I own a 2001 dodge ram 1500 sport off road 4x4 5.9l v8. I know this is a common topic and im sure its been talked about a lot on this forum. I just realized i might have the "death" flash after doing research, but i am confused about the numbers on the tag. The printed tag on my PCM says "authorized software update" then under neath it says P/N P56040273AE and S/N TEHO711SM25Q. On the far right hand side it says 273AE sequence # 654860. From what i researched, there are different types of flashes and some do not hurt performance and im just wondering if the flash my truck has is indeed the death flash. My parents got the heads done at the dealer in 2006 and ever sense MPG has dropped. I don't know if this has anything to do with the "authorized software update".
thanks, any help will be appreciated.

 

I think that is the deathflash yes. Read the stickied plenum thread at the top of the page, thats the reason for the death flash.

 

Yep. The 2001 should actually have the Death Flash from the factory, but it might have had a sticker on it when it rolled off the line.

 

You have it. Need a programmer (SCT, Superchips) to get rid of it.

Look over this: https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...ath-flash.html

 

yes, the 01's came with the death flash (retarded timing) from the factory. mine had a computer printed sticker for "software update".

superchips or SCT to cure it. avoid Hypertech or Jet

 

How am I just hearing about this?? So what is the result if I don't fix the death flash, assuming I have it?

 

Because you have not read the plenum sticky or looked through the FAQ/DIY section, thats how. And you have it , it's a 2001. Nothing bad will result in having it as long as you fix the plenum issue before it's too late. The flash tends to mask a blown plenum.

 

Until it burns oil every 100 mi and the cat clogs up.

 

Avoid Hypertech? First I've heard that. When I bought mine, SCT wasn't on the market yet and Superchips was ranked second because it didn't have the same features. I have had my PPIII for about 6 years and not only did it cure the DF, but I can adjust for tire size and check and clear codes. For $250, it has more than paid for itself. I'm sure better tech is out there now, but there is nothing wrong with Hypertech.

 

Folks say to avoid Hypertech as there have been quite a few PCMs that were bricked because of a flaw in the tune that they didn't want to admit.