Are all software updates necessary?

[Crunch]

My truck was built in May `03. It has a sticker on the ECM indicating that it has had a software update. The truck is running great, and other than having some of the quirks discussed here (strange shifts, etc. ) it runs better than any vehicle I have driven. As new software updates come out should I always have my ECM reflashed, or do some of these updates result in a downturn in performance? Also, does it affect your warranty if you don't get the updates? On one hand, I want my truck to have the best that DC offers, but on the other hand I don't want to be their guinea pig like the Powerstroke people are.

 

[abledog]

If it's not broke don't fix it.

 

[Steve M]

I second that vote big time. I have two TSB's printed out by the service writer with me. One is for engine power while towing in O/D. The other is for delayed shift to O/D with 50%+ throttle. I have no power problems and I like the delayed shift to O/D when towing. No problem with warranty leaving it as is. I won't have the flashes done unless I detect a problem that the flash could address.

 

[DPKetchum]

I know if it isn't broke don't fix it bit I'll say that in 25 years in dealers,G. M. Nissan,Chrysler that techs,managers etc. ALWAYS wanted flash updates to be done. We always did them on our own autos/trucks. They were set up for a reason. Some as well as the obvious thing the tsb said also improved cold start or idle quality etc. Just my two cents worth. On older high mileage cars and trucks that needed tune up work the reflashes that hadn't been done cost . 5 each and we charged for them. Had customers comment that as well as tuning etc that now it runs,shifts etc. really great. they noticed the improvements. On G. M. it affected lots of cold drivablity complaints on higher milage autos\ as well as idle quality etc. May also affect torque convertor life or trans life as well.

 

[Moterhead]

I know this is the 3rd gen forum, but I'll throw this comment out anyway. I had a nice '98. 5 2500 4X4. Ran great, great fuel economy. Got a recall notice on the trailer hitch. Took it in for that. While the dealer had it, they did a reflash on the ECM. The infamous "death flash". Cured some sort of emission problem, but cost me power and 2 mpg! So, no, all flashes are NOT necessary.

 

[rbattelle]

I'm with the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" crowd. I'm very pleased with the way mine runs, and I won't allow it to be reflashed unless a problem crops up that necessitates the flash.

 

[Hudsonhawk]

The dealer is perfectly within their rights to do any and all TSB work on a vehicle when they have it in the shop. I can't say I agree with it but they can do it.

 

[Moterhead]

Originally posted by Hudsonhawk

The dealer is perfectly within their rights to do any and all TSB work on a vehicle when they have it in the shop. I can't say I agree with it but they can do it.

Not starting a flame war here. Just would like to know how these rights are given to the dealer? Is it state or Federal law? Or corporate policy or what?

 

[DPKetchum]

If its under warranty and in for any repairs at lot of techs will run and insert all updates. Same as any recalls. They just do them.

 

[Ladders]

And , Yes, some of the updates are Federal compliance so... they would have to be done to keep the "specs" within the Federal law. Not all will get the updates (due to NEVER seeing a dealer) but the Feds can mandate the update to comply. There was an emission related one for the 2nd gen (think it was the 01. 5's - but not sure) that needed to be done. Agn, some lost power/mileage due to it. Others gained ... just depends on a lot of unknowns when these are done. Of course if you never goto the dealer or have a good relationship with your mech/service writer, you probably can get "away" with some not being done.



Just another cheap 0. 015$ opinion.....



SOTSU!!

\\BF//

 

[DPKetchum]

You know I had some folks say that a re flash hurt my mileage etc. Had others say didn't hurt it all all. never had a employee or tech comment on it affecting theirs in a negative way. Did all the ones out on my 1998 1500 gaser. It took care of a spark knock issue and a torque converter lockup issue but did'n't hurt or lower fuel mileage etc. I don't know. I know lots of comments about engineers and fixing this or that or poor designs etc. But most of the ones I ever dealt with were sharp as a tack. Some really know their stuff inside and out. i don't think most of us could even fathom how difficult design changes and hunting drones(it)and plotting solution's to such things. then getting it implemented threw out a corporate atmosphere.

 

[adsharpe]

The only "flashing" my dealer could perform is the kind that would get one arrested!



If you let the dealer have your truck unattended you are one dumb bunny.



Mine routinely puts in wrong fluids and lubricants so he doesn't get it unless there is a specific warranty problem.



He apparently got his 5 "stars" mailorder.



If you have a dealer that has good shop people, you are fortunate. :--)

 

[Dean Upson]

Originally posted by adsharpe

The only "flashing" my dealer could perform is the kind that would get one arrested!





If you have a dealer that has good shop people, you are fortunate. :--)

I am one of the fortunate ones. I would trust the shop at my dealership to do anything to my truck. If they did not have a good service department, I would deal elsewhere and that would include the purchase as well. I believe that sales makes the first sale and the shop keeps me coming back for another truck.



Dean

 

[jandr]

stay away from my truck

The biggest complaint I have with my truck is as a result of Dodge flashing my truck. At around 75,000 mi I had some transmission work done under the extended warranty and they did a flash. I did not even know what it was but over time, I realized the truck had a little less power and fuel mileage dropped by about 10%. I started asking questions and wanted the dealer to put it back the way it was but OH WELL---TOO BAD!!! I ended up talking to a Cummins place and they said only a Cummins engineer would have the ability to plug his laptop in and change the ECM. And they never would(unless it was his truck). I was also told that it would not be anything Dodge had anything to do with. It would have been Cummins changing it for one reason or another. MOST likely an attempt to improve (lower) emissions(at our governments request). I know it is possible for them to re-write the software to correct problems, but I think since there is such a dislike of diesels amongst environmentalists and the EPA, chances are most changes won't be in our favor. So, if you really like the truck, leave it alone. I wish I would have known all this before!!!

 

[DPKetchum]

I may be mistaken but there were no flashes on diesel for emissons or performance. Only for trans torque convertor lockup. it would lock and and unlock rapidly at times at 48 mph and above. Thats why a flash done with the trans repair I bet. A lot of torque convertors replaced at dealers and independents and all it needed was a flash update.

 

[champspa]

put the computer hookup in a lock box .

 

[Moterhead]

I couldn't really comment on flashes on 3rd gen trucks. I do know tht my '98 was reflashed when I had it in for the trailer hitch recall. It was an emission related thing. Cost me power and 3 to 4 mpg. It was known as the "death" flash.