Engine - Spark Knock On Acceleration
NUMBER: 18-004-02GROUP: Vehicle Performance
DATE: Jan. 28, 2002
THIS BULLETIN SUPERCEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 18-06-00 REV C, DATED DEC 01, 2000, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES. THIS IS A COMPLETE REVISION AND NO ASTERISKS HAVE BEEN USED TO HIGHLIGHT REVISIONS. THE MDS2 MUST BE OPERATING WITH CIS CD2099 OR HIGHER.
SUBJECT:
1999 M.Y. Engine Spark Knock
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software (calibration level 99Cal16B, 99Cal17, and 99Cal17A)
MODELS:
1999 (AB) Ram Van
1999 (AN) Dakota
1999 (BR/BE) Ram Truck
1999 (DN) Durango
NOTE:
THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.9L (EHC), 5.2L (ELF), OR 5.9L LIGHT DUTY (EML) GASOLINE ENGINE. THERE ARE CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS. SEE THE TABLE FOR SPECIFIC EXCLUSIONS.
NOTE:
THIS BULLETIN DOES NOT APPLY TO THE FOLLOWING SPECIFIC VEHICLES WHEN EQUIPPED AS LISTED IN THE TABLE. THE PCM CALIBRATION SOFTWARE OF ANY EXCLUDED VEHICLE IS NOT TO BE REPROGRAMMED FOR A SPARK KNOCK COMPLAINT. BEFORE ATTEMPTING A REPROGRAMMING SESSION, INSPECT THE VEHICLE, TYPE, ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, AND EMISSIONS CATEGORY FOR POSSIBLE EXCLUSION.
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Some vehicle engines may exhibit a light-to-moderate spark knock condition during acceleration (under load).
DIAGNOSIS PROCEDURES:
1. Verify that the following NOTE(S) have been reviewed and completed as necessary.
2. Verify that the engine coolant contains a quality antifreeze. The coolant mixture should consist of 44% to 68% antifreeze.
3. If the only condition seen is the light-to-moderate engine spark knock, then perform the Repair Procedure.
NOTE:
VERIFY THAT TSB 18-48-98, FOR ENGINE IGNITION WIRE ROUTING, HAS BEEN COMPLETED.
NOTE:
THIS REPAIR PROCEDURE WILL NOT COMPENSATE FOR HEAVY SPARK KNOCK CONDITIONS. IF HEAVY KNOCK IS EXPERIENCED, FURTHER DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING OF THE ENGINE 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.
PARTS REQUIRED:
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
1. Flash the PCM using the MDS2 (Mopar Diagnostic System) and the DRB III (Scan Tool).
NOTE:
DUE TO THE PCM REPROGRAMMING PROCEDURE, A DTC MAY BE SET IN OTHER MODULES (EATX, BCM, MIC, SKIM, ETC.) 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.
2. Type the necessary information on the "Authorized Software Update Label" p/fl 04669020 (Fig. 1). Attach the label to the PCM and cover the label with the clear plastic overlay.
3. Type the necessary information on the "Authorized Modification Label" p/n 04275086 and attach the label near the VECI label (Fig. 2).
POLICY:
Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
TIME ALLOWANCE:
FAILURE CODE: