2004.5 Dodge Fuel Economy and TSB TSB 18-037-04
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From: Willis, Texas
mine is a little older, but my 03 started off at 16, then after 70k, and pullin 12klbs on a regular basis, it now reads 25.1 on open rd at 70mph, went from austin, tx to salina, kansas, about 650 miles, and still had a bit more than an 1/8 tank
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From: North East Pa
Originally Posted by PurNLoud
mine is a little older, but my 03 started off at 16, then after 70k, and pullin 12klbs on a regular basis, it now reads 25.1 on open rd at 70mph, went from austin, tx to salina, kansas, about 650 miles, and still had a bit more than an 1/8 tank
Man somthing is wrong
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From: North East Pa
Originally Posted by wexman
Dave, did your transmission shifting improve? That was the major benefit of the flash for me.
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From: North East Pa
Originally Posted by Sailpipes
Warranty will cover it if you report some driveability issue that the flash covers. The flash is for inaccurate MPG calculator, white smoke on cold start ups, and low fuel economy. The dealership here in town wanted $40 to do it for me. I came back after paying attention to my exhaust when I started it up on a cold morning (it did indeed make some white smoke) and told them about the smoke. The service manager was then happy to get it in their garage for me and do the reflash. I noticed a marginal increase in MPG after this (.5-1). The overhead fuel economy calculator went from being .5-1 mpg low to being 1-1.5 high. Oh yeah, and the truck doesn't let out a big puff of white smoke anymore when I start it up on a cold morning.
My usual hand-calculated fuel economy is 18.5-19 empty. Our 7000lb travel trailer would pull it down to around 13.5-14mpg. The lowest I've seen was when I pulled my friend's toy hauler out to the desert, which was a little over 8000lbs and much taller than our trailer, I got 11mpg.
My usual hand-calculated fuel economy is 18.5-19 empty. Our 7000lb travel trailer would pull it down to around 13.5-14mpg. The lowest I've seen was when I pulled my friend's toy hauler out to the desert, which was a little over 8000lbs and much taller than our trailer, I got 11mpg.
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From: West Chester, PA
No steve i didnt note a change in the shifting it still does the dubble shift into OD. I really didnt not any change other then the overhead reading 1.8 -2 higher.
Prior to the TSB, my transmission shifted very oddly into overdrive - kind of like a whoooommmmmppppp.........
After, the tranny shifts where much tighter, and no more whommmpp into overdrive. IMO, worth the TSB for the transmission alone.
Scott
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From: Birmingham, Alabama
I had the flash done and saw only a small improvement, but it did improve. It also came up after the clock got around 20K. Stock air filter is only good for only 10 - 15K IMO. Currently I'm getting 17 around town at 70mph and about 1k in the bed in tools and transfer fuel.
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From: Ohio
Flash?
A Dodge diesel owner told me I should have the dealership check or reset the "flash" on my 05 3500 CTD when I next have the oil changed. What is the "Flash" and what does it do. The person insisted I would get better perforance and better fuel mileage.
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From: Texas
2004 Dodge TSB 18-037-04
Just had flash done on 04.5 w/ 52,000 miles. Has done nothing for the milage except the overhead average is much higher that calculated milage.
There must be something more that can be done for milage. Dealer quotes 15 mpg is all that can be expected!!!
There must be something more that can be done for milage. Dealer quotes 15 mpg is all that can be expected!!!
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From: southern indiana
I had the flash done on my 04.5' and it did make a difference on my truck. Before my truck was only getting around 13.5 MPG on the highway. It was so bad I was actually thinking about getting rid of the truck. I am glad I got the tsb done, for me it was worth it.
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From: Texas
[QUOTE=Sailpipes]...Oh yeah, and the truck doesn't let out a big puff of white smoke anymore when I start it up on a cold morning.[QUOTE]
Has anyone had any issues before the flash where you experienced your engine stumbling and big puff of white smoke from a cold soak startup, no wait to start light for the heater grid since the temps are above 70*F, and then after the flash the stumbling went away? I want to do the flash, but I want to know if it will cure my stumbling problem. Truck runs great otherwise, 19-21 mpg and power is great.
Has anyone had any issues before the flash where you experienced your engine stumbling and big puff of white smoke from a cold soak startup, no wait to start light for the heater grid since the temps are above 70*F, and then after the flash the stumbling went away? I want to do the flash, but I want to know if it will cure my stumbling problem. Truck runs great otherwise, 19-21 mpg and power is great.
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From: Texas
04.5, 3500, drw, 6 spd, 52,000 miles. Workhorse chip, K&N airfilter.
Fuel mileage varies. As high as 18 and as low as 11. Flat ground driving with cruise control set running empty most of the time. Flash was done by the dealer with mileage remaining the same on paper. Overhead reads 20-22. The most mileage before low fuel light come on 480. Truck runs good, no excessive smoke but had to start at times.
Any ideas on where to turn?
Fuel mileage varies. As high as 18 and as low as 11. Flat ground driving with cruise control set running empty most of the time. Flash was done by the dealer with mileage remaining the same on paper. Overhead reads 20-22. The most mileage before low fuel light come on 480. Truck runs good, no excessive smoke but had to start at times.
Any ideas on where to turn?
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From: Washington or Iowa
04.5 bone stock
I just had my dad take my truck in to get the reflash, since I am currently in the middle of Iraq, and the dealer fried my computer. It got replaced at no charge to me or my dad, but is that common? It seems like something that simple couldn't screw up something so expensive so easy.
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From: So. Cal.
Originally Posted by ftltmp
I have the same truck with 4x4, and I had the tsb done. I cant see where it made that much difference in mileage imo. I have been using 100% pure acetone on the last two tanks and have seen an increase in fuel mileage1-2 mpg. I am not suggesting that you use it, that is somthing you should decide for yourself here is the link www.smartgas.net. As far as the tsb you might see different results, some people have. 
Mike
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