2018 3500 Aisin software update available?

[DonFitzwater]

i have a friend that isn’t happy with his 2018’s performance when towing heavy. He has to take manual control of shifting to maintain speed while climbing grades. Truck has no problem when under manual control and can maintain 60 mph easily but when letting the truck take care of shifting it will drop to sub 40 mph levels. I know earlier Aisin equipped trucks had several software updates to allow better gear control and wondering what we have available for the 2018s, if any. I don’t have a vin or build code but it’s a crew cab, 3500 DRW 4x4 Aisin.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Is he running TH/EB?

 

[DonFitzwater]

Is he running TH/EB?

Yes

 

[DonFitzwater]

VIN 3C63RRJL0JG320830 his trailer weighs right at 17k pounds so I’m thinking he shouldn’t have any trouble with that.

 

[AH64ID]

Is he using cruise control or pedal?

 

[DonFitzwater]

Is he using cruise control or pedal?

Pedal

 

[AH64ID]

Pedal

Has he verified something isn’t keeping him from physically hitting WOT?

The Aisin will hold gears a long time without downshifting.

Does he have the issue with cruise control?

 

[DonFitzwater]

Has he verified something isn’t keeping him from physically hitting WOT?

The Aisin will hold gears a long time without downshifting.

Does he have the issue with cruise control?

Didn’t ask him that question but will. He doesn’t tow with cruise.

 

[DonFitzwater]

He has checked his floor mats (all stock) and they are in place. I just spoke with him and I’m starting to wonder if he isn’t experiencing excessive loss of perceived power due to his fan clutch locking up completely. It is pretty warm in Oregon/northern California right now. He says he is running mid 190s on trans temp so that certainly sounds like warm ambient temps causing warmish running.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I have tried downshifting but the trans has it handled. I just hold it to the floor and let er rip.

 

[gsbrockman]

Is he running TH/EB?

If I had $1.00 for every time you posted this........I could trade trucks every 3 months.

 

[sag2]

Several times on the way back from CMEP event the truck would start dropping speed (on cruise at 70-72) on hills or into a head wind, downshift, come back up to speed, repeat. If I took it off cruise it would hold in 6th without losing any speed. If we stopped for a break and started back up it was fine for a while then happened again. I looked for a flash but ECM is up to date. It only did it a half dozen times. It felt like it was running out of fuel. Changed the filters when we got to Phoenix and engine filter looked perfect. Didn't do it again from Phoenix home.

 

[SnoKing]

Several times on the way back from CMEP event the truck would start dropping speed (on cruise at 70-72) on hills or into a head wind, downshift, come back up to speed, repeat. If I took it off cruise it would hold in 6th without losing any speed. If we stopped for a break and started back up it was fine for a while then happened again. I looked for a flash but ECM is up to date. It only did it a half dozen times. It felt like it was running out of fuel. Changed the filters when we got to Phoenix and engine filter looked perfect. Didn't do it again from Phoenix home.

I believe this problem with boost stuck at 10 PSI while on cruise control only occurs at elevations of 5-6000+. I have it the issue all the time at higher elevations. For me it happens at 60 MPH in 5th gear, if I speed up to 62-63 the issue goes away. So in 6th it most likely happens at a higher speed. Others(in SLC) have noted the same issue. I would be VERY happy if RAM had a fix for this issue, as we go back and forth to Az at those elevations. Never seen it below 4500 feet.

SnoKing

 

[Cummins12V98]

If I had $1.00 for every time you posted this........I could trade trucks every 3 months.

 

[Newsa]

I wonder if this would help. I run mine mostly on valet. But it provides 5 levels + no boost = stock.

 

[Newsa]

i but when letting the truck take care of shifting it will drop to sub 40 mph levels. I don’t have a vin or build code but it’s a crew cab, 3500 DRW 4x4 Aisin.

Does it "feel" like its lugging?

 

[CoastyAV8R]

He has checked his floor mats (all stock) and they are in place. I just spoke with him and I’m starting to wonder if he isn’t experiencing excessive loss of perceived power due to his fan clutch locking up completely. It is pretty warm in Oregon/northern California right now. He says he is running mid 190s on trans temp so that certainly sounds like warm ambient temps causing warmish running.

190 degrees for an Aisin is pretty darn hot, I've never seen mine get above 168. The fan would take some HP away but not enough to not let it maintain speed when in manual mode it keeps its speed. The fact it will do fine in manual mode and what I consider high transmission temps leads me to believe he has a transmission issue that could be as you stated, a software issue but may also be a mechanical issue with transmission. How many miles are on the truck?

 

[Cummins12V98]

190 unless doing a lot of stop and go is VERY HOT!!!

Big grades 33-35k outside temp 100 I am around 172.

 

[AH64ID]

Dad got his to 188° in 1/2 unlocked climbing to a campsite several weeks back. That was towing his ~11K 5er. It was a 8 mile uphill dirt road. Steep but nothing crazy for the PNW.

 

[EZeis]

My 18 Aisin never gets that hot either. It runs about 168 to 174. 174 is after backing my 13k 5th wheel into and up my driveway. I'm in Pennsylvania that's all hills and mountains.


Earl