EEPROM Write Denied (Chrysler)
What does P1696 mean?
The P1696 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: EEPROM Write Denied (Chrysler). This is a moderate severity code.
Common Symptoms
- Check Engine Light on
- Adaptive fuel trim values not updating
- Transmission shift adaptation not working
- PCM not retaining learned values
- Intermittent drivability changes after restart
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- Failed EEPROM chip inside PCM Very High
- Low battery voltage during write attempt High
- PCM power interruption during EEPROM write cycle Moderate
- Corrupted PCM software Low
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
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Check battery voltage and charging system. Low voltage can prevent EEPROM writes.
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Clear the code and monitor. If it returns immediately, the EEPROM has likely failed.
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Check for loose battery connections or parasitic drains that could cause voltage drops.
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Attempt a PCM software reflash. If the reflash fails, the EEPROM chip is damaged.
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If the EEPROM has failed, the PCM must be replaced and reprogrammed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EEPROM?
EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) is the non-volatile memory in the PCM that stores learned values like fuel trim, idle speed, and transmission shift points.
Will my vehicle run normally with this code?
It will run, but the PCM cannot save adaptive values. This means fuel economy and shift quality may not optimize, and the PCM resets its learned values at each startup.
Can a battery replacement cause this?
A battery replacement itself should not cause this. However, if the old battery was consistently providing low voltage, it may have caused EEPROM write failures.