Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) ECM updates

[dsather]

Interesting and frustrating experience so far.



I'm buying my buddys 1999 QC LB 4x4 next week and have been trying to get the truck software updated before bringing it back to California. He lives in Arizona. I took it to Chapman Dodge in Scottsdale and they didn't want to do the ECM updates as there is a problem with the 98. 5 and 99 models burning up the computer. No problem with the PCM. Ok, I said I would take it to Cummins for ECM updates. I talk to Cummins in California and the service writer says No Can Do! The plug is different on the Dodges and we can't access it. Sounds like BS so I talk to the Service Manager. He says if it's a 1587 ECM it would have 2 50 pin plugs and he would be able to do it. If it's a 1939 ECM then it only has 1 50 pin plug and they can't do it. Only Dodge can. Can't check it now cause the truck is 340 miles away!



Very weird and scary trying to get service to my future (next week) ride. Anybody ever hear of such a thing.



Dennis

 

[MikeR]

The Dodge ECM has only one 50-pin plug, same for all years 98. 5-2002.



The two 50-pin ECM's are in the commercial rigs, not Dodges.



I have never heard of a problem of dealers reflashing ECM's. Find another dealer.



-Mike

 

[dsather]

reflash

Figured I'd have to go somewhere else. I want to go to Cummins. Can't get an answer from Cummins either. Called their tech line and they say "well we should be able to do that. Try emailing our tech service line and see what they say. " I email them about getting the updates to my ECM. Respons back is Torqus Maximus kit. No I say, don't want to buy a new ECM. Want the service updates on my existing one that fix hesitation, stumbling etc. Next response is Torqus Maximus. . I think their tech line goes straight to their sales department.

Does anyone know if Cummins can do ECM flashes to our trucks?? If all our trucks have the 50 pin plugs then they should either be able to do them all or none!!

 

[JR2]

As far as I know Cummins can not do the updates. The ECM on the Dodge Trucks is a Dodge Part and uses Dodge software.



Why are you wanting the updates done, is there something wrong with the truck??? Some updates actually have actually hurt performance and MPG. I have never heard of an ECM burning up from being reflashed, try a different dealer or don't worry about it.

 

[dsather]

updates

There is a low power update TSB 18-08-99, Intermittent stumble TSB 18-11-02, and Hard start on warm engine TSB 18-015-00 Rev. A. Lots of people have initially not had problems with their trucks. Only to develop them at a later date. I want to have these updates performed in Arizona so that I will never need another one done in California (CARB concerns). I want to be proactive about these things and not have to worry about them again. There are a few things I want to do to the truck and really never want it to go to the dealer in California.

I am certain that I have seen members here post that they have had Cummins perform the ECM updates to their trucks. I have had no luck, however, with my searches so far.

Am trying to get these issues resolved now so I can have the best chance at a dealer free future!

 

[WadePatton]

My early y2k has the stumbles. It's not often, and since I know what it is, doesn't bother me too much.



Anyway I'm going to get it flashed and have a printed out TSB to hand to the service guys if I get the least bit of hesitation out of them.



I've also shopped the dealers and only have two out of about 20 that I'll EVER take it to.

 

[dsather]

WadePatton

What is your criteria for searching for dealers? I've never been one to talk to dealers much but in the times that I have I've been shielded from the people who would actually be doing the work. Do you know people who have had experiences or have you been able to talk to service people. Chapman Dodge in Scottsdale have a good reputation. In talking to the service manager about the flashes I wanted to have performed (TSB's in hand) his eyes kind of glassed over!

 

[WadePatton]

When they think Ford owns Cummins, leave. Did that. One was eliminated by a bad review somewhere online. Some others were eliminated for various reasons.



The two that I choose to check out personally: One services a large number of Cummins trucks and has a tech that sells BOMBs, and I'm going to be introduced to the service manager by a sales guy that I know. The other has a service manager who is, according to an independent tech, keenly aware (that's all I'm going to say about that) of the ECM issues a BOMBer might have.



I have yet to seek out the services of either, but feel pretty good about doing so.

 

[dan_gilson]

I do not know who has been smoking what but the last time I was in Cummins West they asked me if I wanted all the latest ECM updates.



This is a 3 lead connector that is right near the pump. They do not have the "approved" Dodge updates but the actual Cummins that thay put on all ISB's. I watched the technican do it and it takes <5 minutes. He gave me a printout of what was input and I put it into my service folder. I can't say that I can tell the difference. It was OK before but the milage had dropped. After it ran the same and the milage was still 1-2 MPG lover than new.



They have some pretty good people over at Cummins West. If you have problems contacting them please PM me and I will put you in touch.

 

[GDouglas]

I had my '99 ECM and PCM reflashed last week for 2 different TSBs. No problems at all. I would try another dealer until you get some results.

 

[jwilliams3]

Find another dealer, but I wouldnt get the reflash unless your truck is suffering from problems.



--Justin

 

[kaffine krazed]

Yes there is a problem of ECMs being flashed I've seen 2 get get erased then not take the new software.

 

[WadePatton]

update

I had the intermittent stumble TSB 18-24-99 reflash done. My lift pump now cycles out much faster on Key On. So the hard start software is included in that flash.



Good service dept. Spoke at lenght with the manager. He is aware of the boxes, but that's it. He also showed me the memo about punctured pump wires.



I also had them pull up all the records on my truck and got the print out. As well as the print out that shows ALL the truck build specs.



And they charged $65 for the reflash.

 

[gsmith1]

ECM reflashes

I took my 98. 5 in about two weeks ago for the TSB 18-08-99 update and when they hooked it up to the ECM, the unit dumped all existing software and would not accept new software. A new ECM had to be ordered and installed. So, there may indeed be a burn up problem for some years.

 

[TowPro]

thats funny, dodge could not wait to get there hands on mine to reprogram it back in 98 Then they did it again in 99 to fix what they did in 98. Since then I have not had a reason for them to touch it. I figure my exhaust brake is enough for winter warmup without getting that "dead miss, high idle" thing done.



Can't see why it would burn up a computer by reprograming it, unless they did something like power down the programmer in the middle of a flash write.



Who ever you got to do it, remember factory time is 1/2 hour to reflash the computer, don't let them rip you off! If you need proof look up the TSB site listed in the links here, and print it out (but cut off the URL )

 

[HVAC]

I do business with Cummins West in San Leandro in the east bay. We have programmed several Dodge ECM's without any problem. My ECM is out of a junk yard and we programmed it at CW. I've seen CW load updates into a "01 ECM. From what I've seen, Cummins can do anything dodge can to regarding the ECM.

 

[obert]

Cummins Vs dodge softwear? I belive that the ECM has cummins programs (for a cummins engine) regardless of whos Part# is on it.



Back in February i had mine "updated" mosly for high idle feature. I still wish it was like a real truck where i could push "resume/Accel" button and set a desired speed no matter what the weather. The tech that did mine wearily began to do the work, warning that "2 trucks have had the ECM go blank in the past month... . I hope this one dont. "

Apparently its not the ECM itself but a communication problem between the PC and the ECM.



He said that he has found that a so far reliably way to tranmit the updates is to upload programs from PC to hand held scantool, then use the scan tool to perform the procedure.



This is how mine was done, and was succesfull. It used the OBD plug under the dash.

 

[stevek]

obert--what dealer did you have do the work?

 

[obert]

Not Trader Buds.....

I was at a bobcat training scool out in Piqua, Ohio. Its just north of dayton 30 miles or so. Paul Sherry Crysler is the dealer that did the work. And they made it as a waranty claim on "power complaint" so it wouldnt cost me.



Nice guys, id recomend them. Nex time your behind a dodge conversion van check out the spare tire cover. Ive seen alot of there converision vans and RV around town here.



Have i seen your truck around? I commute on the west side (to hilliard). Look for flame red 4x4, "a vulger display of power " on the tail gate and eagle scout tags. I have open exhaust so you still know i passed even if you blinked







PS my local dealer is without a doubt Tom Whiteside Auto in Mt Sterling OH

 

[Wolfgang]

Since we are on the topic of ECM's. It appears that I have a California ECM in my truck. Since I live in Nevada does anyone know if this can be reprogrammed as a non-California ECM.