So having it flashed will most likely solve my issues. The guy let me keep the programmer, I was going to send it off to superchips and have it reprogrammed, they'll do it for $100. If I do that will that be the same thing as having it flashed?

 

Yes. If what you mean is: you'll send the PCM to S-chips and they will FLASH it on their equipment- yes, this is having it flashed. Now, if you meant that you're sending the programmer to have IT reprogrammed, then NO to that same question. But, if they FLASH the tool and, you get it, you will simply plug it in and FLASH the PCM using that tool providing that is has that feature.

This can be achieved with a good tuner such as http://www.sctflash.com/products.php?PID=9&VID=

It copies the OEM flash tune into the tuner memory for restoring back to OEM tune later on. It also holds 3 tunes in memory as well so, you can store a tow tune, low and hi octane tune or, any tune you want to load into memory. Say your modding the engine and, you've installed some 25 lb injectors and, you want to switch between 3 different tunes during dyno testing, you can easily do that and retest all in a matter of minutes. It's very simple to use and so far, I've not experienced a "bad" flash yet.

CM

 

Thanks for the info, I'm completely ignorant when it comes to the computer and programming. I was going to send the superchips programmer off and have it reprogrammed or unlocked, whatever they do. I'm going to read up on flashing the PCM but in the mean time I just found out I have a friend of a friend who works at a Dodge dealer. He told me to bring it by and he would flash it for $50. If it doesn't work he won't charge me.

Once again, thanks for the info and help guys!

 

Now, that's an even better idea right there. Fifty buck FLASH, can't beat that. You know, you can also have them TEST the PCM while you're at it. They can do that service there as well to see if there's a hardware issue with it. I would see if they would also do that for that same 50.00 fee (if possible).

CM

 

The tuner would still be the better option though, because the dealer will flash it with what is known as the 'death flash', IF yours doesn't already have it (most, if not all, the newer 2nd gens have this). This is a detuned programming update to address pinging and detonating caused by OTHER issues (you'll probably hear ALL about them sooner or later), and apparently the difference is quite noticeable. For 100 bucks I believe the tuner is the way to go IMO, it would be like a different truck. just a thought.......

although if the dealer could test it that may still be a good idea





(or forget about all this and sell the tuner to me cheap)

 

I'm confused, if I had the tuner unlocked it would do the same thing as having the dealer flash it?

It's a superchips 3715, I have been taking my time about sending it to them but I think I'll send it tomorrow.

 

Ok, we are discussing two different things here. Dealer flash and flashing for performance. Unlocked or not, those TUNES are NOT OEM rated tunes and, if and when you should have to take it to the dealer or any other stickler, they are going to check the PCM program that's running. This is where they will catch that the fuel trims and emissions are WAY out of whack thus, they will wipe it and install whatever OEM program is applicable per federal emissions law per state regulations.

Options:

1. If you are looking to tune your PCM - you will need a tuner and, as stated above by MM, a GOOD tuner is your best bet. But, WATCH OUT with SC tuners in general. I've not a whole lot of experience with THAT BRAND but, from all my reading and discussion of those who have used them, BAD flash has been known to occur. FYI on that. I would toss that and get SCT hands down.

2. If you're NOT looking to FLASH the PCM from OEM tune, then, for 50 bucks, this is your best bet and, cheapest most cost effective method to resolving that OBD code issue. Depending on where you live, some states mandate the death flash. That term stems from a lack of performance as the dealer 'tones' it way down from OEM even. So, it's governed even more than it was coming off the production line. This is why some go with tuners in the first place. They learn that the dealer has re-flashed it and, it's got no *****. So, in order to get some ***** back, people purchase tuners to flash the PCM to open it up.

Recommendation: Based on the sole fact that you own a tuner, this leads me to believe that you're looking to do just that. So, what will happen is, the person at Dodge is going to flash it back to OEM and, that's a very good thing because, YOU'RE GOING TO NEED THE OEM TUNE AND, one that works for time of SMOG / Emissions testing. You always need that because, if and when you take it in to a shop, SOMETIMES, they check that on the DRBIII diagnostic rack rig and, if she's out of whack to the standard TUNE, they are going to WIPE IT and put the DEATH FLASH BACK ON! So, again, you let him put a good baseline OEM TUNE on it and start from there.

If you've got a good flash tool, you can COPY the GOOD OEM TUNE for those times you need to load it back in. Meanwhile, you can rip all over town running 93 octane with modded fuel and running a performance tune to get some ***** back into the Dodge.

Even if you were to send out that programming tool back to SC. You still do not have a baseline OEM TUNE to fall back on and, in my opinion, that's a problem. You should always have the OEM stock tune as a resort to go back to because, should a tune be WAY out of whack thus, tripping tons of OBD codes, fouling plugs, backfiring, whacked out on the timing advance etc etc, your GOING TO NEED THAT OEM TUNE to avoid possible damage from occurring at the motor. I've seen bad flashes kill the PCM too to where, the firmware wouldn't even load. So, you have to be careful of which path you take.

Start with a baseline tune from OEM and, later on, get a really good tuner by SCT. Just my recommendation.

CM

 

Okay, thanks for getting me straight on the PCM. I'm having it flashed this weekend and I'll bypass the SC tuner.
Thanks.

 

The dealer will not Death Flash a truck that is not pinging or detonating. The Death Flash is not included in reprogramming a PCM.

 

True. That's one the main reason they do this. If and when a vehicle comes in with a blown plenum, or another anomaly, they will death flash it to prevent it from gross polluting.

However, we Californians also have to deal with this but, on another level. The dealers death flash it due to strict emissions out here. So, if you've got an east coast made vehicle that's got a nice tune, if and when it goes into the dealer, it's now re-flashed to some Cali rated tune.

So, depending on the state where you live it may be D-flashed.

CM