Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 98.5 PCM reprogram milage loss

[John - K5AWO]

I have searched to see how much performance was lost in the 98. 5 ISB trucks when the recall reprogramming was done and only found a few references to actual mpg statements.



I have a friend who owns a 98. 5 RAM 2500 ISB. He said when he first bought the truck it would give him 26 mpg empty at about 65-70 turnpike driving. I believe he has 3. 73 gears.



When the factory sent him a letter that he either submit to the reprogramming or they would void his warranty, he knuckled under.



Result is, he was PO'ed big time. Best mileage he can get now is 18. 0



You guys that are driving a 98. 5, what is your experience?

What did you do to recover that lost performance?



My interest is reclaiming any possible mpg gains that I can get on my 3500 DRW.



John

 

[MD500E]

Dealer did mine with out asking years ago and my best mileage since has been 17. 5. It also seemed to loose power after the recall. Now with big injectors I haven't seen better than 12 in a while.

 

[15w40]

My 98. 5 was reflashed for the EPA recall and I could not tell of any loss of power of decrease of fuel mileage. I still get almost 20-MPG using summer fuel with no load, the same as before the flash.

 

[Ncostello]

12 MPG? I'd be really upset about that. Might as well buy a V10 or 8. 1L Chevy and save the diesel option cost for gas. Lots of gas.

 

[MD500E]

Did I mention that I have a very heavy foot!!

 

[Big_Daddy_T]

I had the low power flash done. Not because I had low power but because I didnt like my mileage. At first I thought it made things worse. We had just switched to winter fuel. A lot of people had bad results. Mine went up from 16-17 highway to 18-20. I still only get 15-16 around town but thats better than the 13 I used to get. My 98 had a couple reflashes on it and got 24 on the highway. I miss that truck.



That sucks for your friend that the emissions monster got him. I doubt they couldve voided his warranty. They were in trouble with the epa not him.

 

[John - K5AWO]

Originally posted by Big_Daddy_T

... I still only get 15-16 around town but thats better than the 13 I used to get. My 98 had a couple reflashes on it and got 24 on the highway. I miss that truck.

Was that a 2500/3500 SRW rig or a 3500 DRW truck?



I would be thrilled to hit 20 empty cruise at/under 2000 rpm. More than that? Pipe dreams but nice to sniff on.



John