Reflash 18-003-06

[mlewis73]

When I bought my truck and drove it home from MO to SC, I noticed lots of engine rattle when depressing the accelerator while rolling along. I had LOTS of power up I-40 through the TN mountains--the truck just leapt uphill when the pedal was mashed, making cars instantly smaller in my rearview mirror.



I had the check engine light come on at about 4000 miles due to temp sensor rationality issues, TSB number 18-005-06. Then again at about 6000 miles for the same reason, TSB number 18-003-06. Truck is spec'd as listed in my signature.



The 18-003-06 took away the rattle AND the power.



What can I do? This thing would absolutely fly before the reflash. I've heard that I can have the computer returned to stock IF the dealer is worth his salt and has the full program... not just reflashes.



Also interested in knowing if the CEL will eventually turn itself off if temp sensor rationality issues appear once I go back to original programming.



Any help is appreciated. Didn't pay $35k for a truck to have Dodge reflash all the power out of the engine 4 months after purchase.





Mike



Signature: 2006 Ram 3500 dually. 6-speed, Cummins.

 

[pwr2tow]

Dealer can not reflash back to previous ECM programs. After market might be able to help.

I suspect when they did the reflash the timing was set different which took away the rattle but also the power and possibly fuel mileage.

 

[VTomasso]

My osbervations

Hi Mike,



I had the same (almost) reflash done on my 04. 5 for the nuisance temp fault. It's interesting to note that the TSB's for our trucks are different, yet for the same problem. I had the tech show me on his computer which TSB's were applicable, and I got new software for...



18-007-04

18-017-05

18-022-06--for "temp rationality" and other stuff

18-033-04

18-037-04



My truck seemed to react differently to throttle input, as in not as sensitive in the first third of pedal travel. I don't run my truck hard as a rule, using heavy throttle only when the need arises. Power feels about the same, just comes in at a little higher rpm. (over 2,000)



A fellow member posted that his MIL went off after 5 starts, but this may have been for a different reason. Mine did not. Actually it set a hard code that I coudn't clear with 3 different scan tools. My temp fault has not returned since the reflash, but the spark-knock type combustion rattle is still there, more or less. Actually, I've had it since day 1. It won't do it while towing or when freighted heavy. Cetane booster is next.



The problem with this relash business is that following every reflash, the ECM gets a new part number, and a supplemental sticker to prove it. Every reflash will also include all applicable software TSB's, hence my list above. I got them all in one shot. Many of the software TSB's have changes that affect emissions. (read reduce) I do not think that a dealer can legally reprogram back to factory for this reason. There are many DC techs here that can clarify this better than I can. Think of a reflash like pork barrel legislation. For the one thing you do want, you might get six things that you don't, but they're buried in there somewhere.



BTW, I'm messing around with a Smarty tuner right now, currently on "0" setting. "0" defuels the engine enough to make my truck very predictable in the snow. (aggressive boost + ice= ) I haven't tried the other settings yet as I'd prefer gauges first for engine safety. (I might add this requires considerable restraint) But from what I've read here...



The best feature of the Smarty is that it doesn't leave any trace of itself in the ECM. This is vital for your warranty! If you have to go in for another reflash, set Smarty back to stock and go. (takes 5 mins. max)



Sorry for the windy post but I hope this helps,

-V