Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Cold engine flash

[Makensmoke]

Called the dealer today and asked if they would flash my computer and turn on the cold engine high idle. They said for 79 bucks they would but know nothing about this flash- " if there is one it must be new" In my readings its not new but its always been there, just not turned on. Unless I am wrong is there anybody who knows where I can send them looking in their books to find how to do this? I love to prove them stupid.

 

[fkovalski]

I don’t want to appear ignorant, but have asked the question in other threads with out reply as to what is a “flash?” (same as “re- flash?”) Is it some sort of computer re- program? Does a cold flash have to be re- set for warm weather?

 

[TowPro]

A flash is where they "reprogram" the Computer. In this case, the ECM (engine control module) needs to be "reflashed". In other cases like to change the shift on a auto trans, or fix the cruse control "hunting" problem on the 98-99 they would reflash the Body or PCM computer.

Originally posted by fkovalski

I don’t want to appear ignorant, but have asked the question in other threads with out reply as to what is a “flash?” (same as “re- flash?”) Is it some sort of computer re- program? Does a cold flash have to be re- set for warm weather?

 

[TowPro]

Check out This link It has the TSB on it. At the bottom is says "Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty" This means if your under warrantee, IT SHOULD BE FREE!!!!



Now the next line says Time alowance 0. 5hr. That means they get paid 1/2 hour to do the job! Now 1/2 hour X $79. 00 = $158. 00. Unless they are charging $159. 00 per hour, they are ripping you off. I think I saw you have a 2000, If I recall, the reflash is covered under the HD emissions warrantee, which is 5 years 80K miles (at least it was in 98) you should be able to get this done for FREE.



If you print out the TSB to show the dealer, be sure to cut the notes off the bottom, including the URL. They don't need to know where it came from.



While your in there, complain about low power/hard start and make them check the lift pump! might as well kill 2 birds with 1 stone. that is as long as your under warrantee.

 

[Makensmoke]

Towpro thanks for the good info! I won't reveal my sources to the dealer- however i will be quick to guide them on how to fix their own product. Beings how i have 113k on my truck i won't attempt to have warranty pay for any of it, that is a good point on the time, i'll have to play a little dumb and see if they will hang themselves. Just changed my lift pump, found out it was bad on Christmas Day- again thanks!

 

[TowPro]

I thought when I worked for Plymouth in the early 80's, it was against the rules to for a dealer to charge more then factory time.



This really makes me mad when the dealer, who charges much more per hour then a private garage, charges more time to a paying customer then the factory would pay them.



You bet that Tech is still only going to get paid 1/2 hour, the rest goes in the stealers pocket.

 

[Makensmoke]

I'll bet your exactly right

 

[RonaldLarson]

Dealer charges

Are entirely up to the dealer. Chrysler has no jurisdiction in the amount dealers charge for services. Chrysler only dictates the amount paid for warranty work. The dealers charge the current rate average charged by local shops.

If your dealer does not profess to know the exsistence of the cold weather flash (which includes a power up-grade!), find a new dealer.

I feel sorry for you guys who have poor dealer relationships. The only advice I have is, find a good service department, then buy your next truck from them.

Ron

 

[andrewkoperdak]

reflash

I had to take a copy of the TSB and procedure to my dealer. Once they had that they made a phone call to DC and got permission to do the reflash at no cost to me. Maybe you can do the same.

R,

Andy

 

[kaffine krazed]

I'll be surprised if you find a dealer that only charges 0. 5 hours to flash a computer if the job a customer pay. Warranty work normally pays half of what CP is. The tech will most likely get a full hour pay if they charge a hour to do it but the tech doesn't see anywhere near the $80 that the dealer charges. Some trucks don't require the computer to be flashed they just need it to be enabled using the DRB.