DodgeRam.info > TSB's > 18-024-00

TSB 18-024-00

Low Engine Power When The Automatic Transmission Is In Overdrive

Visit Geno's Garage for Truck accessories.

Models: 2001 (BR/BE) Ram Truck with a diesel engine and automatic transmission

NOTE- THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 5.9L-24V DIESEL ENGINE AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BUILT BETWEEN ENGINE SERIAL NUMBERS 56666444 TO 56798357, WITH A DATE OF MANUFACTURE OF DEC. 15,1999 TO NOV. 15, 2000. THIS INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ON THE ENGINE DATA PLATE, WHICH IS LOCATED ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE, AFFIXED TO THE SIDE OF THE TIMING GEAR HOUSING.

Discussion:
This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Cummins CM551 Engine Control Module (ECM) with new software (calibration versions: 56Tl3, 59T6). There is no change to the JTEC PCM software.

Symptoms:
The customer may complain of low engine power and/or poor performance. This engine condition may occur while the automatic transmission is being operated in its overdrive gear. This condition may be further aggravated if the customer is using the vehicle for towing purposes. The Engine Control Module (ECM) software, on a 2001 Ram Truck equipped with a 5.9L-24V diesel engine, is designed to "torque manage" the power output of the engine. This is done to protect the automatic transmission components. The revised software calibration restores the power output and improves the vehicle performance in overdrive.

NOTE: IF TSB 18-015-00 REV A HAS PREVIOUSLY BEEN PERFORMED TO THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION, THEN THE ECM SOFTWARE HAS ALREADY BEEN REVISED WITH THE CORRECT CALIBRATION TO ADDRESS THE ABOVE CONDITION. THE ECM WILL NOT REQUIRE REPROGRAMMING.

Diagnosis: 
Using the Mopar Diagnostic System (MDS2) and or the Diagnostic Scan Tool (DRB III@), with the appropriate Diagnostic Procedures Manual, verify that all engine and transmission systems are functioning as designed. If Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) are present, record them on the repair order and repair as necessary before proceeding further with this bulletin. If no DTC's are present, and the above symptom has been experienced, perform the Repair Procedure.

Parts Required:

1    04669020 Label,   Authorized Software Update
1    04275086 Label,   Authorized Modification

Equipment Required:

1   CH6000              Scan Tool   (DRB III)
1   CH7035             General Purpose Interface Bus Cable (GPIB)
1   CH7000/7001    J1962 Cable
1                             MDS2

NOTE. THE MDS2 AND DRB III ARE REQUIRED TO PERFORM PART OF THIS REPAIR. WHEN USING THE MDS2 AND THE DRB III, THE SYSTEM MUST BE OPERATING AT CIS CD 2073 OR HIGHER.

Repair: 

1.    Log onto the MDS2 (Mopar Diagnostic System).

2.    Connect the MDS2 and DRB III (Scan Tool) to the vehicle and switch the ignition key to "ON".

NOTE: AUTO CONNECTION WILL OCCUR ONCE THE DRB III, MDS2, AND VEHICLE ESTABLISH COMMUNICATION. THE "CANNOT READ VIN FROM DRB III MESSAGE (ON THE MDS2) WILL BE REPLACED BY THE VEHICLE VIN. PRESS THE "OK" BUTTON ON THE MDS2 TO REQUEST A MDS2 SESSION FOR THE VEHICLE VIN INDICATED. PRESS THE "OK" BUTTON WHEN ASKED TO BEGIN SESSION.

3.   Select the FLASH tab on the MDS2.

4.   Select READ PART NUMBERS FROM VEHICLE and click SHOW UPDATES on the MDS2. Press the "OK" button.

NOTE: IN ABOVE STEPS #3 OR #4, A MESSAGE MAY APPEAR THAT INDICATES NO UPDATES ARE AVAILABLE. IF THIS OCCURS, MAKE SURE YOUR DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT IS OPERATING AT THE LATEST SOFTWARE LEVEL AS LISTED EARLIER IN THIS BULLETIN. IF THE LATEST SOFTWARE IS INSTALLED, AND NO UPDATES ARE AVAILABLE, ANOTHER VEHICLE CONDITION EXISTS THAT WILL REQUIRE FURTHER INVESTIGATION.

5.   Select the new software part number with the light pen and click UPDATE CONTROLLER SOFTWARE.

6.   The MDS2 and DRB III will prompt for any operator action needed during the remainder of the reprogramming process.

NOTE: DUE TO THE PCM REPROGRAMMING PROCEDURE, A DTC MAY BE SET IN OTHER MODULES (TCM, BCM, MIC, SKIM, ETC.) WITHIN THE VEHICLE, IF SO EQUIPPED. SOME DTC'S MAY CAUSE THE MIL TO ILLUMINATE. ALL DTC'S RELATE TO A LOSS OF COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE MODULE THAT IS BEING REPROGRAMMED. CHECK ALL MODULES, RECORD THE FAULTS, AND ERASE THESE FAULTS PRIOR TO RETURNING THE VEHICLE TO THE CUSTOMER. ERASE ANY FAULTS IN THE PCM ONLY AFTER ALL OTHER MODULES HAVE HAD THEIR FAULTS ERASED.

NOTE: THE FOLLOWING STEPS ARE REQUIRED BY LAW.

7.    Type the necessary information on the "Authorized Software Update Label" p/n 04669020 (Figure 1). Attach the label to the CUMMINS CM551 ECM and cover the label with the clear plastic overlay. Do not attach the label to the JTEC PCM.

8.  Type or print the following information on the Authorized Modification Label and attach the label near the VECI label (Fig 2).

Notes: 

Policy:    Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.

Time Allowance:
Labor Operation No:  08-19-45-13 ................................... 0.5 Hrs.

Failure Code:  FM - Flash Module

This page was edited on: May 3, 2004