as far as the reflash on the pcm, I don't know how far the year range goes up on the software but for the 2005 dakota I have, they want to reflash the pcm because of transmission issues, such as and in my case *( basically no reverse torque).

I can literally get stuck if I can't turn around if the hill is more than say 15% incline. it will bind down basically...

 

There is a TSB out on this, from back in 2006 and 2007. It will involve a trip to the dealer for a TCM reflash. Not sure what they will charge you for it, but figure somewhere around $100. I can't find the whole TSB, below is something anyway.

Original TSB (05 Dakota)
Bulletin Number: 2101705 Bulletin Date: 02-14-2006
Component:
Power train:automatic transmission
Summary
Flash 42rle - improved hill climb capability in reverse or diagnostic trouble codes (dtc) p1713/p1776. *kb

Original TSB (06 Dakota)
Bulletin Number: 2100206A Bulletin Date: 12-09-2006
Component:
Power train:automatic transmission
Summary
Flash 42rle - improved hill climb capability in reverse or diagnostic trouble codes (dtc) p1713/p1776. *kb

Revised TSB
Bulletin Number: 2100507 Bulletin Date: 03-20-2007
Component:
Power train:automatic transmission
Summary
Flash 42rle - improved hill climb capability in reverse or diagnostic trouble codes (dtc) p1713/p1776. *kb

 

i'm fortuniate that my wife is an internal manager at dodge, and am going to basically take the lead tech to lunch for his time to reflash my pcm a benifit to her working there, the draw back... as every new vehicle comes in i get a text that says "I want it",

fml

 

Over the weekend I pulled these codes...
P0300-cylinder misfire detected -random cylinder/Powertrain control module monitors the crankshaft speed and has detected a misfire.

P0301-cylinder misfire detected -random cylinder/Powertrain control module monitors the crankshaft speed and has detected a misfire.

P0303-cylinder misfire detected -random cylinder/Powertrain control module monitors the crankshaft speed and has detected a misfire.

P0420 Catalytic converter not functioning properly.

 

Misfire on cylinders 1 & 3, try swapping the coils from other cylinders and see if the misfire moves to the 'other 2' cylinders. This will rule out or confirm bad coils. The misfires will cause the catalytic converter code, and could also damage it beyond repair in the process.

 

cbea1124

I would recommend you have the dealer further diagnose if you have several codes setting (you didn't mention if codes were active or stored). The technician can performed the diagnostic procedures related to the codes to determine the root cause of the engine light. Keep us posted.

 

Good advice. You can do the same with the injectors sometimes.

 

usually a p0301 and p0303 are specific to ignition, usually....

I agree I was about to metion moving #1 coil to #2 position, clear the codes and drive, if there is a misfire caused by the coil, it will become a p0302 and p0303, if thats the case try the same with #3 coil to what ever location, and try again, if you manage to change the codes by moving coils ie p030 (1-6) you know that the issue is the coil packs. in most cases replacing just the problematic coils will resolve the issue, but what I have found, is that when one goes, the others are not always too far behind. so when I got the p0305, i replaced all 6 plugs in my 2005 3.7L dakota.

 

the p0303 will still be there because nothing was done with the #3 coil at this time, *(Just to clarify)

 

PROS
PCM was updated and re flashed free of charge.
Dealership did multipoint inspection

CONS
LEft dealership and once again when came to stop/go the truck worked hard to get from 0-30 mph. the engine light would flash but then go off.. this happened 5-6 times.

** NGK copper plugs gapped at .035

Frustrating