Cold Weather Program
 

Does anybody have the info/TSB # on the cold weather program for our CTD's? My dealer and his shop foreman said the only cold weather aid Dodge had was the high-idle and I can't find the info I had on the 3 cyl. warm up. Go figure - Thanks Ya'll

Re:Cold Weather Program
 

TSB 18-019-01

The instructions are down about halfway on how to enable the 3 cylinder operation.

"NOTE: ....YOU MUST USE THE DRB III TO ENABLE THE 3 CYLINDER IDLE FEATURE. TO DO SO FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW."

Re:Cold Weather Program
 

[quote author=Yellowhammer link=board=4;threadid=20960;start=0#msg196639 date=1066142438]
Does anybody have the info/TSB # on the cold weather program for our CTD's? My dealer and his shop foreman said the only cold weather aid Dodge had was the high-idle and I can't find the info I had on the 3 cyl. warm up. Go figure - Thanks Ya'll
[/quote]

Its all in the same update.

18-019-01
Date September 3, 2001

Not sure of the build date on your truck but you might ask them to check it and see if the software is present but just needs activation? Just simply ask if they can "check" using the DRBIII tool to see if the option exhist to enable it. If they can't find it they will have to flash it. After they flash it ask them if they enabled it, as it is disabled by default. Hopefully they have done it before. The service manager and the tech argued with me that nothing else was required...........the next day the service manager drove 35 miles to my place to enable it with the DRBIII tool since he was wrong.

Re:Cold Weather Program
 

Thanks-Really inspires confidence when the service dept. gives you the "glassy-eyed-blank-look". I almost hate even letting them hook up to my truck for fear that they'll screw something up - And then I'll get to fix it 'cause it's almost out of warranty.

Re:Cold Weather Program
 

I was in the shop at my local dealer for a new lift pump last week and asked the tech about enabling the 3-cyl feature. He told me that there have been some people that have experienced degraded performance after having the feature enabled. It could have been just smoke because he didn't want to hook up the cables and do it. I have an exhaust brake and use it to warm up mine in the winter so it's not a big deal to me to have it. I told him to forget it if there was going to be a chance that performance would suffer.

Re:Cold Weather Program
 

[quote author=rattle_rattle link=board=4;threadid=20960;start=0#msg196805 date=1066166581]
I was in the shop at my local dealer for a new lift pump last week and asked the tech about enabling the 3-cyl feature. He told me that there have been some people that have experienced degraded performance after having the feature enabled. It could have been just smoke because he didn't want to hook up the cables and do it. I have an exhaust brake and use it to warm up mine in the winter so it's not a big deal to me to have it. I told him to forget it if there was going to be a chance that performance would suffer.
[/quote]

Anytime you get a reflash you chance losing performance or economy.

Re:Cold Weather Program
 

I just had the reflash done, no noticable difference in performance or economy. Just waiting for it to get cold enough for it to kick in,

Re:Cold Weather Program
 

I might have it done. I moved farther up north (College Station is about 100 miles farther north) and I've been told it get's quite cold in the winter. Of course cold in Texas is 60*. [laugh]

Re:Cold Weather Program
 

I had it done, but I had to print a copy of the TSB and take it to the dealer because they said there was no such thing. When they read it they said "oh, well we will have to get the software from DC and then we can do that"
Had in done in less than 1 hour and $42.00
I wasn't sure it had worked but we pulled the plug on the IAT sensor and started the truck, it slowly ramped up to 1100 rpm, when it cut 3cylinders it sounds horrible!
My neighbors are going to love me when it gets cold out!!!

Re:Cold Weather Program
 

I took the truck in yesterday and they said the program was already installed - We'll soon see if it's actually enabled.

Re:Cold Weather Program
 

It usually wont cut three cylinders out untill it is very cold about -10*F or maybe a little colder. I find it works well and never noticed any adverse effects from it. Up here it gets to about -50 so it is very neccesary as my truck actually cools down while waiting for lights. Maybe I should check my thermostat.

Re:Cold Weather Program
 

Hi Everyone,
I had the cold weather enhancement enabled on my CTD last winter with no adverse effects noted. I see the high idle activate around 20 degree and the 3 cylinder nockdown takes effect around zero. I will warn you that when the cylinders drop off you will wonder what is happening....the motor makes a very strange noice! It does seem to warm faster when activated. Just my $.02 Ken

Re:Cold Weather Program
 

What year did CTD start putting this in the computer. I have a 01 and it can get pretty cold here in the winter. thanks dave

Re:Cold Weather Program
 

Here's the TSB:

http://www.dodgeram.info/tsb/2001/18-019-01.htm

Re:Cold Weather Program
 

[quote author=d-train link=board=4;threadid=20960;start=0#msg209002 date=1068676207]
I don't think this feature came installed and/or enabled from the factory in any 2nd gen trucks. My early '02 and an acquaintance's late '02 did not.
[/quote]

Its present on 01.5 and 02's. Its just disabled by default. Thats why even if you get the reflash they still have to turn it on after the flash using the DRBIII tool.