A/T Controls - A/T Shift Improvement For Climbing Grades
NUMBER: 21-011-11GROUP: Transmission and Transfer Case
DATE: November 04, 2011
HELP USING THE wiTECH DIAGNOSTIC APPLICATION FOR FLASHING AN ECU IS AVAILABLE BY SELECTING "HELP" THEN "HELP CONTENTS" AT THE TOP OF THE wiTECH DIAGNOSTIC APPLICATION WINDOW.
THE wiTECH SOFTWARE LEVEL MUST BE AT RELEASE 12.01 OR HIGHER TO PERFORM THIS PROCEDURE.
SUBJECT:
Flash: Difficulty Climbing Steep Grades At Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating In Third And Fourth Gear
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves flash reprogramming the Transmission Control Module (TCM) with new software.
MODELS:
2011 (DD) RAM 3500 CAB Chassis
2011 (DP) RAM 4500/5500 CAB Chassis
NOTE:
This Service Bulletin applies to vehicles equipped a 6 speed automatic transmission (sales code DG3).
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Some customers may notice they have difficulty climbing steep grades at maximum gross combined weight rating while the vehicle is in third and fourth gear. This usually happens while towing a trailer. This could also be described as a lug down feeling in third and fourth gear.
A new feature has been added to the 1CM logic that allows new downshift points for the 4-3 and 3-2 downshifts. These new shift points keep the engine at or near peak horsepower to avoid this performance issue.
DIAGNOSIS:
Using a Scan Tool (wiTECH(TM)) with the appropriate Diagnostic Procedures available in TechCONNECT, verify no DTC's are set. If DTC's are present record them on the repair order and repair as necessary before proceeding further with this bulletin.
If the above condition is present, perform the Repair Procedure.
PARTS REQUIRED:
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
NOTE:
Install a battery charger to ensure battery voltage does not drop below 13.2 volts. Do not allow the charging voltage to climb above 13.5 volts during the flash process.
NOTE:
If this flash process is interrupted/aborted, the flash should be restarted.
1. Reprogram the 1CM with the latest software. Help using the wiTECH diagnostic application for flashing an ECU is available by selecting "help then "help contents at the top of the wiTECH diagnostic application window. After TCM reprogramming, the following must be performed:
a. Clear any DTC's that may have been set in other modules due to reprogramming. The wiTECH application will automatically present all DTCs after the flash and allow the tech to clear them.
2. Type the necessary information on the "Authorized Modification Label" and attach it near the VECI label.
POLICY:
Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
TIME ALLOWANCE:
FAILURE CODE:
Disclaimer:
This bulletin is supplied as technical information only and is not an authorization for repair.