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Dealer refuses to do PCM updates

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technicholas

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My dealer would not perform any other PCM updates. I just had it in for the update for the AC. Unless I complain about any other issues. Has anyone ever heard of this? They said it’s RAM corporate policy. I thought I saw other people on here posting it fixed a lot of random issues.
 
My friend said his dealership wouldn’t do it unless there was a problem indicating a need to. I was in shock upon hearing this as it’s not like you have to pull the motor to do this.....
 
PorBoy said:
My friend said his dealership wouldn’t do it unless there was a problem indicating a need to. I was in shock upon hearing this as it’s not like you have to pull the motor to do this.....
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I thought they just did them anyways. It says on my paperwork. Other updates are available on this vehicle, Chrysler doesn’t allow dealers to perform updates that are not directly related to customer concerns.
 
I was told that if my VIN# wasn't on FCA's list then they won't do any flashes or updates. Regardless of actual symptoms. I was told that the dealer would have to send in a report and specifically request permission to do the appropriate flash/update.
 
My dealer won't do it either unless they can reproduce it or my VIN is specifically listed for it.

TSBs are not a common access database so you need to be resourceful to get them (like the thread in this forum). You can look at them to see what symptoms would trigger the update and you "might" have those when you take it in for servicing ;). For the most part if it ain't broke...

Another thing I read recently is some of the service departments that are hourly might be more apt to to do it vice service departments that are flat rate (by the job). I don't know the specifics but something I've come across.

One thing I did learn recently is that you hear about updates by word of mouth or forums. Make sure you chase down all the info before you cry wolf to the dealership. I took my truck in Monday for some issues and was ready to push hard for a recent PCM update. I did a little research just before I took the truck in and found out that the update is only for the V-6 with eTorque which is N/A for me. Make sure at the very least that the TSB is applicable to the model and options you have.
 
With the New 2019 Ram, Can these updates get done over the air?
 
Rob5589 said:
Hmmm, as finicky as these things seem to be, not sure I'd want anything messed with that was working properly.
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That’s a very valid point. That’s why I won’t ask for the HVAC update. I feel like mine performs adequately and I don’t want to make it worse.

That said, I asked the service manager to do any software updates when I had one of the recalls done and he obliged - DTCM, TCM, ECM (whatever you call it..too many acronyms to keep track of!).

On the invoice it stated “driveabilty issues”. No ill effects after the updates. I think the TCM update made a difference in the way the transmission shifts (for the better). Other than that, I didn’t notice any difference.
 
moosem said:
That’s a very valid point. That’s why I won’t ask for the HVAC update. I feel like mine performs adequately and I don’t want to make it worse.

That said, I asked the service manager to do any software updates when I had one of the recalls done and he obliged - DTCM, TCM, ECM (whatever you call it..too many acronyms to keep track of!).

On the invoice it stated “driveabilty issues”. No ill effects after the updates. I think the TCM update made a difference in the way the transmission shifts (for the better). Other than that, I didn’t notice any difference.
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That’s exactly what I complained to him about I feel it shifts odd sometimes do you have the number for that update?
 
technicholas said:
That’s exactly what I complained to him about I feel it shifts odd sometimes do you have the number for that update?
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Unfortunately, no. It only states that it was updated with new software.600786FB-E73C-4DB7-8F66-68120BA69063.jpeg
 
Last edited:
Bluesurf said:
With the New 2019 Ram, Can these updates get done over the air?
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Only the UConnect can be updated over the air. Everything else you have to connect to the truck as moosem mentioned (USB, OBD port, etc.).

moosem said:
That’s a very valid point. That’s why I won’t ask for the HVAC update. I feel like mine performs adequately and I don’t want to make it worse.
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I know there was an HVAC update for earlier builds (up to October-ish of 2018 IIRC) after that I think the TSB is for HVAC diagnostics.

technicholas said:
That’s exactly what I complained to him about I feel it shifts odd sometimes do you have the number for that update?
Click to expand...
TSB 21-005-19 Rev B (Software enhancement for low pedal kick-down bump and coast down shift). I just got this flash yesterday.

My 3-2 shift was noticeable but my 2-1 shifts were abrupt and sometimes harsh. If I was coasting (~5 MPH) and the light turned green I would give it a little gas and it would slam into 1st and go.

I've only put 50 miles on the truck since I got it back yesterday but things seem to be a lot better.

moosem said:
Unfortunately, no. It only states that it was updated with new software.
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Interesting that your dealership does not put all of their notes on your receipt/invoice. I wonder if that stuff is entered into an internal database for reference?

My receipt has the technicians notes and specific record of anything done - TSBs, recalls, etc. If there is a software flash it tells me what the original part number it was and the new part number it was "successfully" flashed to.
 
brian42 said:
Only the UConnect can be updated over the air. Everything else you have to connect to the truck as moosem mentioned (USB, OBD port, etc.).


I know there was an HVAC update for earlier builds (up to October-ish of 2018 IIRC) after that I think the TSB is for HVAC diagnostics.


TSB 21-005-19 Rev B (Software enhancement for low pedal kick-down bump and coast down shift). I just got this flash yesterday.

My 3-2 shift was noticeable but my 2-1 shifts were abrupt and sometimes harsh. If I was coasting (~5 MPH) and the light turned green I would give it a little gas and it would slam into 1st and go.

I've only put 50 miles on the truck since I got it back yesterday but things seem to be a lot better.


Interesting that your dealership does not put all of their notes on your receipt/invoice. I wonder if that stuff is entered into an internal database for reference?

My receipt has the technicians notes and specific record of anything done - TSBs, recalls, etc. If there is a software flash it tells me what the original part number it was and the new part number it was "successfully" flashed to.
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I'm sure they have detailed records of each VIN. It is strange that they did not put old/new versions on the slip, but at least they performed the updates without giving me a hard time.

Regarding the Uconnect updates, if I'm not mistaken, OTA updates are only for updates to your specific version of software, but will not update to a new version. I checked for updates prior to bringing it in and it said I was at the latest rev. However, the dealer did find that there was a newer version, and updated it. And, it did fix the issues I was experiencing.
 
technicholas said:
My dealer would not perform any other PCM updates. I just had it in for the update for the AC. Unless I complain about any other issues. Has anyone ever heard of this? They said it’s RAM corporate policy. I thought I saw other people on here posting it fixed a lot of random issues.
Click to expand...

moparharn said:
My phone service through the truck is cutting out my voice over my iPhone. I have to switch from uconnect to iPhone and then back again on my phone if I want to talk through the truck. When it is hot out my back up camera stays on all the time after I first start up and will not allow me to use the radio. Sometimes I can hit the X in the upper right and switch back to sirius and it will turn off and allow me to use the radio. Weird. I asked for a radio update when I went in for my recall on the seatbelts/airbag bulletin. They refused to perform any other flash updates as they would not be paid by FCA for the work. I was asking "you are refreshing it right now, can't you just do a more thorough refresh and put in the updates?". I'm sorry sir we can't do that. It was like Hal from Space Odyssey. "I'm sorry Dave, I can't do that". There is obviously more to the story. I think I will just have to trust my Dealer and FCA. If the radio gets much worse I will be a little more demanding I guess.
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Hi technicholas and moparharn,
I'm sorry to hear about the troubles you've been having. I would like to look into this a bit further to see if there's anything I can do to help. Please send us a private message with your VIN and mileage.

Thank you,
Lydia
Ram Social Care Specialist
 
dealer will be on the hook for anything that happens as a consequence of a PCM flash on a working vehicle. Not surprised they would refuse to do work on vehicles that dont have problems
 
PorBoy said:
My friend said his dealership wouldn’t do it unless there was a problem indicating a need to. I was in shock upon hearing this as it’s not like you have to pull the motor to do this.....
Click to expand...
Ditto, this happened to me as well then i took my truck to a different dealership and they were happy to do the updates. So I recommend trying a different dealership location. ** My original dealership would only offer me with what they call a "Complimentary shuttle service" ride to the nearest enterprise rental location if I wanted to rent a car while my truck was being serviced which i has to pay out of pocket for. The new dealership I now go to provides me with a free rental car every time i schedule service...
 
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