3rd Gen Engine and Drivetrain -> 2003-2007 5.9 liter Engine and drivetrain discussion only. PLEASE, NO HIGH PERFORMANCE DISCUSSION!

05 5.9 flash upgrade improvements?

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Old Sep 17, 2008 | 12:05 PM
  #1  
EPCO's Avatar
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From: Castle Rock, CO
05 5.9 flash upgrade improvements?

Has anyone with an 05 and older/original flash done the latest upgrade and noticed any improvements? My flash is 3 updates behind. Curious if it improves starting, MPG, shifting, and all around driving. The trucks shifting just seems a little odd to me (doesn't shift when I expect it, maybe I am too used to passenger cars?), and it seems to start a little harder than I think it should. It is new to me and no upgrades have been done to it, other than the 16.5 Warn on the front

I do not want the reverse/honk recall, but I think it would be worth it if the flash upgrade made improvements for daily driving. I cannot see me opening the door while backing as I have no plans to tow much, other than a future truck camper (gotta pay off the truck first).
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Old Sep 17, 2008 | 12:37 PM
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From: West Bend, WI
ECM Flash up grades

How does one know what level of flash upgrade is currently on their truck?

SAS
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Old Sep 17, 2008 | 12:40 PM
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From: Muskego, WI
I had the hard start/mileage issue flash update. I saw about 0.5mpg increase. You can get the same with a Tone Ring Mod or Rottech timing sensor.

I've done both with a Quadzilla X2. I do hear a bit of timing rattle, but my truck really seams to like it. Just becareful of too much timing.
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Old Sep 17, 2008 | 01:05 PM
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The dealer service rep told me I had Rev D. They are currently at G. I have no update sticker, and the original owner never had it upgraded, so I would assume they all started out with D.
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Old Sep 17, 2008 | 01:09 PM
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Yes, I recently got the latest ECM flash for my '05! The truck was at the dealer for last minute warranty work, so I asked them to do the below to get the latest and greatest on DC's (then) dime. The only improvement I noticed was in shifting. The 3-4 shift and TC lockup are no longer basically simultaneous. The two are now separate and distinct, much more to my liking. The new flash also has a few new features which are explained in the TSBs.

flash ECM per TSBs 21-006-07 and 18-022-07 (supersedes 18-022-06)
- reenable cruise control high idle feature
- do not enable 4th gear disable feature
- complete and apply labels under hood
- NO LAME *** E17 (OUT OF PARK ALARM) RECALL

The recall involves the FCM (Front Control Module), so you can get the latest ECM flash without the recall coming along for the ride. But the dealer will perform the recall unless you tell them specifically not to do it! I went as far as putting a note to this effect over the data port under the dash. And save the note for anytime the truck goes to the dealer for anything. Hope this helps!
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Old Sep 17, 2008 | 01:17 PM
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From: West Bend, WI
05 Flash upgrade

What is the "do not enable 4th gear disable feature"?

If I have the darn honk function right now, when they do the reflash, can they change that.

I know there is a post on the honk feature but it is miles long for me to read what the bottom line, gist is.

Thanks
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Old Sep 17, 2008 | 01:38 PM
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From: Castle Rock, CO
Once they enable the horn recall, they will not disable it. With the newer trucks you can splice wires to disable. We are not so lucky. I am hoping a spare seat belt clip can disable it when I need it.

Thanks fredbert. I was told by the rep that it will be all or nothing, including the E17. They cannot NOT include the E17 with all of the other upgrades.

On another note, it would cost $100 to do the flash upgrade, but because of the E17 recall it is free.
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Old Sep 17, 2008 | 03:07 PM
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From: West Bend, WI
So if I have the reverse honk, does that tell me what level of flash I have already?

My overdrive shift is right after drive like the earlier post and my overhead is no where near accurate.

I am really interested in making sure I have the TSB 18-037-04 for the increased mpg as well as more accurate mpg read out.

SAS
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Old Sep 17, 2008 | 07:34 PM
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have an 03 and never had a "flash" done. Should I have this done and what will it do?
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Old Sep 20, 2008 | 03:52 PM
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From: Castle Rock, CO
FYI. I got the latest flash today for free because of the recall. I do not think the E17 will affect me much.

There is definate improvement all around. Better idling, starting, smoother running, smoother acceleration and shifting, less smoke on acceleration, and seems to be quieter. These are all subtle, but an improvemet non-the-less.

I felt a little disappointed that the service rep wouldn't let the tech enable the "accessory delay", or the "tow/haul = overdrive off" options without paying "$50-100". The tech was right there already, all he had to do was hit yes or no on the programer, and he already had to reenable the cruise idle up function...oh well. So far I can live without these.

Anybody that drives in the Colorado rockies feel the "overdrive-off" option would be worth $50-100???? I am not planning on towing anything anytime soon, just the truck camper in the near future. I guess I need to try it out first anyway huh?
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