RAM 2500 Truck 2WD L6-5.9L DSL Turbo VIN 6 (1998)
PROM - Programmable Read Only Memory: Customer Interest
ECM - Poor Driveability/Hard Starting
NUMBER: 18-015-00 Rev. A
GROUP: Vehicle Performance
DATE: Dec. 21, 2000
THIS BULLETIN SUPERCEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 18-015-00, DATED SEP. 08, 2000, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED
FROM YOUR FILES. ALL REVISIONS ARE HIGHLIGHTED WITH **ASTERISKS** AND INCLUDE AN UPDATE TO THE VEHICLE
MODEL YEARS.
SUBJECT:
Driveability Enhancements For Winter Fuel Use And For Hard Starts
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Cummins CM551 Engine Control Module (ECM) with new software (calibration
versions: 55T18, 57T11A, 57T11B, 56T13, 59T6). There is no change to the JTEC PCM software.
NOTE:
THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 5.9L-24V DIESEL ENGINE BUILT BETWEEN ENGINE SERIAL
NUMBERS 56419738 TO 56798357, WITH A DATE OF MANUFACTURE OF DEC. 16, 1997 TO NOV. 15, 2000. THIS INFORMATION IS
AVAILABLE ON THE ENGINE DATA PLATE, WHICH IS LOCATED ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE, AFFIXED TO THE SIDE OF
THE TIMING GEAR HOUSING.
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
The customer may complain of poor driveability when winter fuel is used to power the engine. Or, the customer may complain of a hard or no-start
condition, while the engine is at normal operating temperatures, when using any type of good quality diesel fuel. The poor driveability condition may
occur only when either straight # 1 diesel fuel is used or when other special cold climate winter blend fuels are in use.
The no-start or long engine crank condition may occur when attempting to restart the engine while the temperature of the engine is still close to its
normal operating temperature. This hard hot restart condition may be experienced in all ambient climates, but may be more of a concern in warmer
ambient climates.
NOTE:
IF TSB 18-024-00 HAS PREVIOUSLY BEEN PERFORMED TO THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION, THEN THE ECM SOFTWARE HAS
ALREADY BEEN REVISED WITH THE CORRECT CALIBRATION TO ADDRESS THE ABOVE CONDITION(S). THE ECM WILL NOT
REQUIRE REPROGRAMMING.
DIAGNOSIS PROCEDURES:
Using the Mopar Diagnostic System (MDS2) and or the Diagnostic Scan Tool (DRB III(R)), with the appropriate Diagnostic Procedures Manual, verify
that all engine and 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. If no DTC's are present, and the above symptom has been experienced, perform the
Repair Procedure.
PARTS REQUIRED:
