MPG went down after Recall Program

[WM-300]

I have a new 2003 HO/6 Speed with 1450 miles. Up until today, I was getting in the 20's MPG both on the computer and with hand calculations. There was a outstanding recall # C02 Reporgram the Engine Control Module. The dealer did the re-programming and now I am getting in the 17's for MPG. What can I do to get it back up in the 20's.



Thanks

Paul

 

[curatchko]

Kiss it goodbye.



We had the same problems on the 2nd gen trucks too. So much that some guys here were pad-locking their computer plug inside the cab so the dealers couldn't inadvertantly flash them while the trucks were in for other servicing... .



The best thing is to just KEEP YOUR TRUCK from the dealer... hard to do with warranties and all but it's just asking for trouble.

 

[WM-300]

Where is the plug

Thanks for the info. Where is the actual plug where they program the computer. How do you lock it inside ? Will a dealer

re-program to the old settings or is that against Chrysler policy ?



Thanks

Paul

 

[Midnight]

The plug is under the dash on the drivers side. No the dealer will not program it back to what it was.

 

[bighammer]

Mine seemed to drop too I wish I had known prior to going in.

 

[bulabula]

I finally did the reflash a few months ago, and after 16 or so fill-ups since then, I can't say I've noticed any real change in mileage since new. Although it seems the overhead is more realistic.

 

[lschultz]

When I had the 03 they did the recall flash and I lost several tenths on mileage. It was not much but I noticed it.

 

[V6power87]

What is the improvement by reflashing the software? Is this reflash for the cold start strategy?

 

[Lorenz]

What dates of manufacture are being reflashed? and how do you put a padlock on an electrical connector

 

[Prairie Dog]

C02 made no difference to mine - Winter blend fuel shure does though, most likely thats the cause of your mileage drop IMO.

 

[rbattelle]

WM-300



I agree with Prarie Dog.



Where in the Adirondacks do you live? I used to camp/hike up there regularly, when I lived in NY.

 

[curatchko]

Originally posted by SLorenzen

What dates of manufacture are being reflashed? and how do you put a padlock on an electrical connector

Drill a hole through the connector in front and put a lock in it.

 

[WM-300]

Schroon Lake

We live at Schroon Lake. My wife and I both are New York State licensed guides amoung many things. We climb/hike and guide in the High Peaks.



Paul

 

[Dean Upson]

Originally posted by Prairie Dog

C02 made no difference to mine - Winter blend fuel shure does though, most likely thats the cause of your mileage drop IMO.

Made not difference on mine, either. Ditto on the winter fuel.



Dean

 

[RobbieH]

The dealership where I go said they will not be doing the recall flash due to this exact problem. They said they did 3 or 4 and immediately they were getting complaints. They said there seem to be enough complaints that they expect DC to release new code.



FWIW: your mileage is nowhere near enough to break in the engine, don't worry about mileage at all until you get 10k-20k on the truck.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Rob's rite, my mileage continues to climb. W/ 20K I'm now getting arround 20 consistently. Used to be 16 or 17 max (and thats before CO2 was installed).

 

[dieselpilot1969]

I did not have the reflash done and with cruise set at 65 i see around 22 mpg

 

[DocDetonancour]

1100 miles..mpg..

Made a run today of 240 miles, mostly highway around 60+. Got 18mpg on Winter diesel. Was pleased, but the overhead indicated low 20's????????????

 

[ttreibel]

First of all I did get the re-flash about 4 months ago.



I was aware that some people saw a loss in fuel economy after the flash and was concerned.



I talked to the Service Rep and he told me the computer needs to relearn driving habits kind of like when you first buy the truck. He also said they had a new procedure for the flash and said I didn't have to get it if I didn't want it and advised me of possible problems with using the cruise control if the flash was not done.



I think putting a lock on your ODB II port is a bit extreme, after the flash I have noticed no difference in mileage, when I tow hard I get 11-13 when empty on a warm day I get almost 20 and when around town driving normal I get 16-18.



It has been 4 months since I got the Flash

 

[Dean Upson]

Originally posted by ttreibel

. He also said they had a new procedure for the flash and said I didn't have to get it if I didn't want it and advised me of possible problems with using the cruise control if the flash was not done.



I think putting a lock on your ODB II port is a bit extreme, after the flash I have noticed no difference in mileage, when I tow hard I get 11-13 when empty on a warm day I get almost 20 and when around town driving normal I get 16-18.



It has been 4 months since I got the Flash

It was my understanding that the flash corrected the problem with the cc. A friend of mine had his cc go nuts on him while towing and I would not want that to happen to me.



Dean