PCM Flash without asking me....?

[Brandilen]

Hello everyone,
Took my '19 3500 in for a bad track bar and windshield wiper problem. When I picked it up, the Service coordinator told me the Flashed the ECM/PCM per TSB 18-010-21 rev B. So first, I was having Zero problems or codes that the TSB indicates would require a flash. So far, ( Only drove it home in traffic, will drive it to work today) it shudders on acceleration. I am going to call them today but wonder if any of you have had issues, or if the dealer can flash an ECM without permission? I have no tunes or anything, I just dont like my truck to run worse after some one else touches it.

Thanks!

 

[Topzide]

TSB's correct known issues. If under warranty, no choice in the matter. Out of warranty they have to advise you as if it doesn't apply to what it was brought in for. Sometimes to flash fixes something that you haven't experienced yet. Think of it as an update that comes through for your cell phone, tablet or any other device. I wouldn't have any issue with a flash to update system, then again, I don't have anything to hide on my truck! If they were to find that a tune has been used, they can deny and void any warranty that was on truck! Once modified, you become your own warranty repair station. From what I've heard and seen, the new trucks don't need any help, just jewelry to make it your own!!!!!!!!

 

[06 Dodge]

I had the ECM update on my 2006 without asking me, I was told it was much better then original as it fixed stuff, after update when I noticed lower fuel mileage I went back was told no way to go back to original programing, I do with they asked before messing with stuff like that, as I see it don't mess with it if its not broken....

 

[Brandilen]

TSB's correct known issues. If under warranty, no choice in the matter. Out of warranty they have to advise you as if it doesn't apply to what it was brought in for. Sometimes to flash fixes something that you haven't experienced yet. Think of it as an update that comes through for your cell phone, tablet or any other device. I wouldn't have any issue with a flash to update system, then again, I don't have anything to hide on my truck! If they were to find that a tune has been used, they can deny and void any warranty that was on truck! Once modified, you become your own warranty repair station. From what I've heard and seen, the new trucks don't need any help, just jewelry to make it your own!!!!!!!!

I have nothing to hide, Emissions are intact, zero modifications. Just frustrated that now, it has problems that weren't there before. I have to take time to take it back for them to troubleshoot and that is a pain in the a$$.

 

[sag2]

They flashed it because it was also released as an RRT and is mandatory that they flash it. There are only two items that appear to have changed on this flash from the software you may have had, so it is unlikely the flash caused any problems with how it runs.

 

[Ram4Sam]

They flashed it because it was also released as an RRT and is mandatory that they flash it. There are only two items that appear to have changed on this flash from the software you may have had, so it is unlikely the flash caused any problems with how it runs.

Just curious.....what does "RRT" stand for.....

Sam

 

[AH64ID]

Rapid Response Transmittal
A Rapid Response Transmittal is a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) but is of a
higher priority or importance than that of a standard TSB. This also is intended
for dealers and auto mechanics. A normal TSB may or may not be implemented
in the course of a vehicle repair as it can and often is done at the descretion of the
dealer.

Unless the problem described in the TSB is identical to that of the complaint or
repair item, and the dealer/mechanic looks for this situation or condition then
usually the TSB is followed. The RRT is of a higher level or importance here. It
informs the dealers and mechanics that a known problem exists and that should
look for conditions stated in the RRT on new vehicles or/as the come in for service, or
in the case of the particulars of the RRT contact the owner and have them bring the
vehicle in for service at the earliest convenience. Usually this is done to help dealer
avoid warranty work costs that will eventually come at a later date.

 

[sag2]

I could not have said it any better.

 

[Wiredawg]

I told my dealer I want flashes for my out of 36Kmile/36mo factory warranty on my 5500, BUT I want to remove my tune FIRST. Pulled my tune, had the ECM/PCM flashed for $184. Running a couple weeks before I put the tune back on. I like to keep all our vehicles current on flashes, TSBs, and recalls.

 

[Brandilen]

Hello everyone wanted to give and up date since the last post. Truck has been driven about 1200 miles since the flash and we have had two MIL indications. First one was about 200 miles an was the BCM. The part was in at the dealers for the USB ports so we took it in and the MIL went out on the drive to the dealer. Told the dealer and he could not find anything. Yesterday while driving MIL came on and the code is EGR excessive flow. Other than the radio issues we have ( they are replacing that) and the bad USB port and track bar they found in March 22, the truck has had no issues, again this is a stock truck. Could this new flash be causing these MIL issues? As with all software it get corrupted if the flash was done incorrectly or the dealer pick the wrong calibration choice because there are two to pick from on this flash. The radio is in an we will be taking it in this week. Thanks

 

[sag2]

Almost impossible to pick the wrong flash. They have an internal check that verifies correct supersedence. There is also a check sum at the conclusion of the flash to confirm it is loaded correctly.

 

[Jim W]

Hello everyone,
Took my '19 3500 in for a bad track bar and windshield wiper problem. When I picked it up, the Service coordinator told me the Flashed the ECM/PCM per TSB 18-010-21 rev B. So first, I was having Zero problems or codes that the TSB indicates would require a flash. So far, ( Only drove it home in traffic, will drive it to work today) it shudders on acceleration. I am going to call them today but wonder if any of you have had issues, or if the dealer can flash an ECM without permission? I have no tunes or anything, I just dont like my truck to run worse after some one else touches it.

Thanks!

On a side note, you can install a OBD-II port lock from Geno's Garage to prevent unauthorize access to your port. I have one on my truck and no one but me can access the OBD II port. Such as this from Geno's garage. OBD-II Port Lock and Universal Tune Saver (genosgarage.com)

 

[Diesel Gunner]

It is incredible how much information is available without connecting to any port. CHP can access your vehicle as you are driving down the highway. Vehicle speed and weight can be measured along with current registration info and much more. The camera systems that they have can read your name on your company garment not just your license plate. Learned all of this at the scale house back around 2000. No telling what they can access now. Have you ever wondered if your navigation system or Sirius listens?

Just seems to me that the dealerships would (should) let you know before they do any "updates". Even updates on phones and computers might not be exactly what you want. How many times have you ever read the portion that tells you what the "update" is about? Truthfully, I do not want the pregnant man emoji, or any of the emoji's because I never use them. And there is much, much more in some of these "updates" that many of us would prefer not to have.

It is kind of like going grocery shopping and someone putting soy in my cart and forcing me to pay for it and take it home. That **** is for feeding hogs not humans!

 

[sag2]

There are flashes and Critical Flashes. The dealers are instructed to flash any module if the vehicle is under warranty and there is a critical flash available. They most likely are for safety or emissions compliance. All other flashes are on as needed bases if the customer has the concern.

 

[EDankievitch]

They “Flashed “ my 2013 at least 3 times with out letting me know. Twice I had issues afterwards. First time I didn’t get halfway to Fla when the dash light up like a Christmas tree an it went into limp mode. It turned out the flash had a bad something written into it. Took almost 5 months for FCA to release an approved update to fix it. My take is if it’s playing nicely leave the “new headaches”in the flash for someone else to find.

 

[06 Dodge]

I had a dealer flash my old truck without my knowledge, I only found out after noticing lower fuel mileage that had me looking under hood, it was at that time I noticed the white sticker on the hood, so off the the dealer and was told they saw it was out so they just updated as it was said to fix problems some people had, I asked if they could flash the original code back into my truck, was told no not possible, that service manager got chewed out over it as I was not a happy camper...

 

[Brandilen]

New update- the flash (TSB 18-010-21 rev B) IS causing issues per Service Manager. He says there is no new flash available yet, and they are unable to regress to old version. Service Manager is supposedly expediting our CP3 replacement, as that is the only available update to software. The more we drive, the more issues show up. Idle surging, EGR excessive flow are the 2 new problems.

Jim W.-- thanks for the link, I am ordering the port locker this morning!

 

[Minnow101]

Typical dealer service; they can’t fix what’s broken but can easily FU what’s not.

 

[Wiredawg]

On a side note, you can install a OBD-II port lock from Geno's Garage to prevent unauthorize access to your port. I have one on my truck and no one but me can access the OBD II port. Such as this from Geno's garage. OBD-II Port Lock and Universal Tune Saver (genosgarage.com)

I made my own... got a small Master Lock, small chain, and small piece of rubber inner tube. I removed the OBDII connector from the bracket, placed rubber around the connector, wrapped chain around it, then locked it. I first did this on my 09 4500 as it was deleted and had a a Smarty 6.7 with Middle East Program for 7 of the 9 years I owned the truck. Guess I should install it on my 17 Ram 5500 with its MM3 custom program.