Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Cold weather reflash - side effects?

[KatDiesel]

Just curious those of you that have had the reflash for cold weather operation... ... ..... did you notice any decrease in power or fuel economy with the software change?



I've been reflashed once at my request many moons ago... ..... and am very happy with how it turned out. With the cold winters we have I've been pondering getting the TSB done.



Comments?

 

[KatDiesel]

*tap, tap*



Is this thing on?

 

[Mschevey]

I haven't noticed anything good or bad. Of course the reflash still is not working in my case.



Right after the holidays I am going to let the dealer try again to see why it is not working. (we first reflashed the truck within a few weeks of the TSB, and again half way through last winter. )



Mike

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Katdiesel, I assume you are talking about the reflash for improved cold weather starting on #1 fuel, vs. the idle-up/3-cylinder operation one.



I had the cold weather startup one done and have noticed no difference in drivability, power or mileage. Only detectable difference was the lift pump only cycles for about 1-2 seconds instead of the previous 5 seconds or whatever when you first turn the key on to start.



I've never had an opportunity to test it in real cold weather. The hardest startup I've done was in the morning at 10F after it had been down to 5F at night, at 4400 feet, unplugged, and it fired right up like a summer day (except for a little blue smoke).



Vaughn

 

[DC101]

Cold weather flash??

We had all 3 of our trucks flashed, 1999, 2000, 2001, but nobody has noticed any change. No increase in idle speed or anything, didn't this take or did our dealer not do it correctly?? Any input?

We typically plug the trucks in at night, does this make a difference?

 

[KatDiesel]

I was actually refering to the 3 cylinder/ 1200 rpm reflash. I work nights and have no place to plug in... so just pondering it is all... . thanks for the replies.

 

[pwr2tow]

dbeltz,

Plugging in the trucks at night will not let them get cold enough for the high idle to work, so I have been told.



Ron

 

[JJW_ND]

I have the high idle activated on my work 2001 6sp. It works great but takes cold temps to kick in. If it does not come on, it is not need (at that temp).



For a very cheap (but effective) non electronic high idle, check into Harold Bowers (thread somewhere else with email address). It is a simple bolt on solinoid that holds the throttle linkage to provide for a higher idle. You can adjust the solinoid lever for what ever idle you want. Very simple, no warrenty issues, It works everytime you hit the switch even if it is 100 above.



I have Bowers idle on my 96.



I like both setups but like the ability to control when the high idle kicks in. The only cool thing with the factory controled high idle is I can turn the ebrake on even with the factory high idle activated. The factory high idle must leave the idle position at no throttle so the Ebrake thinks the engine is at low idle. 1200 rpms and Ebrake on make for very fast warmups!



jjw

ND