P2610 on 2013-2016 Chrysler 200: PCM Internal Engine Off Timer Performance Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2013-2016 Chrysler 200

For this specific generation of Chrysler 200 and its platform mates, the P2610 code is a well-documented issue that is most often software-related. Chrysler has released multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) acknowledging that a software bug in the PCM is the root cause. These TSBs show that P2610 frequently appears alongside other codes, such as P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor), pointing to a common software fault that a PCM reflash is designed to fix. Owner and technician experiences confirm that a dealer software update is the most common and effective solution, often resolving multiple codes at once.

Diagnostic Flowchart

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

Generation note: The 2013-2016 year range covers two generations of the Chrysler 200: the first generation (2013-2014, 'JS' platform) and the second generation (2015-2016, 'UF' platform). The provided TSBs and general diagnostic information indicate that the P2610 code and its primary solution (PCM reflash) are common to both generations and their related platform mates, particularly on models equipped with the 3.6L V6 and 2.4L engines.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Inability to pass an emissions test due to readiness monitors not completing
• Possible intermittent hard starting or stalling (rare)
• Remote start may fail to operate, as the system often disables it when a Check Engine Light is active.

Most Likely Causes

1. PCM Software Requires Update 🔴 High Probability Multiple manufacturer TSBs (e.g., #18-050-16, #18-051-16) have been issued to correct this specific software-related fault that causes a group of false codes, including P2610.
   How to confirm: Contact a Chrysler dealership with the vehicle's VIN to determine if a software update is available for the Powertrain Control Module. The TSBs are the primary diagnostic evidence.
   Typical fix: Have the dealership perform a PCM reflash to install the updated software. This service typically costs between $150 and $300.
   Est. part cost: $0
2. Weak or Failing Battery 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Vehicle Battery The PCM's internal timer relies on constant 'keep-alive' power. A weak battery that drops below 12.4V when the engine is off can disrupt this memory, triggering the code. Modern Chrysler vehicles are known to be sensitive to low voltage conditions.
   How to confirm: Test the battery voltage with the engine off. A healthy battery should read between 12.4V and 12.7V. Perform a load test to confirm its health, as surface voltage can be misleading.
   Typical fix: Replace the vehicle's 12V battery.
   Est. part cost: $150-$250
3. Poor PCM Power or Ground Connection ⚪ Low Probability Corrosion on battery terminals or loose/corroded chassis ground straps can interrupt power to the PCM, similar to a weak battery, causing memory loss for the internal timer.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect all battery terminals, main power feeds, and chassis/engine ground straps for corrosion or looseness. Perform a voltage drop test on the PCM power and ground circuits; it should not exceed 50mV (0.050V).
   Typical fix: Clean battery terminals and cable ends with a wire brush. Clean, tighten, or replace corroded ground straps.
   Est. part cost: $5-$50

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM): → Shop Engine Control Module (ECM) This is a rare cause. The PCM should only be replaced after all other possibilities, especially software updates and battery/power supply issues, have been thoroughly ruled out.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs): This is the most critical first step. Contact a Chrysler dealer with your VIN to see if a PCM software update is available per TSBs #18-050-16 or #18-051-16. This is the most likely solution.
2. Test the Battery and Charging System: Ensure the battery is fully charged and healthy. Test its voltage with the engine off (should be >12.4V) and perform a load test. Check that the alternator is charging correctly (typically 13.5V-14.5V) with the engine running. A weak battery is a common secondary cause.
3. Inspect Power and Ground Connections: Check the battery terminals for corrosion and ensure they are tight. Inspect the main PCM power and ground wires for any signs of damage or corrosion. Perform a voltage drop test if you have a multimeter.
🎬 Watch: Learn how to use a multimeter to test grounds.
4. Scan for Other Codes: If other codes are present, especially P0335, P1607, or U0140, recognize that they are likely symptoms of the same software glitch. Do not replace parts for these codes before performing the reflash.
5. Perform PCM Reflash: If a software update is available, have it performed by a qualified technician. The TSBs note that a battery charger must be connected during the flash process to ensure voltage does not drop below 13.2 volts.
6. Consider PCM Failure: If all other steps fail to resolve the issue, the PCM itself may have an internal hardware fault, but this should be considered a last resort.

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 and manufacturer-specified fix for this code on this vehicle, as documented in multiple TSBs.
  Trusted brands: Mopar (via dealership)
  OEM price range: $150-$300
  Aftermarket price range: N/A
• Automotive Battery (OEM #Example: Mopar BB094R750AA (Group 94R)) — A weak or failing battery is the second most common cause, as it disrupts the PCM's keep-alive memory and internal clock.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Interstate, DieHard
  OEM price range: $200-$300
  Aftermarket price range: $150-$250

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0335 — Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit. The TSBs (#18-051-16, #18-050-16) explicitly link P2610 and P0335, indicating a common software issue often resolves both.
• P1607 — PCM Internal Shutdown Timer Rationality. This code is closely related to P2610 and points to the same internal timer logic issue within the PCM, as noted in TSB #18-051-16.
• U0140 — Lost Communication With Body Control Module (BCM). This can appear alongside P2610, as seen in TSB #18-050-16, suggesting a broader software or communication issue that a PCM flash may address.
• P0456 — EVAP System Small Leak. TSB #18-050-16 REV. A lists this code as another that can be resolved by the same PCM software update, indicating the timer issue may affect EVAP monitor logic.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 18-050-16 REV. A: Explicitly lists P2610 for 3.6L 'JC' vehicles (Dodge Journey, a platform mate) and instructs technicians to reprogram the PCM. Also addresses P0335, U0140, and P0456.
• 18-051-16 REV. B: Lists P2610 for 2.4L 'UF' vehicles (2016 Chrysler 200) as one of many codes fixed by a PCM software update.
• 18-050-16 (Original): The initial bulletin from April 2016 which identifies P2610, P0335, and U0140 on 3.6L vehicles as being caused by a software issue requiring a reflash.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Chrysler has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for the 2013-2016 model years related to this code, including #18-051-16 and #18-050-16. These bulletins instruct technicians to update the PCM software to resolve the P2610 code, often along with other codes like P0335.
• Real-world owner experiences on forums confirm the TSBs. A user on a Ford truck forum with a similar P2610 issue after an electrical problem highlights how electrical glitches can trigger this timer code. This reinforces the importance of checking the battery and connections on the Chrysler 200.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• PCM Keep Alive Memory (KAM) Power — expected: Should be equal to battery voltage (12.2V+ with key off).. Failure: Low or zero voltage indicates a blown fuse (check PCM/KAM fuse) or a break in the power wire to the PCM.
• Voltage Drop on PCM Ground Wires — expected: Less than 50 millivolts (0.050 V).. Failure: A reading higher than 50mV indicates high resistance in the ground circuit, which needs to be located and cleaned.
• Battery Voltage (Engine Off) — expected: 12.4V to 12.7V.. Failure: Voltage below 12.4V indicates a discharged or weak battery that can cause module memory loss.
• System Voltage During PCM Reflash — expected: Must be maintained between 13.2V and 13.5V.. Failure: Dropping below 13.2V or exceeding 13.5V can cause the flash process to fail or corrupt the PCM.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH: Reprogram the PCM — This is the specific service function used to perform the software update (reflash) as instructed by multiple TSBs to fix the P2610 software glitch.
• wiTECH: Clear all DTCs — This function must be used after the reflash is complete to clear any codes that were set in other modules during the reprogramming process.
• wiTECH: Restore Vehicle configuration — After the PCM reflash and clearing DTCs, this function may be required to finalize the process and ensure all vehicle options are correctly configured in the newly flashed module.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Powertrain Control Module (PCM) — For 2015-2017 models with the 2.4L engine, the PCM is located on the right side of the engine bay, under the hood near the battery.. Knowing the PCM's location is necessary for visually inspecting its connectors for corrosion or damage and for performing voltage/ground tests directly at the module's pins.
• G200 — Located in the left kick panel area for the 2014 'JS' platform Chrysler 200.. This is a primary interior ground point. A loose or corroded G200 could affect multiple modules, including the PCM or those it communicates with, potentially causing timer or communication errors.
• G105 — Located on the right side of the engine compartment for the 2014 'JS' platform Chrysler 200.. This is a key engine bay ground. Poor connection here can directly impact the PCM's ground reference, leading to unstable operation and codes like P2610.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Reddit user in r/chrysler (2015 Chrysler 200) — Battery dies after a few days of sitting idle. A parasitic draw of 1.9 Amps was measured when the car was off.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initial diagnosis was difficult without wiring diagrams.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The parasitic draw was traced to fuses F79 (Integrated Center Stack/Instrument Panel Cluster) and F80 (Radio). Pulling these fuses dropped the draw significantly, indicating a fault within one of those components was causing the battery drain, a condition known to trigger P2610 due to low voltage.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2013-2014 ('JS' Platform): TSB #18-050-16 specifically covers the 2013 JS platform (Chrysler 200) and its platform mate, the Dodge Journey (JC), for the P2610 code fix.
• 2015-2016 ('UF' Platform): TSB #18-051-16 and its revisions cover the 2016 UF platform (Chrysler 200) for the P2610 code, while other bulletins like #18-023-16 REV. D cover the 2015 UF model. This indicates different software packages for different model years and platforms, even though the root cause is similar.