Engine - Spark Knock on Acceleration
NUMBER: 18-05-00 Rev FGROUP: Vehicle Performance
DATE: September 15, 2000
THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 18-05-00 REV E, DATED SEPTEMBER 01, 2000 WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES. ALL REVISIONS ARE HIGHLIGHTED WITH **ASTERISKS** AND INCLUDE AN EMISSIONS PACKAGE UPDATE TO THE TABLE.
SUBJECT:
1998 Model Year Engine Spark Knock
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software (calibration level 98Cal12 and 98Cal12C)
MODELS:
1998 (AB) Ram Van
1998 (AN) Dakota
1998 (BR/BE) Ram Truck
1998 (DN) Durango
1998 (XJ) Cherokee
NOTE:
THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A GASOLINE ENGINE. SEE THE TABLE FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION.
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Some vehicle engines may exhibit a light-to-moderate spark knock condition during acceleration (under load).
DIAGNOSIS:
1. Verify that the following NOTE(S) have been reviewed and completed as necessary.
2. Verify that the engine coolant contains the correct mixture of a quality antifreeze to water. The coolant mixture should consist of 44% to 68% antifreeze.
3. If the only condition seen is the light-to-moderate engine spark knock, perform the Repair Procedure.
NOTE:
VERIFY THAT TSB 18-48-98 HAS BEEN COMPLETED.
NOTE:
THIS FEATURE WILL NOT COMPENSATE FOR HEAVY SPARK KNOCK CONDITIONS. IF HEAVY KNOCK IS EXPERIENCED, FURTHER DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING WILL BE REQUIRED. REFER TO TSB 09-05-00 FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE.
NOTE:
WHEN PULLING A HEAVY LOAD OR DRIVING A FULLY LOADED VEHICLE USE A PREMIUM UNLEADED FUEL TO HELP MINIMIZE SPARK KNOCK.
NOTE:
WHENEVER A POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE IS REPLACED DUE TO FAILURE, THE SOFTWARE OF THE REPLACEMENT CONTROLLER MUST BE VERIFIED FOR THE LATEST REVISION LEVEL. USE THE FLASH PROCEDURE TO UPDATE REPLACED CONTROLLERS AS NECESSARY.
PARTS REQUIRED:
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
NOTE:
THE MDS2 AND DRB III(R) ARE REQUIRED TO PERFORM PART OF THIS REPAIR. WHEN USING THE MDS2 AND THE DRB III(R), THE SYSTEM MUST BE OPERATING AT CIS CD 2064 OR HIGHER (SEE THE TABLE).
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
1. Log onto the MDS2 system.
2. Connect the MDS2 and DRB III(R) to the vehicle and switch the ignition key to "ON".
NOTE:
AUTO CONNECTION WILL OCCUR ONCE THE DRB III(R), MDS2, AND VEHICLE ESTABLISH COMMUNICATION. THE "CANNOT READ VIN FROM DRB III(R)" MESSAGE (ON THE MDS2) WILL BE REPLACED BY THE VEHICLE VIN. PRESS THE "OK" BUTTON ON THE MDS2 TO REQUEST A MDS2 SESSION FOR THE VEHICLE VIN INDICATED. PRESS THE "OK" BUTTON WHEN ASKED TO BEGIN SESSION.
3. Select the FLASH tab on the MDS2.
4. Select READ PART NUMBERS FROM VEHICLE and click SHOW UPDATES on the MDS2. Press the "OK" button.
NOTE
A MESSAGE WILL APPEAR (AFTER STEP 3 OR 4) THAT INDICATES NO UPDATES ARE AVAILABLE. IF THIS OCCURS, MAKE SURE YOUR DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT IS OPERATING AT THE LATEST SOFTWARE LEVEL AS LISTED EARLIER IN THIS BULLETIN. IF THE LATEST SOFTWARE IS INSTALLED, AND NO UPDATES ARE AVAILABLE, ANOTHER VEHICLE CONDITION EXISTS THAT WILL REQUIRE FURTHER INVESTIGATION.
5. Select the new software part number with the light pen and click UPDATE CONTROLLER SOFTWARE.
6. The MDS2 and DRB III(R) will prompt for any operator action needed during the remainder of the reprogramming process.
NOTE:
DUE TO THE PCM REPROGRAMMING PROCEDURE, A DTC MAY BE SET IN OTHER MODULES (TCM, BCM, MIC, SKIM, ECT.) WITHIN THE VEHICLE, IF SO EQUIPPED. SOME DTC'S MAY CAUSE THE MIL TO ILLUMINATE. ALL DTC'S RELATE TO A LOSS OF COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE MODULE THAT IS BEING REPROGRAMMED.CHECK ALL MODULES, RECORD THE FAULTS, AND ERASE THESE FAULTS PRIOR TO RETURNING THE VEHICLE TO THE CUSTOMER. ERASE ANY FAULTS IN THE PCM ONLY AFTER ALL OTHER MODULES HAVE HAD THEIR FAULTS ERASED.
NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING STEPS ARE REQUIRED BY LAW.
7. Type the necessary information on the "Authorized Software Update Label" P/N 04669020 (figure 1). Attach the label to the JTEC PCM and cover the label with the clear plastic overlay.
8. Type the necessary information on the "Authorized Modification Label" p/n 04275086 and attach the label near the VECI label (Figure 2).
POLICY: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
TIME ALLOWANCE:
FAILURE CODE: FM - Flash Module