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TSB 18-006-03

2000 M.Y. Engine Spark Knock

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Date: Feb 28, 2003

This bulletin supersedes TSB 18-002-01 dated Jan 26, 2001.

This bulletin is being provided in advance. THE TechCONNECT/MDS2 MUST BE OPERATING WITH CIS CD2128 OR HIGHER, AVAILABLE MARCH 17, 2003.

Models: 2000 (BR/BE) Ram Pickup

2000 (AB) Ram Van
2000 (AN) Dakota
2000 (BR/BE) Ram Pickup
2000 (DN) Durango

Note: This ulletin applies to vehicles equipped with a 3.9L (EHC), 5.2L (ELF), or 5.9L Light Duty (EML) gasoline engine. See the two tables below for specific applications and exclusions.

Note: The following emission packages are not approved and are excluded from this bulletin. The PCM calibration of any excluded vehicle is not to be programmed for a spark knock complaint. Before attempting a reprogramming session inspect the type of vehicle and engine for possible exclusion.

Overview:
This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software.

Symptom/Condition:
Some vehicle engines may exhibit a light-to-moderate spark knock condition during acceleration (under load).

Diagnosis:

1.    Using a Scan Tool (DRBIII) with the appropriate Diagnostic Procedures Manual, verify all engine systems are functioning as designed. If DTCs are present other than those listed above, record them on the repair order and repair as necessary before proceeding further with this bulletin.

2.    Verify that the following NOTES have been reviewed and completed as necessary.

3.    Verify that the engine coolant contains the correct mixture of a quality antifreeze to water. The coolant mixture should consist of 44% to 68% antifreeze.

4.    If the only condition seen is the light-to-moderate engine spark knock, perform the Repair Procedure.

NOTE: WHEN PULLING A HEAVY LOAD OR DRIVING A FULLY LOADED VEHICLE USE A PREMIUM UNLEADED FUEL TO HELP MINIMIZE SPARK KNOCK.

NOTE: WHENEVER A POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE IS REPLACED DUE TO FAILURE, THE SOFTWARE OF THE REPLACEMENT CONTROLLER MUST BE VERIFIED FOR THE LATEST REVISION LEVEL. USE THE FLASH PROCEDURE TO UPDATE REPLACED CONTROLLERS AS NECESSARY.

Equipment Required:

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

Parts Required:

Qty.	Part No.	Description
1	04669020	Label,   Authorized Software Update
1	04275086AB	Label,   Authorized Modification

Repair Procedure:

1.    Connect the battery to a charger and set as close to 14 volts charge as possible.

2.    Flash the controller using the TechCONNECT/MDS2 and DRBIII.

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.

3.    Type the necessary information on the "Authorized Software Update Label" p/n 04669020 (Figure 1). Attach the label to the PCM and cover the label with the clear plastic overlay.

 4.  Type the following information on the "Authorized Modification Label" P/N 04275086AB and attach the label near the VECI label (Fig 2).

1 - POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE P/N (INSERT P/N) USED 2 - CHANGE AUTHORITY: TSB XX-XX-XX 3 - DEALER CODE: XXXXX 4 - DATE: XX-XX-XX

5.    Perform Powertrain Verification Test VER-5 as outlined in the information available in TechCONNECT/MDS2, or the appropriate Powertrain Diagnostic Procedures Manual.

Policy:    Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.

Time Allowance:
Labor Operation No:  08-19-42-91  Preprogram Powertrain Control Module ....................0.5 Hrs.

Failure Code:  FM - Flash Module

This page was edited on: May 3, 2004