ds1rider

Okay, what does it mean to reflash your PCM? I keep hearing this and wandering what it is. Is it reccomended that you get a reflash wvery once in a while? Thanks, George

Supermod56

I have heard of reflashes for the high idle function on the 2nd Gen, and several driveability/mileage improvements on the 3rd Gen Dodge, and the new Ford Powerstroke 6.0. The dealer installs a different program in the ECM, usually under warranty/recall. I just bought a "MAD Catcher" ECM from Marco through Bob Wagner. It's supposed to really wake up the 2nd Gen, especially the turbo spool-up. I bought another ECM so I could keep mine stock for emissions testing. Will have it installed this weekend. And if it's running great with the current "flash", leave it alone.

Tom

ds1rider

My shift point seems pretty late when shifting into OD. I was just going to see if it would help a little. So you can get it done at the dealership? I don't know if I will yet, I'll see what others think.

mkubacak

I have heard some dealer reflashes can kill mileage. I guess it depends on which version of the software your truck left the factory with and the version they reflash it with. This may not be a problem anymore, but it is something to consider.

Are you running the same size tires as came on your truck from the factory? If not you may just need to have them adjust the revolutions per mile in the computer to make up for your altered effective final drive gear ratio.

ds1rider

I guess there the same size. 265's.

Tazman

ds1rider,

Sounds like you want to stiffen up shift points. I don't think the DC techs can (maybe don't want) to do that through the PCM.

They can adjust wheel revs/min for tire size adjustment (not positive on the 2000). I had the adjustment done for my 285's from stock 245 no problem but I remember the tech being concerned about the year before doing it.

I also asked to change shift points. Was told couldn't be done. There may be issues about emissions compliance.

ECM (Engine Control Module) has nothing to do with this directly.

If you really want to shake up the tranny it's a triple lok TC and a valve body minimum. Around $2.5 to $3K I believe.

Savin my pennies....

CoastalDav

I had my ECM reflashed at 30,000 miles. My mileage was up and down. On a trip to Miami form Melbourne I would show 19mpg on the "as you drive part of the overhead computer" For no reason the mileage would drop to 14mpg running at the same RPM and speed then go back to 18-19-20.

While the computer was reading 14mpg the truck would fly, I mean it felt like it was chipped up big time.

Took it to the dealer, he checked it out and said the computer needed to be reflashed. That was done, a large sticker placed on the radiator cover giving the info on the reflash. I have not had that trouble again since the reflash.

VP44 now has 134k on it. One LP replaced at 95k.

Dave

Supermod56

The ECM is for the motor, the PCM controls the drivetrain, don't know if you can reflash the PCM.

Tom

bluebull

The Dealership can reflash the PCM and ECM. The reflash for the PCM makes the transmission shift into OD and lockup sooner, DC's theory on getting better fuel mileage. The reflash for the ECM can be done for various things, fuel mileage, better towing performance, cold idle, etc.etc.