.
  Heads up: While later part numbers should be backward compatible, all replacement PCMs must be programmed (flashed) with the vehicle's specific VIN and configuration to function. A used PCM from another vehicle will not be plug-and-play.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2015-2016: For the P1607 software issue, there are no significant differences between the 2015 and 2016 models. Both are covered by the same set of Technical Service Bulletins. However, some minor running changes were made in 2016, such as different tires and increased sound deadening, but these do not affect the diagnosis or repair of this code.