Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) High Idle TSB Rip-Off

[Barnstormer]

I drove to my dealer yesterday to have the cold engine high-idle TSB installed in my 2001 Ram (high output/6-speed). The service "advisor" asked why I wanted to install the TSB if there was nothing wrong with the truck. While I considered it none of his bloody business, I explained that I drive the truck to northern Michigan from time to time and needed the high idle feature to expedite warm up.

Since the truck is out of warranty, I expected to be charged for the labor associated with the re-flash. Without consulting any documentation, the advisor said the TSB install would cost $85. I calmly asked the advisor if he was out of his mind. He said something to the effect that if I wanted to play I had to pay.

I got into my truck and left. Am I crazy or is $85 for a five minute re-flash out of line?

 

[lmills]

I would consider asking another dealer what their price would be for doing it.

 

[Sticks]

Make sure that when you do have it done, they turn it on! Default program instalation is not activated.

 

[klaybus]

I was interested in having my speedo (PCM) reflashed and was quoted like $85 plus (1) hr of labor! I'll do it in my head before giving any 5-Star $teal#r that kind of money for a non-essential simple 5 min reflash,,,,,,

I feel your pain, and some dealers wonder why we think their thieves. We have to fight to get some warranty problems fixed and when we go to get something simple done they want to bend you over the service counter! NOT! $350 to R&R a LP! Please!

Good luck in finding a reasonable dealer.....



Clay

 

[jgillott]

Barnstormer



Check out this link for some additional information on your topic.

http://www.tdr1.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=83858



As I said in the previous discussions on this topic, it's all about finding the right dealer.



Justin

 

[outlawram]

I had it done in iowa for 26 dollars and it works great! Torkelson motors in Elgin

 

[mlockner]

I had to pay that charge and also for the stickers they put on the PCM and ECM when I had mine flashed. But, it cured a problem I was having. You gotta pay to play.

Mike L.

 

[radyvolk]

I paid $65 to have the reflash & high idle turned on. Took tech about half hour. Mine was the first one they had done. Service manger read the TSB & said no problem they could get the high idle option working.



I think your year truck won't need the reflash, just needs the high idle option truned on.



The high idle/ 3 cyl mode works great for warming the CTD up.



Randy

 

[Hohn]

Cowboy Dodge here in Cheyenne is very familiar. They did it for me for free, since the truck was coming in anyway to have a new backup light switch installed.



Good guys. Dealers don't get paid to turn it on on the ETH engines, to i was pretty happy they did it for free.



Most importantly, they got it right the first time and IT WORKS.

 

[stacerbob]

A/T

Is there any drawbacks if you do this to an auto trans equip truck???

 

[lmills]

No, there are no drawbacks to doing it to an automatic transmission truck

 

[Jlobaugh]

Well, here goes my first post.



This is something I have been researching and it seems like a good thing since my truck sets out all night while at work. Now I am curious what is a ETH engine?

 

[Sticks]

Welcome to the TDR!



ETH is the manufacturer code for the High Output engine, and DEE is the code for the 6 speed transmission.