Dakota R/T 2WD V8-5.9L VIN Z LDC (1999)
PROM - Programmable Read Only Memory: Customer Interest
PCM - Poor Driveability During Steady State Driving
NO: 18-38-98
GROUP: Vehicle Performance
DATE: Dec. 18, 1998
SUBJECT:
Intermittent Poor Driveability
During Steady State
(Highway) Driving
MODELS:
1999 (AN)
Dakota
1999 (BR/BE)
Ram Truck
NOTE:
THIS INFORMATION APPLIES TO 5.9L (AN) MODELS WITH FEDERAL EMISSIONS (SALES CODE NAA) AND 8.0L (BR/BE) MODELS
WITH CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS (SALES CODE NAE) BUILT PRIOR TO DEC. 18, 1998 (MDH 1218XX).
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Some vehicles may exhibit intermittent poor driveability during steady state highway driving. This may feel like a surge or lack of performance. This
may be caused when the OBDII CARB Readiness Catalyst Monitor runs.
DIAGNOSIS:
Using the Mopar Diagnostic System (MDS/MDS2) or the Diagnostic Scan Tool (DRB III(R)) with the appropriate Diagnostic Procedures Manual, verify
all engine/transmission systems are functioning as designed. If Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) are present, record them on the repair order and repair
as necessary before proceeding further with this bulletin.
1.
Make yourself familiar with TSB 25-02-98 I/M (Inspection Maintenance) Testing - OBD II "CARB" Readiness Monitor Information.
2.
Connect the DRB III(R) and perform a battery disconnect to set all OBD II monitors to NO.
3.
Drive the vehicle while a helper monitors the OBD II CARB Readiness Catalyst Monitor.
4.
Once the Catalyst Pre-test criteria has been met, allow the catalyst monitor to run.
5.
If the vehicle exhibits the poor driveability condition while the monitor runs, perform the Repair Procedure.
NOTE:
WHENEVER A POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) IS REPLACED DUE TO FAILURE, THE SOFTWARE OF THE
REPLACEMENT CONTROLLER SHOULD BE VERIFIED FOR THE LATEST REVISION LEVEL. USE THE FLASH PROCEDURE TO
UPDATE REPLACED CONTROLLERS AS NECESSARY.
EQUIPMENT/PARTS REQUIRED:
1
CH6OOO
Scan Tool (DRB III(R))
1
CH7035
General Purpose Interface Bus Cable (OPIB)
1
CH7000/7001
J1962 Cable
1
04669020
Label - Authorized Software Update
1
04275086
Label - Authorized Modification
NOTE:
THE MDS AND DRB III(R) ARE REQUIRED TO PERFORM THIS REPAIR AND THE SYSTEM MUST BE OPERATING WITH RELEASE
21 OR HIGHER AND TIL CD RELEASE 1175 OR HIGHER MUST BE INSTALLED.
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
This procedure involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software (99cal14 calibration change).
1.
Connect the MDS (Mopar Diagnostic System) and DRB III(R) (Scan Tool) to the vehicle and power them up.
