Jump to content

ECM flash question

Posted

If I get an ECM the same year and transmission as my truck do I still need to have it flashed to my VIN? If so do they need the truck or can I just take the ECM? And what do I ask them for? Just a reflash for my VIN with updates? I just want to know what I'm doing before I go to a dealer for this.

Thanks

  • Replies 22
  • Views 7.8k
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Featured Replies

First of all check for recall's  and Dodge free repairs, I found this information on this site. If you find something call a Dodge dealer and he will want your Vin Number and if the work has not been done they will do it free. I had my ECM updated last month for free which the dealer would have charged me $400.00. 

  • Author

Thanks for the info. What site is that? Do they flash it in the truck or must it come out? Sorry if it's a dumb ?? but I've never had it done. I plan to buy a used ECM and have it flashed before I put it in the truck if that's possible. But maybe if my original is out of date a reflash will help.

  • Owner

Make sure to talk to the dealer and be sure they are competent for working on Dodge Cummins Diesel. It not the same as a gasoline car.  There is differences in programming and the different computers. Some dealers don't understand how to properly re-flash or update flash most vehicles.

    •
    • Like 1
    • Author

    Yeah, I don't really trust them but who else do you go to? Does the ECM need to be in the truck to relash?

    • Owner

    Any flash work has to be done with a DRBIII tool. So... You are more or less stuck to dealers unless you find someone with a DRBIII tool but that will be rare outside a dealer.

    • Author

    So if I am getting a new ECM and it has to be flashed to my VIN before it works what do I do? Install it in my truck and then have it towed to a dealer to do the flash? Or will the truck start and run enough to get it there? I'm totally dumb on this. :duh:

    You may get lucky & have it run fine, it might be in limp mode or not start at all...

    Ed

    • 2 months later...
    • Author

    Kinda re-visiting this one and another question. Where does the odo. get it's info.? If I put another ECM in will I have the mileage from that truck or will I retain my trucks mileage?

    Why are you getting another ecm? If you get a used ecm's from a 98-00 auto truck, no flash needed. If it's from a newer 01-02, you will most likely need a flash and the ecm's needs to be hooked up in the truck for the flash. Mileage is in the cluster so it will stay the same. Before paying the dealer to do it, call dap and rent one from them, I believe you purchase it and then send it back for a full refund. The guys at smarty can write you a file and then you just download it into the ecm's, plus you get free high idle.

     call dap and rent one from them, I believe you purchase it and then send it back for a full refund. The guys at smarty can write you a file and then you just download it into the ecm's, plus you get free high idle.

    What is "dap" ? ?  

    Edited by GSP7

    • Author

    Why are you getting another ecm? If you get a used ecm's from a 98-00 auto truck, no flash needed. If it's from a newer 01-02, you will most likely need a flash and the ecm's needs to be hooked up in the truck for the flash. Mileage is in the cluster so it will stay the same. Before paying the dealer to do it, call dap and rent one from them, I believe you purchase it and then send it back for a full refund. The guys at smarty can write you a file and then you just download it into the ecm's, plus you get free high idle.

    Mine is going bad. Ed says above it might run or it might not without a re-flash, which the used one I bought is from the same year. I didn't know where the mileage is stored which is why I asked. What am I purchasing from DAP? A Smarty?

    Edited by dave110

    You have a high chance for it to run just fine with the same yeaar/trans. The only issue I can think of is if the donor or recipient truck has factory security.

     

    Ed

    • Author

    Thanks guys! I'll get it swapped in sometime and see what happens and post back.

    If all else fails, let me know. I "May" be able to flash a spare ECM I have for you to test out.

     

    Ed

    Go to topic listing