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TSB 18-017-05

Flash: Long Crank times in Ambient Temperatures Below Freezing

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Date: April 21, 2005

Models: 2003 - 2004 (DR) Ram Truck

NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles equipped with a Diesel engine (sales code
ETC/ETH) which has been converted to the in tank mounted fuel transfer pump.

Overview:
This bulletin involves erasing and reprogramming the Cummins ECM with new software.

Symptom/Condition:
The vehicle operator may describe long crank times when start a cold engine in temperatures
below freezing.

The following enhancements are included with this software:

• Improved crank times in cold ambient temperatures.

Diagnosis:
Using a Scan Tool (DRBIII) with the appropriate Diagnostic Procedures Manual, verify all
engine systems are functioning as designed. If DTC’s are present, record them on the repair
order and repair as necessary before proceeding further with this bulletin.

If the vehicle operator describes or the technician experiences the Symptom/ Condition,
perform the Repair Procedure.

Special Tools/Equipment Required:

NOTE: An updated J1962 cable has been released. This cable has a red colored
connector at the DRBIIIT connection. Use this cable whenever a flash is being
performed.

Repair Procedure: 

NOTE: Whenever a controller is programmed, the software in the DRBIIIT must be
programmed with the latest revision level available.

NOTE: If this flash process is interrupted/aborted, the flash process should be
restarted and then follow the directions on the DRBIIIT.

The reprogramming procedure requires access to software and equipment that most owners do not have. The very long and involved programming procedure will not be posted here. To see the specific instructions, you can obtain or view a copy of this TSB at your dealership.

NOTE: If the ECM is not operational, the “ECM part number” can be obtained from the
label on the controller. For 1998 1/2 - 2002 vehicles, if the label on the
controller is not legible, proceed to next step. For 2003 and later vehicles, if the
label on the controller is not legible, record the “Reference No.” for use later.
The “Reference No.” is located in the Reference No. box at the top, center of
the Engine Data Plate . Do not use the reference number shown in the figure.
The Engine Data Plate is located on the intake side of the breather cover or
affixed to the APPS bracket(Fig. 1).

FIGURE 1 - ENGINE DATA PLATE (2003 AND LATER SHOWN) 1– ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER 2– REFERENCE NUMBER 3– DATE OF ENGINE MANUFACTURE

NOTE: Due to the Cummins controller programming procedure, a DTC may be set in
other modules (PCM, TCM, BCM, MIC, SKIM, etc.) within the vehicle, if so
equipped. Some DTC’s may cause the MIL to illuminate. Check all modules
using “Module Scan”, record the DTC’s, and erase these DTC’s prior to
returning the vehicle to the customer. Erase any DTC’s in the PCM only after all
other modules have had their DTC’s erased.

NOTE: The following step is required by law.

Type the necessary information on the “Authorized Modification Label” p/n 04275086AB
and attach near the VECI label (Fig. 2).

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

Policy:    Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.

Time Allowance:

Failure Code:

This page was edited on: August 7, 2007