2005 TSB#21-006-07 Full Disable Overdrive.

[HNicholl]

Since I purchased my 2005 CTD 3500 DRW I have been concerned that overdrive disable is not possible in the Tow/Haul Mode. In the recent issue of the TDR Magazine, Issue 58, Page 96 there is a reference to TSB #21-006-07 issued on 03/20/07. The description seems to imply that a software change would maintain the "normal" shift schedule when in the Tow/Haul mode with NO overdrive (4th gear). Currently the Tow/Haul engagement causes a change to a "Tow Haul mode" shift schedule which also allows 4th gear (overdrive gear) engagement. I called my dealer and they confirmed that this software upgrade is available.



Over the past 2 years I have read a considerable number of compliants regarding the dissatisfaction associated with the inability of locking out the overdrive (4th) gear in the 2005 Dodge Trucks. If this TSB was discussed on this forum previously I missed it. I feel that this TSB may be the answer to the wishes of many owners of 2005 vehicles.



My particular concern involves a desire to lock out overdrive while pulling my 14K 5th wheel trailer up long grades (at 60-70 MPG). Currently I have to wait for the transmission to automatically downshift from overdrive or manually intervene by further depressing the accelerator to force a downshift from the overdrive gear. Once in approximately 20 of these occurances (downshifting) I get a CEL (P1753) which puts the truck in a "limp mode" until I erase the code. This has only happened only during heavy towing. This problem is still present in spite of replacing the Transmission Valve Body and the motorized Throttle Valve Actuator.



It seems that giving up the "Tow/Haul" shift schedule to obtain a overdrive lockout would be a small price to pay for excessive downshifts which climbing long grades and may resolve the CEL (P1753) codes I occasionally experience. It may also make the use of my exhaust brake more effective.



Before I commit to this change, can any members correct my interpretation of the TSB or have any members applied this TSB to their 2005 CTD's and wish to comment on their satisfaction with the results.



Hugh

 

[MKeliher]

I to am very interested! I emailed Jim Anderson to ask his opinion?? Please let me know if you proformed the flash. My note to jim is as follows;



I discussed this with you last year, a possible flash to do what 21-006-07 does. I waited to hear if Dodge was going to make it happen. In a couple of issues ago, you stated that they had not. In the last issue Robert posted the TSB info. My question is should I? I would love to lock my truck in third while hauling my 5th wheel camper (tcgvw 19-20K). This would enable me to keep the egt down and my transmission from up shifting to 4th as well as keeping my transmission temp cooler. My dealer says they can. They had to research before saying yes. They appear to have a lack of experience?? They have no quality Cummins guy and the may not survive any how.



Thanks Mikee K.

 

[MKeliher]

Tsb 21-007-06

I to am very interested, did you do the flash?



For all the same reasons I have been waiting to do it except my locial dealer is very ill prepared!

 

[Jeepr]

I thought about it, but then became aware that the change swaps the tow/haul for OD lockout, you can't have both. So, if they do it on your truck, you will no longer have tow/haul. So, I chose to keep tow/haul. For downhill downshifts, you just click it out of tow/haul and back in, and it will downshift and stay there until you step on the gas again.

 

[10-9jc]

Hugh -
I saw that too - but wonder if his info is really correct - as he indicates that after the TSB, the tow/haul operates as the '06 does.

I asked this question some time ago (I'll have to search for it) - and the response I
received is what "Jeepr" indicates.

So - until I hear otherwise - I'll just keep on playing the button game.

Hugh - that means (on an '05 auto) when you push T/H the OD will be locked out
*until* you touch the "go" (accelerator) pedal again.
If / when you do . . . then you must repeat the process again for lockout.
(I know "lockout" is a poor term -Oxymoron?- 'cause it sure isn't "locked out", LOL!)

BTW - Many of us -that purchased new '05s- were lied to by the dealers about this
being "upgraded" - as well as ECM software updates for the EB.

Feel sorry for auto workers - management shot THEM in the foot - with this kind of stuff.

So maybe "Fix It Again Tony" (FIAT) will pay more attention to their "once loyal"
(former) customers.

Or . . . maybe Toyota will put a Cummins in their trucks . . . I'll be first in line.

JC

 

[HBarlow]

Since I purchased my 2005 CTD 3500 DRW I have been concerned that overdrive disable is not possible in the Tow/Haul Mode. In the recent issue of the TDR Magazine, Issue 58, Page 96 there is a reference to TSB #21-006-07 issued on 03/20/07. The description seems to imply that a software change would maintain the "normal" shift schedule when in the Tow/Haul mode with NO overdrive (4th gear). Currently the Tow/Haul engagement causes a change to a "Tow Haul mode" shift schedule which also allows 4th gear (overdrive gear) engagement. I called my dealer and they confirmed that this software upgrade is available.

Over the past 2 years I have read a considerable number of compliants regarding the dissatisfaction associated with the inability of locking out the overdrive (4th) gear in the 2005 Dodge Trucks. If this TSB was discussed on this forum previously I missed it. I feel that this TSB may be the answer to the wishes of many owners of 2005 vehicles.

My particular concern involves a desire to lock out overdrive while pulling my 14K 5th wheel trailer up long grades (at 60-70 MPG). Currently I have to wait for the transmission to automatically downshift from overdrive or manually intervene by further depressing the accelerator to force a downshift from the overdrive gear. Once in approximately 20 of these occurances (downshifting) I get a CEL (P1753) which puts the truck in a "limp mode" until I erase the code. This has only happened only during heavy towing. This problem is still present in spite of replacing the Transmission Valve Body and the motorized Throttle Valve Actuator.

It seems that giving up the "Tow/Haul" shift schedule to obtain a overdrive lockout would be a small price to pay for excessive downshifts which climbing long grades and may resolve the CEL (P1753) codes I occasionally experience. It may also make the use of my exhaust brake more effective.

Before I commit to this change, can any members correct my interpretation of the TSB or have any members applied this TSB to their 2005 CTD's and wish to comment on their satisfaction with the results.

Hugh

This is an ancient post/thread but I had not seen it previously. You may have long ago found a fix to your complaint or may not even have the truck any longer but I'll comment anyway.

A friend and fellow RV transporter who hauled trailers nationwide and Canada for the same company I hauled for had the identical problem and similar equipment and it was never corrected.

He had an '05 bought new and put lots of miles on it. The 48RE failed at around 150k mile and, against my advice, he had a full ATS high performance rebuild done on it by Scheid Diesel in IL where he lived. Every single time he hooked up to a trailer and tried to pull a grade he had a CEL and code set and the engine went into limp mode. Every time it happened he had to call our dispatcher and give up the load he was pulling or the one he was dispatched to go pick up and each time he called ATS and took his truck to another ATS authorized shop. He had his truck in half the shops in the US including the main ATS place of business in CO. He told me the ATS owner got involved and traded the full built transmission out of his personal truck with my friend. The problem continued. I think they even tried a new ECM, still no fix. Ultimately ATS cut him loose and told him to buy a code resetter which he did. He carried the code reset box with him. He lost so many hauls and so much income over a six month period that his truck (and motorhome) were repossessed and he filed bankruptcy. The RV industry slowed to nearly nothing by the end of his sad saga and he is no longer transporting and no longer owns that 2005 Dodge.

 

[10-9jc]

Harvey -
Thanks for the interesting "saga".

However, this "ancient" thread is only brought back from the dead (now) due to the
info relating to this in the current issue of the TDR Mag (issue 64) on page 68 -
"Idle Clatter" column (bottom, right).

Unfortunately, the author has opened a "can of worms".

~
More on bringing back the dead -
See thread: '05 48RE OD Lockout TSB
started by me 11-26-07 . . . . . and the update/s by "Matt400"

Unless Mr. Anderson (somehow) explains his statements, his info
is incorrect - and lots of folks may get something they really don't want if they
have the TSB performed.

JC