DodgeRam.info > TSB's > 18-013-03

TSB 18-013-03

Flash: MIL and/or Engine Throttle Control (ETC) Light Illumination,
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), and/or Poor Idle Quality

Visit Geno's Garage for Truck accessories.

Date: Mar. 28, 2003

THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 18-035-02, DATED NOVEMBER 29, 2002.

Models: 2003 (DR) Ram Truck

NOTE: THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 5.7L ENGINE (SALES CODES EZA) BUILT ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 28, 2003.

Overview:
This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software.

Symptom/Condition:
Vehicle operator may experience:

• Poor idle quality.
• Poor performance after starting the engine when the battery voltage is low.
• Poor performance after extended closed-throttle downhill coast.
• MIL and/or ETC light illumination.

Diagnosis:
Using a Scan Tool (DRBIII) with TechCONNECT or the appropriate Diagnostic Procedures Manual, verify all engine systems are functioning as designed. If DTCs are present, other than those listed above, record them on the repair order and repair as necessary before proceeding further with this bulletin.

If the vehicle operator describes or the technician experiences any of the Symptom/Conditions, perform the Repair Procedure.

Special Tools/Equipment Required:

NPN	Battery Charger
CH2002	General Purpose Interface Bus Cable Assembly
CH6000A	Scan Tool (DRBIII)
CH7000A	J1962 Cable
	TechCONNECT Workstation

Parts Required:

Qty.	Part No.	Description
1	04669020	Label, Authorized Software Update
1	04275086AB	Label, Authorized Modification

Repair Procedure: 

NOTE: WHENEVER A CONTROLLER IS REPLACED OR REPROGRAMMED, THE SOFTWARE IN THE CONTROLLER AND DRBIIIT MUST BE VERIFIED AS HAVING THE LATEST REVISION LEVEL.

1. Connect a battery charger and set as close to 14 volts charge as possible.

2. Flash the controller using the TechCONNECT/MDS2 and DRBIIIT.

NOTE: DUE TO THE PCM REPROGRAMMING PROCEDURE, A DTC MAY BE SET IN OTHER MODULES (TCM, 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.

3. Type the necessary information on the “Authorized Software Update Label” p/n 04669020 (Figure 1). Attach the label to the PCM and/or TCM as necessary and cover the label(s) with the clear plastic overlay.

4. Type the necessary information on the “Authorized Modification Label” p/n 04275086AB and attach near the VECI label (Figure 2).

FIGURE 1 - AUTHORIZED MODIFICATION LABEL 1 - POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE P/N (INSERT P/N) USED 2 - CHANGE AUTHORITY: TSB XX-XXX-XX 3 - DEALER CODE: XXXXX 4 - DATE: XX-XX-XX

FIGURE 2- AUTHORIZED SOFTWARE UPDATE LABEL

Policy:    Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.

Time Allowance:

Failure Code:

This page was edited on: May 3, 2004