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

[Texas Diesel]

Whoooopie! OR perhaps WOOHOO. Took her in yesterday for the cold idle thingy. Prior to doing anything he downloaded my PCM to check for any codes (none) and software REV level. After cruising to "misc" we found that I had the oil pressure reflash

*AND* 18-019-01 AND 18-015-00 already installed and ENABLED.

We dont know if these two winter enhancements came packaged with the oil pressure reflash OR were installed at the factory because I have a "late build" (no cruise vacum servo) 2001. Whatever the reason it worked this morning at 19F, slow ramp to 1200 and stayed there.

 

[Texas Diesel]

Just a thought. Wonder if those who are getting the engine warming (18-019-01) are getting the oil pressure reflash without knowing it. Hmmmm.

 

[KevinK]

I had mine done yesterday. Left it out overnight @15 degrees and no fast idle this morning. Sounds typical.



Kevin

 

[Amianthus]

Try, try again.

Welp, my truck is at the dealer to get this flash investigated. They know and treat me pretty well. I'll let you guys know how it works after they get a chance to look at it. Rusty is a pretty good diesel mechanic. He should be able to find what's wrong and fix it. Check back with you tomorrow.

 

[Mschevey]

I just got back from the dealer. I checked for codes while in there parking lot. There was the p-0500 and p-168? (can't remember the last number. ) Told them about the codes and that the high idle did not work even in sub zero temps.



They hooked it up and cleared the codes. Then checked and said that the TSB was installed and enabeled. Work order says they re-enabled it. Was told that if it dosen't work by Monday to let them know and I will have to let the truck with them to verify what is going on.



I should know at lunch if it works now or not. Temps in the mid 20 outside right now. If not I will know for sure tomorrow morning.



THE QUESTIONS CONTINUE...



Mike

 

[FHawkins]

ECM Flash upgrades

I always take everything the dealer says with a grain of salt, so I’ll put this out there for you experts. About a month ago I had the hard start 18-015-01 upgrade done. After doing the upgrade my MPG went from 15 to 9 MPH. Went back to the dealer and said “hey what’s up with my MPH”. They checked it out and called Dodge who advised that the flash is causing either bad MPH or Fry’s the ECM and cannot be undone. So a week later I have a NEW ECM and Chip. Then I asked for the high idle flash to be installed on the new ECM but they said Dodge is putting a stop to all flash up grades until they can determine what is causing the ECM’s to fail. Please check with your dealer before having any flash work done.



Good luck and happy turboing



Fred

 

[Amianthus]

Welp, they're stumped.

No big surprise, but my dealership can't get it to work either. I don't blame them. They are an outstanding group of people. I blame STAR. They are telling the dealership that it is only for Autos. But on the TSB it mentions manual transmissions. I told them that there are ETH's running around with this feature. The dealership is as stumped as we are. It seems STAR really dropped the ball on this one. Maybe DC will see this and fix it. Although, I'm not holding my breath. If the dealership hears anything from DC they will give me a call and I will post what they find. I think I'm gonna call DC until I get the engineer that wrote the stupid thing and see what he / she has to say. Although that might be as productive as farting in the wind.

 

[juicedcummins]

I just went in for round 2. I' know in a couple of hours if it works. Not holding my breath!

I was out west last week and was told no more reflashes till dc finds the cure. But this dealer today has never heard that. From what I saw on their computer there is no change,same tsb# etc. The tech showed me that yes it was enabled.

 

[jman]

This is all great news I just got home from the dealer and they installed this silly software. I tossed around the thought of doing it around and I wish I wouldn't have now. Sounds like they are pulling a GM trick and using the customers for their little experiments.

 

[Shelby Griggs]

HO, with 6 speed here (of course), and mine worked AGAIN this morning.



Don't know what to tell you guys, but it definitely works on some of the trucks, manual transmissions included.



All I can say is stay on top of your dealer. Mine continues to set a 0500 code, which I am sure is related, but everything seems to be working, and I am not getting the MIL light on. Just got home from a 275 mile round trip across a 5000 foot pass and got between 18 and 19 MPG. I can't complain.



Shelby

 

[jcbrown]

Tested (Once)...

Was in Colorado early December. Morning temperature was 7 degrees. High idle did NOT kick in. Of course I wasn't going to sit for two minutes before the software kicks in (from reading post's that have had this TSB done). I was COLD and wanted to get moving. Parking brake was NOT (couldn't be) set. Underside of truck was coated with ice after driving thru winter storm's in West Texas.



Side note: My Espar heater had a fault code on startup. I can't remember the number now? I think it may have been an altitude issue (fuel too rich)? re: EarthRoamer.

 

[John]

Colorado?

Hey James what in the heck are you (were you) doing in Colorado? I thought you said you were moving to Florida????



Oh, I get it... winters in Colorado and summers in Florida.



Shouldn't it be the other way around (unless of course you are a skier)?

 

[Cobra]

reflash

Shelby Griggs,

Are you saying that since the reflash that your fuel milege has increased? Or just what are you telling us about 18 mpg?

 

[Shelby Griggs]

Re: reflash

Originally posted by Cobra

Shelby Griggs,

Are you saying that since the reflash that your fuel milege has increased? Or just what are you telling us about 18 mpg?

I don't know that it increased, but it certainly did not hurt it either as some others seem to indicate.



I run about 8500 pounds all of the time and have a flat bed and headache rack, so I don't think my mileage is bad at all.



Shelby

 

[DFormstone]

Repeat!

Just for your information; my fast idle reflash works. I have a 5 speed standard transmission c/w remote start and an EZ.

When starting below 0 deg C the engine will idle at 800 rpm for approx 1. 5 mins then ramp upto 1150 rpm (on 6 cyl). If the temp drops to -16 deg C the starting rpm is 800 then after approx 30 secs is switches to 3 cyl operation and after another min it ramps upto 1150 as before.

The first time I had the reflash done it did not work but after the second attempt it worked fine.

When I get a chance I will talk to my dealer to see what he did differently to make it work and I will post the results for you.

Incidently my mileage is 21 mpg driving at 115 km/hr on winter fuel so I don't think it hurt my fuel aconomy at all.

 

[juicedcummins]

Well round 2 didn't work either!This time the truck is back to 800 rpm as new and a lot quieter. This sucks because I feel I have lost some of the timing the last reflash gave me. The first time I did the tsb it came out at 950rpm and sounded real crisp. Now it sounds tired and lazy.

 

[MN Cummins Lvr]

When I brought my truck in before for the fast idle reflash, the tech had performed TSB 18-015-00 for hard starts instead of 18-019-01 for the fast idle. When I questioned the service manager about it, he told me whenever they hook up to the computer, it automatically does updated reflashes regardless. Apparently, the tech had ignored the TSB I had printed out for the fast idle reflash To make a long story short, truck is going back in Tues. so they can do the fast idle reflash. At least the svc. mgr. apologized and is trying to make me happy. I'll keep you guys posted if it works or not. Unfortunately, it is supposed to be 40 here on Tues. ??? so I may have to wait to test it... . go figure... 40 in Jan. in MN!



Paul

 

[Mpoland]

What a hassle!

Thanks to all of the TDR members that have provided information on this re-flash. But DC must be playing games with us!



First I had my truck re-flashed in November..... it didn't work! I was charged $44. 70 nevertheless!



Friday, I took my truck in to have that hood latch replaced, and asked if they would re-flash the ECM again. I showed the Service Manager (he's the one that hooked the computer up the last time) the information that I'd printed off this site. I showed him that many members had to have the re-flash done twice.



He told me that, the computer will check the PCM, and list only the updates that are available for it... and if this TBS has already been downloaded, it simply will not be listed as "available for downloading". Well to his surprise, it was listed, after the computer had searched my PCM. His response was that DC must have "updated" the software between November and now.



Now that MAKES SENSE! That DC could have relized that there was a problem with this software, and sent out a fix... . kind of sounds like Microsoft, doesn't it? However Microsoft does charge you everytime THEY make a mistake!



Yep... I was handed another bill for $44. 70. The dealership brought it up on their computer, with all the numbers on the TSB... etc. and the responce was that it was NOT covered under any warranty!



So. . I called 1-800-992-1997 and talked to DC directly. After being on the phone for half an hour, the guy at DC stated... it is Not covered under the warranty, but... "since you are such a good customer, we'll reimburse you for your latest re-flash". That really smokes my b***. Their programming of the PMC was screwed up... . so they charge me for a fix..... that happens to also be screwed up..... and then blow smoke up my A**... trying to stroke me... . about being such a good customer..... when they finally, at least don't charge me for their second screw up.



Oh and I still don't know if the fast idle works... . Boy I wish I'd bought an aftermarket fast idle control.



Sorry for the long post..... but this issue is far from being settled.

 

[Double 6]

Mpoland,

I have the Practical Solutions High Idler and it works great, just start truck and after your oil pressure comes up, dial it up to around 1500 RPM , go in drink another cup of coffee, come back out turn off High Idler and leave for work.

No wasting of my precious time and money at the dealer.

I highly reccomend it to anybody frustrated with hassling with your dealer.



Disclaimer: I am not associated with Practical Solutions in anyway, just a satisfied customer.

 

[LMautone]

i,m with Double 6. get the high idler from practical solutions. This is by far the best upgrade that i have made to date.