So my check engine light Came on this morning and I took the D to the local dealer. Told me it was an evap system error code, and it was corrected by a flash update (number: 18-050-11). That's fine with me, I'm just a little confused. If the Check engine light came on, it must have been triggered by some kind of condition, so how does updating system with a flash update correct the initial existing condition? I asked the service writer and he couldn't really explain it to me he was just like well the flash update fixed it. I understand if there is an error in the original system an update could fix that, but whatever condition in the Evap system that triggered the CEL isn't corrected by a flash update so wont it just trigger the light again? Thoughts?

 

the settings might have been off for whatever sensor was reading the evap...therefore triggering the light...might have been a normale condition for the evap however the sensor saw it as an issue and triggered CEL...now that default program is loaded in the reflash i am sure the readings from that sensor will not trigger the CEL anymore

 

Sunburnt,

I agree with what 2012 said above. The light may come on for a particular system in the vehicle based on software that is incorrectly monitoring it. I am posting the TSB below and as you can see it applies to a number of possible error codes that may come on inadvertently due to incorrect programming of the module.

NUMBER: 18-050-11
GROUP: Vehicle Performance
DATE: November 10, 2011

SUBJECT:
Flash: MIL Illumination P0441, P0128, P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305,
P0306, P0420, P0430, P113D, P113E, P0133, P0153
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) with new software.
MODELS:
2012 (WD) Durango
2012 (WK) Grand Cherokee
NOTE: This bulletin applies to WK and WD vehicle equipped with a 3.6L or a 5.7L
engine (sales code ERB and EZH).
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
The customer may experience a MIL illumination. Upon further investigation the
Technician may find that any of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes have been set.
a. P0441 - Evap Purge System Performance (5.7L and 3.6L engines)
b. P0420 - Catalyst Efficiency (Bank 1) (5.7L and 3.6L engines)
c. P0430 - Catalyst Efficiency (Bank2) (5.7L and 3.6L engines)
d. P0133 - O2 Sensor 1/1 Slow Response (5.7L and 3.6L engines)
e. P0153 - O2 Sensor 2/1 Slow Response (5.7L and 3.6L engines)
f. P0128 - Thermostat Rationality (3.6L engines)
g. P0300 - Multiple Cylinder Misfire (3.6L engines)
h. P0301 - Cylinder 1 Misfire (3.6L engines)
i. P0302 - Cylinder 2 Misfire (3.6L engines)
j. P0303 - Cylinder 3 Misfire (3.6L engines)
k. P0304 - Cylinder 4 Misfire (3.6L engines)
l. P0305 - Cylinder 5 Misfire (3.6L engines)
m. P0306 - Cylinder 6 Misfire (3.6L engines)
n. P113D - O2 Sensor 1/1 Slow Response (High Frequency) (3.6L engines)
o. P113E - O2 Sensor 2/1 Slow Response (High Frequency) (3.6L engines)
Updating the software will correct the conditions listed above.

 

2012sxt and Chris,

Thanks alot for the clarification and the extra info; definitely makes more sense now!

 

Hopefully the issue is solved and does not appear again.

 

Just out of curiosity what year, engine, and how much mileage is on your D?

 

It's a 2012 Durango R/T AWD 5.7L with a little over 7,000 miles

 

Did they charge you anything for flashing the computer? CarMax where I bought mine wanted $120 just for checking it and then if it was covered under warranty they wouldn't charge me and if it wasn't covered they would apply that toward the repair. Will call Dodge dealer Saturday to see if they can check it.

Have had 3 dodge rams over the past several years and have had really bad service out of dodge dealers. I know there are good ones and bad ones but Houston area has some really bad crooks as far as I'm concerned.

David

 

Digging up an old thread here but we just had this happen on our '12. Going to call the dealer tomorrow. Thanks for the info!

 

FYI, any PCM updates are covered under the 8/80 emission warranty.