20003 3500 ecu

[Kedzierski]

I have a 2003 3500 auto with 250hp and i wonted to know if i can just plug in a ecu from a 2003 3500 HO auto with 305hp. Would it work?

 

[sag2]

A friend from Utah and I were going to try it on our 03's, but they both had SKIM keys, so we couldn't swap the modules. After I got the 04, it didn't matter anymore.

 

[Kedzierski]

I was under the impression that the security module was a separate box and it did not make a difference with the main engine ecu. Is the skim key linked to the engine ecu?

 

[sag2]

The SKIM module sends the OK to start message to the ECM.

 

[Kedzierski]

so if I would change only ecu i would be able to start it with out any problems.

 

[MFalkinham]

I highly doubt that plugging a HO ECU into a SO truck would work, and it might even cause damage to the vehicle electronics.

Since you are going to void your engine warranty by trying that, maybe instead add an aftermarket power box to the SO and get the extra power without quite as much risk. Be aware the HO has upgraded pistons to handle the extra power & torque, so don't get too carried away.

http://www.cummins.com/na/pages/en/products/dodgeram/faq/answers. cfm?uuid=00036766-DA2C-1E30-8DDB80C4A8F00000

 

[jwilliams3]

Extra power wont hurt the SO engine.

 

[wilddiesel]

It does not work, Computor has to have vin# match so ABS and all else can be matched. Already tried this.

 

[JCleary]

I highly doubt that plugging a HO ECU into a SO truck would work, and it might even cause damage to the vehicle electronics.



Since you are going to void your engine warranty by trying that, maybe instead add an aftermarket power box to the SO and get the extra power without quite as much risk. Be aware the HO has upgraded pistons to handle the extra power & torque, so don't get too carried away.

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Extra power hurt the SO? I think not. Reading through these forums it seems that the SO's respond better to fueling mods, and are relatively easy to get over 500rwhp. I've never heard of a Cummins bottom end letting go because the pistons weren't cooled. Every failure I've seen have been due to extreme overfueling, or a problem with an injector or fueling box. There are a lot of guys, 1st and 2nd gen owners, with huge hp and over 200k on their stock bottom ends. I'm sure there are a few highly modded 3rd genners out there with high miles as well. The block/pistons/conrods are not something I worry about.

 

[MFalkinham]

I stand corrected. Go nuts.

 

[Tomeygun]

I think not. Reading through these forums it seems that the SO's respond better to fueling mods, and are relatively easy to get over 500rwhp.

I heard of a red SO that hit over 500, hmm. . For life of me can't remember his name... hmm... . wierd

 

[Kedzierski]

Is there any way to make it work?My original ECU was stolen from my truck so the only one i was able to find used it was from HO. I contacted Cummins and they told me that it should work but they were not 100% sure since it was in a dodge. Any ideas!!!

 

[DPKetchum]

Don't think it will. Its DESIGNED so USED(maybe stolen)electronics cannot be sold black market.

 

[cerberusiam]

Kedzierski, if you can get your money back on the used piece try it and see. As dpkethcum and wilddiesel said it probably won't work. All the info I have gathered says it won't work due to the failsafes in the electronics. I do know of one person that had to get the ECU from DC and have it flashed with the correct VIN and programs for the correct year.

 

[Kedzierski]

Any chance to get contact information?Can any Dodge dealer reprogram it?

 

[TCDiesel]

Any chance to get contact information?Can any Dodge dealer reprogram it?

Dodge can reflash it with your VIN, It will work only with your VIN Programed only.

 

[DPKetchum]

I may be wrong but I don't think so. If I remember correctly you could not SWAP one from a truck(new for new) for the purpose of trouble shooting etc. Its just not D. C. The other manufactures went that route as well as D. C. a number of years ago. Radios on Nissans as well as ECU'S could not be plugged in one auto or the other. They went into a loxck down etc. at one time the black market on these parts were huge. It stopped the theft of them.