There's talk in another thread about getting reflashes and TSB's and transmissions on these trucks. Anyone care to fill me in on what all of this is about?? I don't know why I'd need to reflash or what TSB's are out there or of any recalls. ???

 

Hello?? Anyone?? [undecided]

 

There's TSB's out there for a check valve going to the transmission cooler on the 47re which I've had done (15 minutes) and the formed steel alternator brackets (which I still need to have done).<br><br>That's about as much as I know .. which ain't much at the best of times

 

Check out the TSB section on www.dodgeram.org. It doesn't mention the cruise control recall for the Cummins with manual transmission but the TSBs are there. If you have a recall, you'll get something in the mail. With TSB's, though, you have to find out about them yourself.

 

Hoss, if the heart of our '03 trucks is the CTD, the brains is a little computer module that monitors numerous engine and environmental parameters (accelerator pedal position, rpms, temps, fuel flow, etc) then uses that info to control the engine (fueling curves, fan engagement, etc, some even say oil pressure guage readout) and many of the truck operating functions (like cruise control, automatic transmisison shifting and shift points, etc). <br><br>Sometimes the firmware in the computer module's EPROM has glitches delivered from the factory for whatever reason and released before it was thoroughly tested; or sometimes the general public can think of zillions of things to do to trucks that an engineer would never think of doing that will cause computer glitches to surface. <br><br>Anyways, if these computer glitches are safety related, or in some way can have a detrimental affect on profit margin (warranty claims etc) they may decide that the only way to fix these glitches is to totally erase the memory in the firmwares' EPROM and re-write it with updated data to hopefully fix the problem.<br><br>Kind of like updating the BIOS in your home computer.<br><br>TSB's are Technical Service Bulletins. You can look for those that affect your truck here: http://dodgeram.info/tsb/

 

[quote author=Badunit link=board=20;threadid=15720;start=0#147799 date=1055266830]<br>Check out the TSB section on www.dodgeram.org. It doesn't mention the cruise control recall for the Cummins with manual transmission but the TSBs are there. If you have a recall, you'll get something in the mail. With TSB's, though, you have to find out about them yourself.<br>[/quote]<br><br>I've got the manual but haven't seen any recall on the cruise control. Is that a recall or a TSB??<br><br>If there's a TSB can you take it in and have them fix it or is it something they'll only fix if it actually causes a problem??

 

[quote author=bulabula link=board=20;threadid=15720;start=0#147801 date=1055267097]<br>Hoss, if the heart of our '03 trucks is the CTD, the brains is a little computer module that monitors numerous engine and environmental parameters (accelerator pedal position, rpms, temps, fuel flow, etc) then uses that info to control the engine (fueling curves, fan engagement, etc, some even say oil pressure guage readout) and many of the truck operating functions (like cruise control, automatic transmisison shifting and shift points, etc). <br><br>Sometimes the firmware in the computer module's EPROM has glitches delivered from the factory for whatever reason and released before it was thoroughly tested; or sometimes the general public can think of zillions of things to do to trucks that an engineer would never think of doing that will cause computer glitches to surface. <br><br>Anyways, if these computer glitches are safety related, or in some way can have a detrimental affect on profit margin (warranty claims etc) they may decide that the only way to fix these glitches is to totally erase the memory in the firmwares' EPROM and re-write it with updated data to hopefully fix the problem.<br><br>Kind of like updating the BIOS in your home computer.<br><br>TSB's are Technical Service Bulletins. You can look for those that affect your truck here: http://dodgeram.info/tsb/<br>[/quote]<br><br>Yeah...I understand WHAT a reflash is and how it works (contrary to popular belief I'm not a dummy ), but my question is WHY is there a reflash for the 03's?? What's wrong with them that they need a reflash??<br><br>I also understand what a TSB is...I just didn't know there were any for this truck.

 

Oh, my apologies Hoss, I guess I thought you said &quot; I don't know why I'd need to reflash&quot;. That IS what you asked, isn't it? Maybe you shoulda asked for any current reflashes/recalls/TSBs for our trucks?

The only reflash I am aware of (for my truck) is the cruise control related reflash.

Try the search function. You'd be amazed at what you'll find, but I think you know that ;D. I also think that if you call your dealer, with your VIN, he can run reflashes and recalls to your hearts delight.

 

Yeah...I was wanting to know specifically why I might need a reflash...not necessarily why in general I might need one. Guess I should have been more specific myself. ;D The cruise control thing was the answer I was looking for. <br><br>How would you know if you actually need that or not?? I haven't noticed any problems with my cruise. ???

 

Hey Hoss,
that safety recall for the cruise control is listed as CO2 and DC says the problem is that the ECM &quot;may cause an increased engine idle speed after extended speed control usage. This could increase the trucks stopping distance and cause an accident without warning&quot;.

The applicability was based on build dates, and I think I've got an early one. I've never had an issue whatsoever with the cruise control, but I'm not sure what DC's definition of &quot;extended speed control usage&quot; is.

The recall was mailed March 10th, try a search in this category around that time for more info. Once I get a free saturday, I'll take it in for this and the alternator bracket.

 

Hmmmm...don't know exactly when my build date was but I believe it was an earlier one. I didn't buy the truck until last month. Think it's safe to assume they fixed it before it left the lot or should I inquire about it??

 

To find the build date on your truck look at the sticker on the drivers door (that is the LH front door for Aggie QC owners ;D) On mine it at the top of the sticker.

 

Hoss, I wouldn't worry about it. If it does apply to your truck, and hasn't been done, you'll get a notification letter. <br><br>If you're antsy about it, call the dealer with your VIN in hand. Maybe someone who's had it done can chime in, but I wonder if the dealer puts a stickie on somewhere under the hood to indicate the update.

 

I had the reflash done at my first oil change. No indication of trouble before the reflash and nothing seems to have changed after the reflash. No new stickers under the hood that I can see.

 

If I notice something fishy I'll worry about it. Until then I'll leave it as is. : )