Are the TSB's cumulative? i.e., Does TSB 18-017-05 (Long cranking...) include 18-037-04 (which was for the white smoke, etc,)?
Thanks

 

No they are independant.

 

I was just int eh dealer and he was trying to tell me that the most current software is the most current and includes all previous improvements. I am not certain if this is true or not and am trying to get to the bottom of it also since he only did one flash for my 2006 versus 3 flashes.

 

With computer flashes they are because the program is updated to contain all fixes. Other TSB's are not, they are exaclty what they are, Service Bulletins. TSB's are different from recalls because a TSB is just there to state there is a problem and IF it is being fixed how to do it. Recalls must be done, and they have TSB's on them too.

 

So bottom line......if the dealer performed a flash it has the most up to date info including all previous tsbs? Does it matter if it is an ECM or PCM flash as noted on the tsb?

 

Yes, unless the new flash is an update to the old flash, i.e. they changed lockup to 1200 and deemed 1250 was better with the newest flash. I'm not quite sure on the ECM Vs PCM flash but I don't believe it matters.

 

The dealer did a flash today only for one of the tsb's 18-041-05 and did not do anything for the 18-003-06 or 18-005-06B which both require flashes. He stated the 18-005-06B was done back in May of 2006 at the dealer lot so taht would include 18-003-06 since it was after the original 18-003-06. I am just trying to verfiy this is correct.

 

NUMBER: 18-003-06 REV. A

GROUP: Vehicle Performance

DATE: September 27, 2006

THE DRBIII(R) FLASH FILES FOR THIS BULLETIN ARE AVAILABLE ON DealerCONNECT.

THE StarSCAN(R) FLASH FILES FOR THIS BULLETIN MUST BE RETRIEVED FROM THE INTERNET.

StarSCAN(R) UPDATE CD 6.05 WAS THE LAST CD TO CONTAIN FLASH FILES.

THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 18-003-06, DATED JANUARY 21, 2006, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR. ALL REVISIONS ARE HIGHLIGHTED WITH **ASTERISKS** AND INCLUDE A CHANGE TO THE MODELS.

SUBJECT:
Flash: Long Crank When Starting And/Or Transmission Shift And Battery Charging Enhancements

OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM - Cummins) with new software


If it is software, TSB's are cumulative. Otherwise no.

 

The above listed TSB is the one in question that was not performed. That is why I am asking if he did the update for one that was dated earlier, 18-041-05, if that would include the above listed considering it was just done at the dealer?

 

Interesting discussion...I pulled the following for the reflash that was done...

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.


This would seem to indicate I received updated software through this TSB which would include 18-037-04. Funny, I have as much white smoke on cold start as I did before. Unless of course it is referring to white smoke when it is 60 degrees outside vs. 20 degrees outside. When it is 20, let's say, I get quite a bit of white smoke. Not so much when it is warmer. Hmmmm....

 

My questions exactly!

 

Any flash will completely erase the software and write new. There are no "patches" so when you update your controller, be it ECM or PCM, to the latest level, it automatically includes any previous enhancements.

 

Are the ECM and PCM programming one in the same or seperate?

 

I would assume not. ECM=Engine Control Module, PCM=Power (Train) Control Module.

 

Correct, the Cummins engine controller is the ECM. The JTEC PCM(Jeep-Truck engine controller) is used mainly as a transmission controller(in the gassers it is used as a combined engine and transmission control module). It controls some other vehicle functions as well, such as A/C operation on earlier diesels.