simadownow6988

SUBJECT:
No Crank, No Start - Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) With DTC U1601
MODELS:
2009 (DH/D1) Ram Trucks (2500/3500 Pick Up)
2009 (DC/DM) Cab Chassis (3500/4500/5500)
NOTE: This bulletin applies to 2009 vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L diesel
engine (Sales code ETJ) built after March 04, 2009 (MDH0304XX)
programmed with bootloader software number 00 06 01 (or later). 2007 and
newer vehicles that have had the ECM replaced with the new bootloader
software will also be effected.
DISCUSSION:
This bulletin explains a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination due to Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC); U1601 - ECU Application Software Code 1 Missing Or Corrupted.
If the Engine Control Module (ECM) does not have a calibration installed, or has an
unapproved calibration installed then the ECM will be in a Read Only Memory (ROM) boot
state. The ECM will have power but the lack of approved software will not allow the vehicle
to be started and driven. No further diagnostics of the ECM will be available at this time.
This code will be cleared and issue resolved when the ECM is updated with the correct
approved calibration. Refer to the DealerCONNECT > TechCONNECT > Service
Information for more detail.
DTC U1601 set outside of the dealership with a no crank, no start condition caused by
unauthorized (up-rate) software will NOT be covered under the terms of the warranty.
DTC U1601 code may also be set when a legitimate flash is interrupted for any reason.
This bulletin also involves explanations of the effects that aftermarket “Up-rate Kits” have
on Cummins engine and emission systems.
NOTE: Replacement ECM's supplied by Mopar may also contain the secure
bootloader software, thus the conditions listed above may apply to 2007 and
newer vehicles if the ECM has been replaced.
CAUTION: Some customers may come in requesting a software update because the
up-rate software does not recognize the secure bootloader software
(even though the controller may be up to date). This should serve as a
warning that the customer is attempting to tamper with the calibration in
the vehicle's ECM.
Up-Rate kits are numerous and may include aftermarket software downloads.
Engines that have had tampering will generate excess soot and may damage the
Turbocharger, Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and Oxygen Sensors (O2) and/or other
emission system(s), air handling or fuel control components.
Some of the changes caused by Up-Rate kits (but not limited to) :
· Engine calibration, including emissions.
· Governors, including engine speed and vehicle top speed.
· Torque and horsepower (which may cause other drive line component damage).
· Diagnostics, preventing MIL illumination.
· Drivability and torque management control.
DIAGNOSIS PROCEDURE:
1. Refer to the detailed service information available in DealerCONNECT >
TechCONNECT under: Service Info > 28 - DTC-Based Diagnostics > MODULE,
Engine Control (ECM), 6.7L > Diagnosis and Testing > U1601 - ECU Application
Software Code 1 Missing Or Corrupted.

simadownow6988

What this means is no more programmers (for now). The truck will not let you!

HotRodTodd

Here is the TSB from Dodge in PDF if anyone wants it.

LFD2037

DANG!! They are for real, huh>When was this released?

claydawgs85

dang that sucks. is this going to affect the 2008 models too. if it does there goes my idea for a chip.

Lary Ellis (Top)

It will effect the older trucks if you purchase a replacement ECM from what I gather.

stock03

Once these "new" computers come out, someone will figure them out so programs can be down loaded and more power gained. This will just slow things down for a little while. If I had a newer truck, I wouldn't be worried.

HotRodTodd

The part that worries me, is that most of our customers bring their trucks here before they go to the dealer for warranty or TSB work, to sanitize their trucks upgrades, so there are no problems with warranty etc.
When they have come back for the last 6 months or so, the ECM's firmware has always been updated or re-flashed, even if the trip to the dealer had nothing to do with engine or powertrain related problems.
The TSB states: "NOTE: Replacement ECM's supplied by Mopar may also contain the secure
bootloader software, thus the conditions listed above may apply to 2007 and
newer vehicles if the ECM has been replaced."
I really hope that the ECM's on 2007 and up must be replaced to accept the new bootloader software, and can't be done with just an update or re-flash since that is what they have been doing routinely on service visits.

ChrisM55

they already have workarounds for this and are getting the downloaders ready to go out! Remeber, the guys who build the programmers are WAY SMARTTER than Dodge engineers!! Also, from what I gather the Edge chips do not affect the ECM like the downloaders do so they won't lock the systems up

Chris

Lil Dog

WRT Edge. From what I have been researching, yes and no. The adaptive learning of the ECM may determine that something is altering the inputs from the external sensors. It may not lock it up, but may be more sensitive to determine that the load level has been changed and will give you the yellow light. This is just what I have been reading, not concrete.

Sapper

So, break it down for a big dumb guy like me. If I go out out and get any of the programmers available, and then have to take it to a dealer for some sort of repair involving the computer, they will re-flash the computer with this new stuff and I'll have problems???

JCLeary

Volkswagen's TDI ecm supposedly learns when the inputs are altered and derates the power. I wouldn't be surprised if the new Cummins ECM will do the same.

BigDave12768

There has to be a way around it at some point, Since once the truck is out of warranty it wont matter. But yeah they will find way to re-write things. As for people being way smater than Dodges engineers. Thats not really true, since the Dodge guys cant figure in someone making a box to stop signals going through. Look I just figured it out and I am an idiot. Make a box that captures the sensors data and sends back good data.

JCLeary

You could always swap in an '03 ECM and injectors. It has been done before. Just depends on how much you want to spend...

Lil Dog

Exactly, and that has been around for a few years. Thats with an EXTERNAL box plugged in.