Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) TSB 18-11-99 Reflash Update

[curatchko]

Well today I got my truck back from the reflash, 18-11-99.



For anyone looking to have this done, it was NO CHARGE. The truck has 45000 miles on it, and they did not charge me. I didn't ask why for obvious reasons, but again, no charge. They got me on 2 oil filters though, 25 bucks!



As for how it runs? It seems a little more peppy... but won't know the real deal until I two 11,000 pounds with it in 2 weeks... I'll update then.

 

[jerrethomas]

mine got the the updated program to. the overhead trip thing said i was getting about 1 to 1. 5 mpg more then i had usually got before the program update was put in. checked the math the old fashoined way and yep i was getting mpg then before. it does seem to have more pep.

 

[John Berger]

The biggest difference will be no surge in power at or around 1750-1800 rpm. The power band is smoother from 1400 on up. It's fueling if I remember correctly. You probably won't notice much, if any difference when you tow. I didn't, but it was obvious my truck was smoother on acceleration at lower rpm. It's a matter of when, not how much if that makes any sense. Did they put a sticker on your ECM certifying that they did the re-flash? The dealer I had mine done at did not do this, even though the TSB states that it is a requirement.

 

[jcbrown]

What is the TSB Title? I can't find the TSB number listed in ALLDATA or DODGERAM. Is the TSB Number correct?

 

[curatchko]

It's a lack of power, low performance TSB. It changes something in the fueling to provide more torque.



It's in the TSB link here, 1999, under performance.



18-11-99

 

[John Berger]

This is probably not an issue, but check the fuel rollover valve as well. Some 99 trucks came from the factory with the plastic cap on. This could cause to much of a vacuum in the fuel tank and lead to low power conditions. My truck still had the cap on from the factory.

 

[Pit Bull]

They did this one to my truck when they replaced my lift pump. I never noticed any difference. The did put a sticker by the radiator with the modification. Now that I have washed the engine compartment a couple of times since then you can't read the sticker

 

[curatchko]

Originally posted by Pit Bull

They did this one to my truck when they replaced my lift pump. I never noticed any difference. The did put a sticker by the radiator with the modification. Now that I have washed the engine compartment a couple of times since then you can't read the sticker

They did that to a 2000? The TSB is for 1998 and 1999 24v trucks with the engine being manufactured prior to may 1999. That might be why you didn't notice a change.

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by curatchko







They did that to a 2000? The TSB is for 1998 and 1999 24v trucks with the engine being manufactured prior to may 1999. That might be why you didn't notice a change.

Glad they did not charge me

 

[Maximus]

I just had mine updated. I noticed a performance increase and also 1 mpg increase . I wasn't charged for the flash... but they did get me on other repairs which it was their for.

 

[curatchko]

Just another update incase anyone is interested in this flash.



THE BEST thing I ever did to this truck. Gained mpg, and the truck pulls like it is suppose to pull.



As of last week I have now pulled my 11,000 pound race car trailer, and my travel trailer and it's night and day.



I was close to giving up on this truck. I shouldn't have to bomb the crap out of it to tow these weights, at a reasonable speed of 70 mph... . I couldn't do it before this reflash, I could hit 70-75, but it was with my foot buried in the floor going on a level road... hit an over pass and she would drop to 60... Now I don't lose any mph on the overpasses, and we towed through PA up and down the mountains..... and it did great.



Strange but true.

 

[jerrethomas]

they reflash the ecm for free cause it is a emission's issue. that is why it is free. i also got i mpg better and seems to pull alot better.

 

[GDouglas]

I just got the 18-11-99 reflash done today also. It gets rid of the lack of power below 1800 rpm. It feels like a much more linear pull from 1600 rpm all the way up the tach now. I will chime in after a couple tanks of fuel to give some more feedback on fuel mileage. This was a no charge item since it is covered under the 8/80k emissions waranty, and I am only at 50k miles.



I also had the 18-08-99 cruise control reflash done at the same time. It cured the problem I was having with my set speed creeping up 5-10 mph after initially being set. This one was also done under the 8/80k emissions warranty.

 

[Snow man]

I got mine flashed,it did help low end slightly,but I lost 2-3 mpg,I wish I never had it done,once you do it,there's no going back.

 

[curatchko]

I think that's probably because this re-flash wasn't meant for your truck Snow Man. It's only for pre-May 99 trucks... . doing it to a 2000 probably would hurt mileage.





Chris

 

[Snow man]

Chris,it doesnt mater what flash you had done,any reflash to any truck. When they flash it it updates all the latest emissions flash,for the EPA,you have no chooice in the matter to take it or not,on my truck i lost 2-3 mpg,due to this portion of the reflash. All im saying is not get your truck flashed unless its really needed,you may lose MPG on the 2000 and earlier especially.