2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission ECM Reman Question

[Titus]

I'm replacing an ECM in an 02. Does the reman I purchased from the dealer need reflashed or can it be stuck straight in? Thanks

 

[HBarlow]

I believe (but am not sure) it has to be flashed by a dealer. I'm more confident that the Gen III ECMs have to be flashed, maybe an '02 does not.

I'm sorry, that's not much of an answer. I guess what I am saying is that you should probably expect to have it flashed.

 

[mwilson]

I know that 100 pin Cummins ECM's have to be flashed, we do it for our Southern Maine branch all the time. That is what the third gen trucks use in addition to the big Cummins engines.



If yours is a 50 pin (which I think it is) I am not sure. If someone does not speak up tonight I can call my Cummins Distributor's Service Department in the morning and get you a better answer then my current "I don't really know". :-laf

More than happy to do that for you if needed.



Mike.

 

[JLandry]

If purchasing from a Dodge part source, then yes, it will need to be flashed to the proper software for your particular truck. All 2nd gen ECM's through Dodge are "generic" and require final programming in the vehicle.



Reman ECM's purchased from aftermarket sources are usually provided with the appropriate software already loaded.



Best regards,



John L.

 

[mwilson]

Just called Cummins and the ECM's sold through Cummins ReCon would have to be "flashed" before installation as well.



So if you have purchased either a Mopar Or Cummins ECM then it needs to be taken to a dealer for programming or it will not work.



Mike.

 

[JLandry]

So if you have purchased either a Mopar Or Cummins ECM then it needs to be taken to a dealer for programming or it will not work.

It's worth mentioning that anyone with a Chrysler DRBIII scan tool can perform the software flash. There are a lot of used ones floating around... I bought one on eBay several years ago. However, the ECM (or PCM for that matter) has to be installed in a vehicle to do the flash.

It's also worth noting that once a generic ECM has been programmed for a particular year, model, and configuration of truck, the software version can't be changed to a different year, model, and configuration using a DRBIII scan tool... only UPDATED. This is to prevent mistakes in programming at the dealerships. It takes a special benchtop programmer which a normal dealer won't have to completely change the software version. Presumably aftermarket ECM rebuilders would have this equipment.

John L.

 

[mwilson]

It's also worth noting that once a generic ECM has been programmed for a particular year, model, and configuration of truck, the software version can't be changed to a different year, model, and configuration using a DRBIII scan tool... only UPDATED. This is to prevent mistakes in programming at the dealerships. It takes a special benchtop programmer which a normal dealer won't have to completely change the software version. Presumably aftermarket ECM rebuilders would have this equipment.



John L.

Also keeps dealerships from doing anything that could result in a HUGE FINE from the EPA by having the wrong model year emissions criteria in a customer's ECM.





We recently paid a fairly hefty penalty due to a tech's failure to note the lack of the "Clean Idle Certified" sticker on the hood of a new truck during the PDI.

Even though the factory left it off we were not in compliance by having the truck out on the front line without the sticker.

Some of these lessons don't come cheap... :{



Mike.

 

[HBarlow]

Good information from John Landry and Mike Wilson.

That is the TDR at its best! Accurate and complete information from guys who really know what they are talking about!

Thank you both.

 

[Titus]

Yes thank you for the information! The customer decided to get one from the salvage yard which does not need reflashed that I'm aware of. Am going to proceed with this unless someone tells me otherwise.

 

[JLandry]

Yes thank you for the information! The customer decided to get one from the salvage yard which does not need reflashed that I'm aware of. Am going to proceed with this unless someone tells me otherwise.

Titus,



That'll work, but just make sure he gets one from a truck with the same configuration... ideally the same year, same transmission, and same emissions designation (California vs. Federal). Otherwise he risks having strange behavior with the Wait-To-Start lamp and / or the cruise control.



Good luck,



John L.

 

[JLandry]

Thank you both.

Hey thanks Harvey!



That means a lot to me coming from you.



John L.

 

[Seane1987]

If you know anyone with Cummins Insite, you can still program the second gen trucks with that.

 

[mwilson]

Hey thanks Harvey!



That means a lot to me coming from you.



John L.

X2



Mike.

 

[Titus]

Just to let you know what I ended up doing is putting an 01 ECM in it. So far it runs fine, no problems with Wait to Start lamp or cruise.

 

[JLandry]

Just to let you know what I ended up doing is putting an 01 ECM in it. So far it runs fine, no problems with Wait to Start lamp or cruise.

Glad to hear it worked out well.



Don't be a stranger!



John L.

 

[mwilson]

Excellent news. !!!



Glad to hear it is working well... .



Mike.

 

[Titus]

Thanks again for the info.