I took my 2000 Durango to the Dealer for the first time in 8 years (+/-).

Reason: Saturday was my birthday, and my trusty SUV's birthday present to me was to suddenly lose power, and make a noise like an accelerating bus when I hit the gas. Also the AC cuts out when accelerating on the freeway.

I suspect the fan clutch is to blame and took it to the dealer because I read that a PCM update might fix the problem and the fan itself COULD be fine. Probably a bad bet.

In normal auto-shop land, where the Durango has been frolicking for the last 8-years, the repair (fan clutch replacement) would cost me about $200. The dealer is charging me $130 up-front for the diagnosis (which will be credited toward the cost of the repair should I have it done at the dealer). I'm holding my breath that the dealer doesn't come back with a repair bill too terribly higher than a private shop.

Anyway, after the preceding gripe session, you might be wondering why I'm bothering to post. Here's the reason:

I basically took it to the dealer to have the PCM flashed. I figured that even if it's not the cause for this particular problem, it wouldn't hurt to get an update. Is there no other way to get a computer software update for your vehicle than going to the dealer?

 

A independent shop COULD subscribe online to chrysler service (techauthority) big $$$$ and utilize the OEM DRBII big $$$$ ...... often a option for fleets ie municipal, rentals...

 

I'll take that as a "no" then. If it costs an independent a lot of $$$ to register with techauthority, then chances are they aren't going to do it. In any case it would be rare and if they did cough up the dough, they'd pass the cost to the consumer anyway (potentially making them no cheaper than the dealer).

Oh well. I'll post (for the curious) what the official diagnosis is and the price tag when I hear later today.

One bonus: Getting new ball joints. Funny thing is that I already got them at a private shop before the recall notice a few years back. Chrysler refused to reimburse me. Well F' them, now I'm getting new ones again and I aint paying for it.

 

Well you could buy a remanufatured PCM from several places online that all you have to do is give them the millage, the PCM comes pre flashed (little different if you have the grey security key, but think it can be done.)

 

Never let the dealer flash your PCM. You will get the death flash and your D will never be the performance-same ever again. Plus, that flash is not reversible. Hence the name, Death Flash. I would call them and stop that flash ASAP.

Why do you want a flash anyway?

IndyDurango

 

Thx for that info Indy.. I personally did not know about the death flash.

 

They came out with the Death Flash to retard pinging. Of course the dealer doesn't call it the Death Flash but the forums do.

It works... but by neutering the D and taking away about 30 HP. And it is NOT reversible Ouch!

IndyD

 

The notorious Death Flash........ I could shoot that ******* who came up with it.

 

Did you get one?

Reflashes by B&G or at least a tuner such as Superchips is the only option after a DF.

IndyD

 

I don't have it. Been a long time sinse I remember talking to old users who did.

I don't recall who they were or where they went? I think they ended up selling em or something.