Dealer says TSB 18-037-04 not applicable to my truck?

[jdrockin]

Hi folks,

First off, thank you to everyone for all the amazing posts and help that I've gotten just from reading this forum!! Now, on to my issue:

2005 2500 4x4 Quad cab short bed automatic. All stock except for intake and exhaust.

I am experiencing low fuel mileage (12-14 mpg empty, at best) and my mileage calculator above is WAY off (by 4-6 MPG compared to hand calc over 5000 miles).

I've been reading all the posts I can on TSB 18-037-04 and my truck VIN and ESN fall under the trucks that should have this flash done. I took it to the dealer, they ran my VIN, and said my truck doesn't need this flash, contradicting what the TSB states. I countered saying all signs point to the need but they keep stating they can't/won't do it since they don't want to be liable if something goes wrong since the Chrysler computer says I don't need it. So, a few questions about this:

1) I have heard of a couple people having similar experiences but didn't read much of a resolution for anyone. Any insight into anyone experiencing this and what was your resolution? Any reason why Dodge systems say my truck doesn't need the flash when all signs point to needing it, including the VIN and ESN falling under the TSB?

2) If I can convince them to flash my truck, what recourse do I have if things don't go as planned? They say it can't get flashed to anything else once its been done and there is a risk of burning up the ECM. Any comments on this? Can I really cause more damage getting this flash if it truly doesn't need it?

3) Can anyone recommend a dealer or service center in South Central Wisconsin (Madison area) that can reliably perform this flash for me? I'm willing to travel a fair distance if it will address the mileage issues I'm having, but I need to find a place to do it in the first place. The local Dodge dealer won't try it. Can anyone else perform the flash for me?

Thank you for taking the time to read through my post. I hope I haven't forgotten anything. I love the truck (for the most part ) but would really like to get to the bottom of these issues. I just want to know what way to turn.

Thanks!
Joel


Truck with my copilot, Ruby

 

[TCDiesel]

The dealer is correct, Its risky without Rams bleeding, It can be done, After the flash is done you must reprogram the VIN and Skim and you will need the PIN to reprogram Key(s).Also I think the end date is 9-1-04, so if your truck engine was built after that you should be good. The DRB III is no longer supported By Ram The Tech Must Use WItechs version of the DRB III that even makes it more difficult.

 

[TCDiesel]

I doubt any flash will have more then 1 MPG benefit at best, something else is effecting the MPG.

 

[cerberusiam]

Dealers competency on these older trucks is a crap shoot, don't EVEN bother. Buy a Smarty Jr or Sr and fix the problems yourself. MADS is a whole lot more responsive and better at support for issues than the dealer.

How many miles at this point, and, what type of driving is getting you that mpg? The 12-14 is not unsual for slow-n-go predominatly city driving with lots of short trips, just the nature of a heavy truck wth a emissions diesel engine. Not even to unusual for cold weather driving but definitely low if that is summer temps cruising at hiway speeds for a lot miles.

 

[AllianceDiesel]

If the computer says it doesnt apply to your pickup then it doesnt. No if, ands, or buts. Sorry its just how it works. I agree with everything that has been said. My 06 only gets 12 intown with fresh reman bosch injectors and me driving it like an egg is under the go pedal. Got a new tune built for my efilive to hopefully get me better mileage. But Im thinking a camshaft is in my future

Its been 8 years since I have flashed a computer but I dont remember having to reprogram the skim. Unless thats something that has changed

 

[cerberusiam]

If the computer says it doesnt apply to your pickup then it doesnt. No if, ands, or buts.

That is not exactly true. Dodge is using the VIN to lookup what the truck supposedly needs, that system has been proven inaccurate. It frequently cannot get the engine rating correct, especially on MY boundaries. Pretty accurate for build information on the platform, not so for the engine.

The ESN and engine manufacture is much more reliable and exact than the VIN. In his case the ESN and engine date clearly agree with the TSB while the VIN is supposedly not agreeing. Stuck in no-mans land with few options.

 

[sag2]

OK, need to correct a couple of inaccuracies in the info above. First, the only way they can flash your truck is if there is a new flash available. Only a couple of TSB's have actually listed a flash PN so the only way you know if the ECM can be flashed is to get the current software PN and put it into Tech Tools. Tech Tools is the place in DealerConnect that supports trucks prior to 2006. 2006 and newer trucks are supported by wi-Tech.
It is also not true that DRBIII is no longer supported. It is true that some new dealers will not have the interface to connect the DRBII to Tech Tools, but the interface still works very good. They (wi-Tech hotline) are no longer helping dealers with DRBIII and would like them to use the application in wi-Tech.
If there is a flash available, once flashed it cannot be returned by the dealer to an earlier flash PN.
There is no fear of "burning up" the ECM by flashing it. The system is designed to only allow the proper flash (unless you are flashing a new generic controller) to be installed.
The bottom line is get the dealer to hook up to your truck and read the PN. Then put that PN into Tech Tools to determine if it can be updated to a newer flash. It is probably true that even if it can be flashed it will not make a dramatic change in fuel mileage.
And welcome to the TDR family. You will find lots of very good information for your truck.

 

[brods]

As a workaround, if he found someone with an up to date smarty to program his truck and then put it back to stock, wouldn't it have the latest and greatest stock program?

BTW nice truck Joel. That is the color I wanted but couldn't find one with the right options. Are those power wagon fender flares?

 

[TCDiesel]

I need to correct a few things 1 I have done it , 2 split hairs over the DRB III Yes You can use the interface but WHY. We are NOT controlled by Dealer secure severs . I have loss count on how many vehicles the T-Dog lockup Modules needing recovery software, that dealers wanted $2000.00 to fix..I guess thats why they claim it can't be done?

 

[jdrockin]

As a workaround, if he found someone with an up to date smarty to program his truck and then put it back to stock, wouldn't it have the latest and greatest stock program?

BTW nice truck Joel. That is the color I wanted but couldn't find one with the right options. Are those power wagon fender flares?

Thanks for the compliment. Yes, they are Power Wagon fender flares. I love the black on gray color scheme. I think I'm going to remove the lift blocks under the rear springs to level it out and have the tires fill out the wheel well a little more as well.

Thank you to everyone for the replies, but I'm still a little uncertain as to what to do considering the responses are kinda mixed. I guess I'll wait to see if others respond and see if that clears anything up

 

[TCDiesel]

What I'm trying to say is NO/Most Franchise Dealers will NOT flash without some type of update, In most cases if the truck is running good its not necessary unless some type of problem develops. I won't go into detail on the net on the work around, But if your in Blaine MN call Me, Again I don't think it will change your mileage.