Should I get the ECM reflashed before the Truck leaves the Lot?

[BLandau]

I have located a new 2500 Mega Cab 4x4.



I asked the dealer to load the latest ECM update before the truck leaves the lot. The service department responded that they can not update the software unless there is a problem. The tech said the update may also cause the truck to fail an emissions test.



What do you think. I do not want to be too difficult.

 

[jelag]

The tech is wrong about an updated ECM will fail an emission test... . Above all things software upgrades are made knowing what the outcome will be when it comes to emissions...

The service people I know have a list of those upgrades that are to be made if they see a truck, they check the vin and do the upgrade, other updates are for specific complaints... if you don't complain about a problem they leave it... as sometimes the compromise to upgrade the software might make another driveability problem you don't care for... .

As an example if it was an automatic and the upgrade that turns on the horn when the door is open and the truck is in reverse... . I'd never want that... yet for safety concerns if they have a truck in the shop without that upgraded they are forced to do for safety concerns... . and you the owner don't have a choice... .

I'd take the truck and drive it..... later if there's any issues I'd consider changing the software... .

 

[Sky]

I would tell them your not buying it unless they update it. I got mine updated before I took delivery.

 

[DBraunig]

Tell them not to worry about it... ... ..... you'll take the truck and bring it back in a week... ... ... . then you can give them a "NO" on the Chrysler fixed first visit survey. I bet they'll flash the ECM then :-laf



Sure is a bad start on a relationship with the service dept. though :-{}



Dave

 

[MKirchner]

Wrong ECU software version

My 6. 7 at 1600 miles told me that I need required service due to a catalytic status of 100% full. So I took it in on monday, the earliest appointment I could get, and the technician figured out that the ECU had the wrong version of software. This caused regeneration not to happen as required. Everything is working fine now. However fuel mileage is down.

 

[TKeeler]

My 6. 7 at 1600 miles told me that I need required service due to a catalytic status of 100% full. So I took it in on monday, the earliest appointment I could get, and the technician figured out that the ECU had the wrong version of software. This caused regeneration not to happen as required. Everything is working fine now. However fuel mileage is down.

MKirchner... do you know what the manufacture date is on your truck? Just curious since the tech said it had the wrong version of software it would be interesting to compare to other trucks that are not having problems. Mine was built in early/mid April, has had no updates and is working fine (knock on wood).

 

[FredMaryLou]

My dealer gave me the same runaround about having to complain to get any TSBs listed for my 2007. 5 truck processed. It sounds rediculous that they would not perform the TSB service for improved customer satisfaction. So, I complained about my mileage. I'm going to verify manually that the one MPG increase my overhead computer shows is correct. I hope so. Fred

 

[JimB1]

One business model says you make a $million$ one penny at a time. So each extra service visit a customer can be brought back in, is another opportunity to get them to spend "a little something" on items they never would have come for.

 

[BLandau]

I picked up my truck last Thursday. After reviewing everyone's comments, I called my sales rep and explained specifically why I wanted the update. He went to the service manager and convinced him to look up the details on the truck. It turns out there was a specific request for an update.



I think that the sales man realized my BS detector went off when he gave me his first response.



Although I do not appreciate an untruthful response, we should realize that these people interact with a large array of the general public. Most are uneducated when it comes to manufacturing, performance and care of the vehicle they are driving.



Thanks for your help!



Brent