Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Factory ECM has fast idle option in cold weather

[David Muench]

Anyone have an opinion on this ECM upgrade vs. engaging the exhaust brake for warmups in the winter? I've got an exhaust brake on the way, and if that's a better/as good way as using the new ECM, then I'll not get the truck flashed (I was hoping to never risk that). If the ECM's the better way, then I'll get it done. .

 

[David_VT]

My DC mechanic works at a FORD/DODGE dealership. He works on my ford and dc diesels. He told me that Ford uses something like an exhaust brake to help the warm up, along with an idle up.



Likely the combination of both will help, with the exhaust brake doing making the idle up function happen less often...



My . 02

 

[Doc Tinker]

I'd be interested to know if the fueling boxes will prevent the updated ECMs from implementing the idle-up feature.



Doc

 

[Lazy-Boy]

Rev limiter ECM parameter

You guys tell me what you think of this.

I think I read a post that mentioned one of the many parameters on the ECM is a rev limiter. I think it was that post where a bunch of guys were trying to figure how to effectively hack the ECM.

Anyway, do you think it would be possible to take a truck to Cummins and ask them to set the rev limit parameter at say, 1200 RPM?



If my theory is correct, then my "High idler wooden stick" wouldn't have to be meticulously set each time. I could very quickly grab a stick and shove it down between the throttle and the seat cushion. Wouldn't matter if I floored because the ECM would hold it to 1200 RPM anyway. I'd rather start the high idle before she drops down to 160.



Is there really such a parameter? Is there a reason we shouldn't do this?

Just grabb'n at straws I guess...

 

[dresslered]

So the plan would be to drive your truck around at less than 1200-rpm?

 

[Mopar-muscle]

Originally posted by dresslered

So the plan would be to drive your truck around at less than 1200-rpm?

i was thinking the same thing , am i missing something ?

 

[Lazy-Boy]

Rev limiter ECM parameter

Originally posted by dresslered

So the plan would be to drive your truck around at less than 1200-rpm?

I guess I presumed rev meant like when you rev the engine while in neutral. I though the ECM could detect that the truck was not in gear and also limit the amount revving by limiting RPM. Possibly a way to govern engine speed when not in gear by limiting RPM, not vehicle speed.



I got this notion when someone on the TDR mentioned some states do emission snap test. Rev the engine while in park or neutral and take exhaust samples. They wanted to prevent the test station from over revving their engine for extended periods.



If the ECM could detect if the truck was in gear then the parameter would be ignored while driving.



Ahhh, probably doesn't exist anyway.

 

[dresslered]

Lazy-Boy

The rev limiter keeps the engine from climbing into and over the red-line. The cummins can drive all day long here. Some members wish to increase this a bit for that extra bit of horsepower. They are not playing with stock fueling and timing curves, however.

 

[TowPro]

You can just pay for it (which I will have to do if I decide to get it done)



The factory time for a reflash is 1/2 hour, which should be about $25. 00. now decide if its worth $25. 00?

Originally posted by MoparDave

I just called my dealer about having this TSB done. Well I was told unless they can recreate the condition that they will not perform the tsb. I asked them what condition? Cold weather? I then spoke to the manager and he gave me an excuse the DC will charge it back to them if they can not recreate the concern. I then asked him if he read the TSB and understands it (I don’t think he liked that) he said that the DC rep will be in tomorrow and he is going to ask the rep. Guess where I will be tomorrow!!!

 

[TBrown]

I like the idea of this fast idle. Would updating my ECM be of any concern, or do they just add the new program on? Anyone have this done yet? I know very few would have cold enough weather to test it, but some may have. It feels like november here today.

 

[Amianthus]

Dude, I so hear you.

I hear you. There's supposed to be spotty frost tonight, you know. I'm still waiting for my dealership to call me to let me know that the software is at the dealership. Get in touch with me and I can put you in touch with them. They are a pretty good bunch of guys. You should stop by and see me. Or I can drop by if you'd like. See ya 'round.

 

[MidwestMotorman]

anybody have it done yet???

Has anyone had the reflash done? Does it indeed work without FUBARing the mileage/power or other functions? Anyone have it working on a five or six speed?



It is going to be below freezing overnight for a couple days and it would be nice to see if this little gem works.

 

[Dave Fritz]

On the previous page, jcbrown reported that he had it done on his ETH 6-speed. Sue's truck will have it as soon as I can get the time to have it scheduled.



Dave

 

[dresslered]

I'm not a thermal expert, but I sure don't like the thoughts of the uneven heating that would occur to the block, head, and the manifold. Additionally, since it doesn't get that cold in my neck of the woods, I think that I will definitely pass.



I much prefer the idea of using an exhaust brake, engine block heater, "stick", or an espar, rather than a software solution. But then again, if DC says it's o. k. , then it must be.

 

[HC]

Originally posted by David Muench

Anyone have an opinion on this ECM upgrade vs. engaging the exhaust brake for warmups in the winter? ...

The e-brake is going to work at any temperature. The fast idle option won't do anything above 32 degrees, and won't do the fancy cylinder shutdowns until about 15 degrees. Also, I think the TSB said the electronic feature doesn't function if water temp is above 140, so, you have to cool off before the feature begins to work. I like concept that the e-brake gives YOU the control.

 

[David_VT]

Still waiting for the dealer to tell me the software is 'in'.



Even with an ESPAR, I can't wait for this to arrive.



I will soon be doing the Vol. Emergency Response thing and will be very happy to have my rig regulating it's own temperature when the emergency lights are on and the truck is playing portable road block on a cold snowy winter night.



I had feared that an extended idle (to support the emergency lighting) would cause the truck to cool down and cause problems. This new software should erase that threat!



Another application will be to drive the big inverter in the winter when my house looses power (as every winter brings a few times). Naturally this makes for an expensive emergency generator but without the fear of running too cold it is a nice resource to have. Just plug in the inverter and hit the extended run remote start every few hours to keep the batteries up. House will stay warm, server computers will keep earning me money and the dodge will be warm enough to prevent damage.



David

 

[Amianthus]

Finally!

I went to the dealership yesterday and got it done. I was also there for the hood latch recall (cheap POS! What were they thinking?). There was some discussion about performing it under the engine warranty. But after some explaining, it was taken care of. The technician who did the re-flash, was really cool. We started talking about BOMB's and such, as I left every BOMB I had still installed for everyone to see. Sharing stories and knowledge, we learned alot from each other. He was cool with all the BOMB's too (I love my dealership!). He did blackmail me a little, though. He said he'd tattle on me unless I gave him a ride. What could I do? We took off with the DRB tool connected and it seemed to run kinda flat. But it ran well enough to impress him. We then got back, and he removed the DRB tool. On my trip home, the snap was back in the truck. So I don't have any power loss. At least as far as I can tell. As far as how the program works, I dunno. Winter's on it's way like a freight train, so it won't be long. I'll let you know how it behaves first chance I get.

 

[TBrown]

Who is your dealer?

Amianthus, Who is your dealer, I don't live far from you, East of La Crosse. It would be nice to know where it is safe to go to have my truck updated. Thanks

 

[DFormstone]

Fuel mileage?



I would like to have this re-flash done but my dealer warned me of a possible mileage reduction, which he said couldn’t be reversed. According to his story they had done a re-flash for the cold start for a guy and he returned a couple of days ago complaining of poor fuel economy.

This does not make sense to me. Those of you that have done the re-flash, have you noticed a change in your fuel efficiency?

I would appreciate a response from anyone that has had the re-flash either positive or negative.

Thanks.

 

[Amianthus]

Fuel mileage.

Give me some time and I'll report on the impact to my fuel mileage. But I haven't noticed anything yet. Although, my BOMB's may mask any fuel mileage problem I might have.

BTW, the dealer is Chrysler Winona. 1-800-211-5950. They're great.