Reflash Computer ???? Will this Help?

[BValentz]

The Dealer suggested I have my computer reflashed. I am having problems with gas mileage. He suggested I replace the Turbo Pressure Sensor and The Fuel Filter. I have done that and have seen little or no change. He wants to reflash the computer. Does anyone think this will help anything? What exactly is that going to do? I dont want any other problems after he reflashes it. Thanks for any input.



98. 5 24v 4x4 LWB 55,000

 

[DKGross]

BV,



Be careful on that one. As you read this mine is in the shop again. This all began in May when the dealer that used to work on my truck reflashed my PCM. Since then my mileage has gone straight down the commode. I used to get 14. 8 round trip towing a boat (app 4500# dry) from Denver over the continental divide to Lake Powell and back and about 16. 5 combo city and highway driving. Since the reflash (I would get the numbers but the rig is in the shop) I got around 12. 5 combo and towing to Lake Murray in Oklahoma I got an unbelieveable 9. 4 round trip. To say I am concerned or worse is very accurate.



Now what the dealer is doing today is an oil change and check of the IAT, PCM and anything else a good diesel mechanic can figure out. I say good because this guy took the time after the old dealer and their mechanic told me "there is nothing wrong with your truck and it's too bad about your mileage but there is nothing more we can do". Anyway this guy took the time and found a pin hole leak in my waste gate, since then the mileage has gone up by about 3, but no where close to what it used to be. So he is going to try again. I told them I would pay for a reflash of the PCM if needed but the mileage is about what I would expect from a V10.



I will repost with the results after I get to check it out.



By the way I am going to have a Bill K recommended mechanic redo my trans in about a month.



Good luck.



Dave

 

[BValentz]

What is IAT, PCM? Thanks for the info. So what you are saying when they reflashed yours it was worse. I dont want that. I guess I should take in and leave it and just let them figure it out.



thanks again

 

[DKGross]

BV,



The IAT = Internal Air Temperature sensor. It has a lot of posts on the TDR, do a search on IAT.



The PCM, is flash (program) for automatic transmissions. Again search here.



I have slowly learned that you really need to be direct with the dealers in what you want done. In your case get them to agree that if the mileage gets worse they will reflash it back.



And yes, my mileage went from acceptable to bad in one flash and the original dealer would not reflash it back to where it was.



Hope this helps. I am sure there will be other posts to follow.



Dave

 

[BValentz]

Thanks for the info. I am going to find the IAT sensor where ever it is and replace it my self. I will try that before the reflash.

thanks

 

[BValentz]

I just wanted to let you know I replaced the IAT sensor and It looks like the MPG went back up to normal. I dont have exact numbers yet but, It definetly looks better. Thanks for all the help! I will let you know what happends.



thanks

 

[DKGross]

BV,



Good news. I got mine reflashed on Tuesday it shifts better and now I will get a new IAT and replace it myself. They could find nothing wrong. So it was a good news bad news day.



Then yesterday I got hit in the right rear by a Toyota 4 Runner. I have some damage. No one was hurt except the Toyota, the left front fender rolls up like a piece of crinkled paper.



Now I have to get that fixed. Why can't people learn how to drive? It is not like she could not see my BIG WHITE TRUCK.



Keep us posted on your progress.



By the way, after I get everything back in order, I am going to have a Bill K. trained transmission shop redo my trans.



Dave

 

[BValentz]

Sorry to here about your truck! I know the 4 runner had much worse damage. I bought my IAT from cummings for 38 dollars and found out I could have bought it from dodge for about 20 dollars. Just a heads up! Have a good one

thanks