PCM - Hard Starting/Idle Speed Fluctuations
NUMBER: 18-014-01GROUP: Vehicle Performance
DATE: July 9, 2001
SUBJECT:
Performance Enhancement For Severe Cold Weather Environments
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software (59t7a)
NOTE:
THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO ALL RAM TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A 5.9L 24-VALVE CUMMINS DIESEL ENGINE WITH A 49-STATE EMISSIONS CALIBRATION AND AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.
MODELS:
1998-2002 (BR/BE) Ram Truck
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Customer may experience hard starting and/or idle speed fluctuations.
Cummins 24-valve engines used with automatic transmissions can be severely effected by the use of sub-grade # 1 diesel fuel when ambient temperatures are below 0°C (32°F), typically prevalent during the Winter months in Alaska, Northwestern Canada, and similar climates/temperatures elsewhere.
NOTE:
THIS CHANGE WILL HAVE NO EFFECT ON PERFORMANCE DURING WARM WEATHER OR WHEN STANDARD GRADE DIESEL FUELS # 1 OR # 2 ARE USED.
NOTE:
VEHICLES WITH 49-STATE CERTIFICATION CAN APPLY THIS CALIBRATION CHANGE IF NEEDED. THE CALIBRATION CAN BE CHANGED BACK TO THE ORIGINAL CALIBRATION IF DESIRED.
DIAGNOSIS PROCEDURES:
1. Using the Diagnostic Scan Tool (DRBIII(R)) with the appropriate Diagnostic Procedures, verify all engine/transmission systems are functioning as designed. If other DTC's are present, record them on the repair order and repair as necessary before proceeding further with this bulletin.
2. If the condition above has been verified, perform the repair procedure.
PARTS REQUIRED:
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
NOTE:
THE MDS2 AND DRBIII(R) ARE REQUIRED TO PERFORM PART OF THIS REPAIR, WHEN USING THE MDS2 AND THE DRBIII(R), THE SYSTEM MUST BE OPERATING AT CIS CD 2086 OR HIGHER (2086 ARRIVES IN DEALERSHIPS ON JULY 9, 2001).
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
1. Log onto the MDS2 (Mopar Diagnostic System).
2. Connect the MDS2 and DRBIII(R) to the vehicle and switch the ignition key to "ON".
NOTE:
AUTO CONNECTION WILL OCCUR ONCE THE DRBIII(R), MDS2, AND VEHICLE ESTABLISH COMMUNICATION. THE "CANNOT READ VIN FROM DRBIII(R)" MESSAGE (ON THE MDS2) WILL BE REPLACED BY THE VEHICLE VIN. PRESS THE "OK" BUTTON ON THE MDS2 TO REQUEST A MDS2 SESSION FOR THE VEHICLE VIN INDICATED. PRESS THE "OK" BUTTON WHEN ASKED TO BEGIN SESSION.
3. Push the FLASH tab on the MDS2.
4. Select READ PART NUMBERS FROM VEHICLE and click SHOW UPDATES on the MDS2.
NOTE:
A MESSAGE MAY APPEAR (AFTER STEP 3 OR 4) THAT INDICATES NO UPDATES ARE AVAILABLE. IF THIS OCCURS, MAKE SURE YOUR DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT IS OPERATING AT THE LATEST SOFTWARE LEVEL AS LISTED EARLIER IN THIS BULLETIN. IF THE LATEST SOFTWARE IS INSTALLED, AND NO UPDATES ARE AVAILABLE ANOTHER VEHICLE CONDITION EXISTS THAT WILL REQUIRE FURTHER INVESTIGATION.
5. Select the new software part number with the light pen and click UPDATE CONTROLLER SOFTWARE.
6. The MDS2 and DRBIII(R) will prompt for any operator action needed during the remainder of the reprogramming process.
NOTE:
DUE TO THE PCM REPROGRAMMING PROCEDURE, A DTC MAY BE SET IN OTHER MODULES (EATX, BCM, MIC, SKIM, ETC.) WITHIN THE VEHICLE, IF SO EQUIPPED. SOME DTC'S MAY CAUSE THE MIL TO ILLUMINATE. ALL DTC'S RELATE TO A LOSS OF COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE MODULE THAT IS BEING REPROGRAMMED CHECK ALL MODULES, RECORD THE FAULTS, AND ERASE THESE FAULTS PRIOR TO RETURNING THE VEHICLE TO THE CUSTOMER. ERASE ANY FAULTS IN THE PCM ONLY AFTER ALL OTHER MODULES HAVE HAD THEIR FAULTS ERASED.
NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING STEPS ARE REQUIRED BY LAW.
7. Type the necessary information on the "Authorized Software Update Label" p/n 04669020 (Fig. 1). Attach the label to the PCM and cover the label with the clear plastic overlay.
8. Type the necessary information on the "Authorized Modification Label" p/n 04275086 and attach the label near the VECI label (Fig. 2).
POLICY:
Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
TIME ALLOWANCE:
FAILURE CODE: