P2610 on 2015-2016 Ram ProMaster City: PCM Timer Performance Fixes

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

For the 2015-2016 Ram ProMaster City, P2610 is very frequently a software issue rather than a hardware failure. Ram issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) acknowledging that a software anomaly could cause P2610 to appear, often alongside a cluster of other seemingly unrelated codes. The official manufacturer fix is to reprogram the PCM with updated software, which resolves the timer's performance issue. This issue is also common on other FCA vehicles that share the 2.4L Tigershark engine.

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 is on
• Inability to pass an emissions test due to readiness monitors not being set
• Vehicle may exhibit other seemingly unrelated symptoms tied to codes that are set concurrently, such as rough idle or sensor performance issues.

Most Likely Causes

1. Outdated Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Software 🔴 High Probability → Shop Engine Control Module (ECM) This is a well-documented issue, with Ram issuing multiple Technical Service Bulletins (e.g., #18-063-17 REV. A) advising a PCM reflash to fix P2610 and other codes. The TSBs explicitly state that reprogramming the PCM is the solution for this code.
   How to confirm: A technician with a wiTECH scan tool can check the vehicle's current software calibration ID against the latest version available from the manufacturer. The presence of P2610 along with other codes listed in the TSBs (like P1607, P0335, P0456) is a strong indicator.
   Typical fix: Reprogram (reflash) the PCM with the latest software version. This must be done at a dealership or a properly equipped independent shop. The TSBs note that the Transmission Control Module (TCM) may also need to be updated at the same time.
   Est. part cost: $0
2. Weak or Failing Battery ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Vehicle Battery While less common than the software issue for this specific code, all modern vehicles are sensitive to low voltage. The ProMaster City uses a Group Size H6 (also called Group 48) battery, and a weak one can cause erratic behavior in electronic modules like the PCM.
   How to confirm: Low voltage can cause various electronic modules, including the PCM, to behave erratically. A simple battery test using a multimeter or a load tester can confirm its health. Voltage should be above 12.4V with the engine off. TSB procedures for reflashing the PCM specifically require connecting a battery charger to maintain stable voltage between 13.2 and 13.5 volts, highlighting the system's sensitivity to voltage.
   Typical fix: Replace the vehicle's 12V battery. Common replacements are Group Size H6/48, often with AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) technology.
   Est. part cost: $150-$250
3. PCM Power or Ground Circuit Issue ⚪ Low Probability
   How to confirm: Inspect the wiring harness going to the PCM for any damage, corrosion, or loose connections. Check for stable voltage and clean, tight ground connections at the PCM connector. This should only be investigated after a software update has been performed and the battery is confirmed to be good.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged wiring or clean the ground connection points.
   Est. part cost: $5-$50

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM): → Shop Engine Control Module (ECM) This is a last resort. The PCM should only be considered faulty after the software has been updated and all power/ground circuits have been verified as good. Replacing a PCM is expensive, costing over $900 for the part alone, and requires programming to the vehicle's VIN.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Scan the vehicle for all diagnostic trouble codes. Note any other codes that are present with P2610, as they are key indicators for the software issue.
2. Check for applicable Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for the vehicle's VIN. For this vehicle, TSBs like #18-063-17 REV. A, #18-008-16 REV. B, and others are key documents.
3. If a TSB directs you to reprogram the PCM, this should be the first step. This is the most probable solution and should be performed by a Ram dealer or qualified shop with a wiTECH tool.
4. During the reflash, ensure a battery charger is used to maintain voltage between 13.2 and 13.5 volts, as specified in the TSBs.
5. If the code persists after the software update, thoroughly test the vehicle's battery and charging system. Ensure voltage is stable and connections are clean and tight. The battery should be a Group Size H6/48.
6. Inspect the PCM wiring harness and connectors for any signs of physical damage, corrosion, or looseness.
7. Verify that the PCM is receiving consistent power and has a solid ground connection.
8. Only if all other steps fail to resolve the issue should a faulty PCM be suspected. PCM replacement is a costly last resort.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Reprogramming — This is a service, not a part. It is the most common and manufacturer-recommended fix for P2610 on this specific vehicle, as it corrects the software glitch causing the timer issue.
  OEM price range: $150-$350
  Aftermarket price range: N/A
• Car Battery (OEM #Group Size H6 / Group Size 48) — A weak or failing battery can cause unstable voltage, leading to various electronic issues, including the P2610 code. It's a less common cause but an important secondary check. The correct size is Group H6/48. 🎬 See this walkthrough for removing and servicing the ProMaster City battery.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Interstate, DieHard, Optima
  OEM price range: $200-$300
  Aftermarket price range: $150-$250

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P1607 — PCM Internal Shutdown Timer Rationality. This is a closely related code also addressed by the PCM software updates.
• P0335 — Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit. Often triggered by the same software issue as P2610 on this vehicle.
• P0456 — EVAP System Small Leak. The EVAP monitor relies on the engine-off timer, so a timer fault can trigger EVAP codes. This is also listed in the TSBs.
• P0133 — O2 Sensor 1/1 Slow Response. Another code frequently listed alongside P2610 in manufacturer TSBs for a software update.
• C0501 / C0507 — Wheel Speed Signal Rationality. These chassis codes are also mentioned in the TSBs as being resolved by a PCM reflash.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 18-063-17 REV. A: 'Flash: Powertrain Diagnostic and System Improvements', which lists P2610 among many other codes resolved by a PCM software update.
• 18-008-16 REV. B: Mentions P2610 as a code that can be set and is addressed by software updates.
• 18-008-16: Mentions P2610 as a code that can be set.
• 18-030-16: Lists P2610 as a code that can be set.
• 1801416REVA: Lists P2610 'PCM Internal Engine Off Timer Performance' as a potential DTC.
• 18-051-16 (for Chrysler 200): Confirms the same issue on a platform mate.
• 18-014-17 (for Jeep Cherokee): Confirms the same issue on a platform mate.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• The 2015-2016 ProMaster City is known to have PCM software that can erroneously set P2610 along with a wide range of other fault codes. Ram has addressed this by releasing several software updates via TSBs, making a dealer visit for a reflash the primary solution.
• Owner forums and TSBs for platform mates confirm this is a widespread software issue across the FCA 2.4L Tigershark engine family, not an isolated problem with the ProMaster City.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Battery Voltage, Engine Off — expected: 12.2V - 12.7V. Failure: Below 12.2V indicates a discharged or failing battery that can cause erratic module behavior.
• Charging System Voltage, Engine Idling — expected: 13.5V - 14.5V. Failure: Voltage below 13.5V or above 14.5V suggests an alternator or regulator issue, which can disrupt PCM operation.
• Scan Tool Live Data: 'Engine Off Timer' — expected: Timer should count down to zero within 5-10 seconds after engine shutdown.. Failure: Timer not activating, not counting down, or giving erratic values confirms the fault reported by P2610.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH (Dealer Tool): Flash Powertrain Control Module — This is the primary fix for P2610 on this vehicle, used to load the updated manufacturer software that corrects the internal timer glitch as per TSBs.
• wiTECH (Dealer Tool) or capable aftermarket (e.g., Autel): Proxy Configuration Alignment — This procedure is mandatory if the PCM or BCM is replaced. It synchronizes all vehicle modules. A mismatch (e.g., 'ECU Configuration Mismatch' code) will prevent the vehicle from operating correctly and can cause a no-start condition.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Powertrain Control Module (PCM) — Typically located in the engine bay, mounted to the firewall or an inner fender. It is a metal box with several large electrical connectors.. This is the module setting the code. All power and ground connections to this module must be clean and secure. A poor connection can mimic an internal fault.
• Body Control Module (BCM) — Located under the dashboard on the driver's side, to the right of the steering column, often integrated with the interior fuse panel.. The BCM is a central hub for vehicle electronics and communicates with the PCM. A BCM failure or communication issue on the CAN bus could potentially cause erratic behavior in other modules, although it's a less direct cause for P2610.
• Main Battery Ground — The primary ground cable from the battery negative terminal to the vehicle chassis and/or engine block.. A loose or corroded main ground is a common cause of widespread, difficult-to-diagnose electrical issues on many vehicles. It can cause low voltage or voltage instability at the PCM, triggering various codes including P2610.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• CarComplaints.com (2016 Ram ProMaster City, 85,000 miles) — When the battery was low, the vehicle's computer system malfunctioned, the gear shifter could not be moved, and the vehicle would not accelerate properly.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The vehicle was taken to a dealer who reset the computer system, which remedied the failure. This aligns with the known software issue but also highlights the link to a low battery condition.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 68232044AA (and revisions AB, AC, AD, AE, AF, AG) → 05150961AC, 68257650AA, 68342098AA (among others) — Standard hardware revisions and software updates over the vehicle's life.
  Heads up: When replacing a PCM, the part number must be an exact match or a manufacturer-specified superseded number. A physically identical module from another vehicle will not work as it must be programmed with the correct VIN and security information (Proxy Alignment) to function.