Can someone help me decipher this TSB. Seems dodge knew about the oil pressure gauge problem. I bought the truck from the dealership but they never notified me of the issue. Please see bulletin below. How can I get this upgrade?

DodgeRam.info > TSB's > 08-22-99
TSB 08-22-99
Intermittent Operation Of Oil Pressure Gauge
Visit Geno's Garage
for Truck accessories. Geno's Garage Truck Accessories
Date: July 2,1999
Models: 1998 (BR/BE) Ram Truck
Discussion:
This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software (calibration changes).
Symptoms:
Oil Pressure gauge intermittently drops to zero pressure. In addition, the warning chime may sound when the oil pressure gauge drops to zero pressure and the check gauge lamp may come on.
Diagnosis:
1. Verify proper engine oil level.
2. Remove the engine oil pressure sensor and install Oil Pressure Line and Gauge Tool C-3292 with a suitable adapter.
3. Start the engine and warm to operating temperature.
CAUTION: IF ENGINE OIL PRESSURE IS ZERO AT IDLE, DO NOT RUN THE ENGINE.
4. The minimum oil pressure at idle is 68.9 kPa (10 psi). If the pressure is below the specified value, refer to the Mechanical Diagnosis Charts - Diesel Engine located in the 1998 Ram Truck Service Manual, (Publication No. 81-370-8108), page 9-20 for information regarding diagnosis of low engine oil pressure.
5. If the engine oil pressure is within the proper specifications, perform the Repair Procedure.
NOTE: WHENEVER A POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) IS REPLACED DUE TO FAILURE, THE SOFTWARE OF THE REPLACEMENT CONTROLLER MUST BE VERIFIED FOR THE LATEST REVISION LEVEL. USE THE FLASH PROCEDURE TO UPDATE REPLACED CONTROLLERS AS NECESSARY.
Parts:
1 04669020 Label, Authorized Software Update
1 04275036 Label, Authorized Modification
EQUIPMENTREQUIRED:
1 C-3292 Oil Pressure Line and Gauge Tool
1 CH6000 Scan Tool (DRB III")
1 CH7035 General Purpose Interface Bus Cable (GPIB)
1 CH7000/7001 J1962 Cable
1 MDS2
Repair:
NOTE: THE MDS2 AND DRB III ARE REQUIRED TO PERFORM PART OF THIS REPAIR. THE MDS2 AND DRB III MUST BE OPERATING AT CIS CD2032 OR HIGHER.
1. Log onto the MDS2 system.
2. Connect the MDS2 (Mopar Diagnostic System) and DRB III" (Scan Tool) to the vehicle and switch the ignition key to "ON"
3. Using the arrow keys, select #2 CONNECT TO MDS1 OR MDS2 on the DRB III MAIN MENU SCREEN.
4. Using the arrow keys, select #2 RUN MDS2 APPLICATION on the DRB III MAIN MENU SCREEN.
NOTE: ONCE MDS2, DRB III, AND VEHICLE COMMUNICATION HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED, THE CANNOT READ VIN FROM DRB III MESSAGE (ON THE MDS2) WILL BE REPLACED BY THE VEHICLE VIN. PRESS THE "OK" BUTTON ON THE MDS2 TO REQUEST A MDS2 SESSION FOR THE VEHICLE VIN INDICATED. PRESS THE "OK" BUTTON WHEN ASKED TO BEGIN SESSION.
5. Push the FLASH tab on the MDS2.
NOTE: A MESSAGE MAY APPEAR THAT INDICATES NO UPDATES ARE AVAILABLE. IF THIS OCCURS, MAKE SURE YOUR DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT IS OPERATING AT THE LATEST SOFTWARE LEVEL AS LISTED EARLIER IN THIS BULLETIN. IF THE LATEST SOFTWARE IS INSTALLED, AND NO UPDATES ARE AVAILABLE, ANOTHER VEHICLE CONDITION EXISTS THAT WILL REQUIRE FURTHER INVESTIGATION.
6. Select READ PART NUMBERS FROM VEHICLE and click SHOW UPDATES on the MDS2.
NOTE: A MESSAGE MAY APPEAR THAT INDICATES NO UPDATES ARE AVAILABLE. IF THIS OCCURS, MAKE SURE YOUR DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT IS OPERATING AT THE LATEST SOFTWARE LEVEL AS LISTED EARLIER IN THIS BULLETIN. IF THE LATEST SOFTWARE IS INSTALLED, AND NO UPDATES ARE AVAILABLE, ANOTHER VEHICLE CONDITION EXISTS THAT WILL REQUIRE FURTHER INVESTIGATION.
7. Select the new software part number with the light pen and click UPDATE CONTROLLER SOFTWARE.
8. The MDS2 and DRB III" will prompt for any operator action needed during the remainder of the reprogramming process.
NOTE: THE FOLLOWING STEPS ARE REQUIRED BY LAW
9. Type the necessary information on the "Authorized Software Update Label" p/n 04669020 (Figure 1). Attach the label to the PCM and cover the label with the clear plastic overlay.
10. Type the necessary information on the "Authorized Modification Label" p/n 04275086 and attach the label near the VECI label (Figure 2).

notes:
POLICY: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
TIME ALLOWANCE.
Labor Operation No: 08-19-41-99 .................................................. ................ 0.5 Hrs.
FAILURE CODE: FM - Flash Module
Thanks to Bob Bergevin for supplying this TSB information
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This page was edited on: May 3, 2004

 

that TSB would apply to the 98 and newer trucks, and involves reprogramming the PCM for correct Oil pressure gauge operation.

 

Correct. My issues are with a 98 5.9L. I have never reprogramed anything. Is this an end user fix? Or do I have to buy a new PCM? Most gratefull for all your feedback. My machanic skills are practical and careful, but my automotive knowledge is limited.

 

Not something you can do at home. Gonna have to have a chat with the dealer. Check your PCM first though, and see just which 'authorized software update' it currently has.