How can someone stop dealer reflashes?

[Jetpilot]

With all the problems people seem to be having with dealers reflashing our trucks (without the owners knowledge), there has to be a way to disable the plug they use for this... . Does anybody know the location where they plug into our trucks? Seems like we could change out the connection to a different type and then make an adapter that would fit it and the dealers plug. When the truck is taken into DC for service (providing you are willing to allow them to work on your truck) no reflash could occur without you supplying the adapter.



Just a thought, I think I will try and make something for my Ram as soon as a figure out where the dealer plugs in... .



Doug S.

 

[Texas Diesel]

The plug DC uses is below the steering wheel, just follow the knee panel down and you will see it. There is one in the engine compartment that Cummins can connect to. I put a padlock on the DC one when it goes into the shop. Put a sliding bycycle type through the wiring harness and clamp tight around the front side.

 

[Lhotka]

Why do the dealers reflash? Or why does a person want to prevent reflashing?

 

[weber1048]

The reason for the reflash is to give you the latest update of the software to comply with fed emission laws. The reason you might not want the reflash is the ram runs good and the mileage is good, the reflash could degrade the performance and or the mileage.

Just my . 02



Doug

 

[pwr2tow]

The problem I have with this whole reflash issue is, I bought my truck and it was up to emmission standards why is DC focking with something they are not suppose to.

Ron

 

[LSMITH]

That same plug is also where the diagnostic tool plugs in to get the error codes out and to reset them. I have told the dealer that if they reflash my truck without my SIGNATURE they will fix it, whatever it takes. I also make them put on the workorder that my truck is not to be flashed without my consent. So far it has not been flashed, runs great, and gets good mileage.

 

[admin2]

Originally posted by ronsram1999

DC focking with something

Please don't play games with by-passing the language filters. It will only cause even more tightening of them... .



Ken

TDR Admin

 

[Vaman]

Reflash

I had one of the first 24 valvers... about a year after I bought it I took it in to have the PCM reflash done. I told them I didn't want the ECM flash done. They said they "accidentally" did them both... they fix the things that don't need fixing and can't fix the things that do. Anyhow, I didn't think it would be a big deal but my power and mileage both dropped. I was really upset. I went back, complained some more, and they simply said there was nothing they could do. Anyhow, just thought I'd share.

 

[Steven]

How can you tell which version is loaded?

I know this has probably been asked brfore ... how can I tell what version of PCM/ECM is loaded?

 

[LSMITH]

Steven, without the DRB scan tool you have to trust the stickers on the radiator support for software edition. If you are lucky you have the original program in the ECM.

 

[jmeehan]

How do you know if the tech reflashed your truck? Do they put a sticker anywhere with the new program number on it?

 

[superdave]

perhaps if we all get together and file a class action lawsuit to stop the computer "upgrades" it might help..... when the dealer did mine when my 99 3500 was in for minor warranty work it RUINED my MPG... . and ABSOLUTELY did NOT help the performance... went from 19. 9 hiway to 16 or less and from 16. 8 loaded hiway to 12... . shame isnt it... ... i bought my wife a diesel Excursion and it gets 17. 6 and still has only 5000 miles on it... should get better... . why cant DC fix what they screw up??????

 

[Vaman]

Class action

Count me in Dave... they shouldn't be able to change your truck's operating characteristics after you buy it.

 

[BLACKRAM]

If the dealer is reflashing to help emissions, and your mileage drops, aren't you burning more fuel, and thus increasing the total emissions?



Another example of too much government.



Where is that Marco ECM?

 

[Vaman]

2000ney, I had the same question. The EPA reflash lowered the combustion temps which meant less NOX emissions but... it also meant less complete combustion. That ended up meaning more fouling, more smoke (yes more smoke), less power, and decreased mileage (more total emssions). The EPA was happy though because it brought the NOX emissions into spec. Go figure...

 

[B9Mile]

Hmmm... .

More reflashes = less MPGs = more fuel consumed = more oil company revenues & MORE FUEL TAXES collected bu OUR gov't.



Is it as clear as mud now?

 

[zimman20]

There was a post on this some time ago, simply stated it was to cut the factory connector and install your own connectors on either side of the cut harness (male and female to plug it back together when needed) and only provide the 'missing' DC connector if/when you determine you WANT them to have access to it, thus eliminating the unauthorized reflashes when unrelated work is being done. Just make sure to get the connections on both sides of your new connectors correct to allow proper match-up of the proper wires when connecting the DC side back into the harness.



Also make sure to cut the wires on the harness one at a time to ensure you don't short anything out. Hope this helps.