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wildhawk
GenIII
 
5/17/2002
13:24:10
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 Subject: Cost to Flash VIN into a Mopar PCM
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How much has everyone been paying to have a dealership flash their VIN into their new Mopar Performance PCM? My local dealership quoted me $110.00, so I told them they were insane and left! Im waiting to hear back from another dealership, so I thought I would get some price references before talking to them.
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CThomp
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/17/2002
13:43:40
|  RE: Cost to Flash VIN into a Mopar PCM
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New? When did this happen?
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wildhawk
GenIII
5/17/2002
13:52:20
| RE: Cost to Flash VIN into a Mopar PCM
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Message:
New?? Im not quite sure what your asking. If your asking me what computer I am going to try, its the 2000 2x4 5.9. From what Ive read here and at dodgetrucks.org, its should work fine and even accept my 4x4 VIN without a problem.
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Troy
Dodge Dakota
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5/17/2002
14:39:01
| RE: Cost to Flash VIN into a Mopar PCM
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Wildhawk,
Do you have the PCM installed yet? If so, have you had any problems? I would also like to try the 2x4 PCM in my QC 4x4, but I'm not sure about it. What is the purpose of having the dealer flash the VIN into the new PCM?
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wildhawk
GenIII
5/17/2002
14:50:21
| RE: Cost to Flash VIN into a Mopar PCM
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No, the PCM should arrive the first part of next week. Ill let you know how it works.
Apparently, if the VIN is not entered everything still works fine, but several warning lights come on.
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Troy
Dodge Dakota
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5/17/2002
15:31:32
| RE: Cost to Flash VIN into a Mopar PCM
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Will the VIN from your 4x4 work, or do you need a VIN from a 2000 4x2? I just ordered a 4x2 PCM for mine as well, but I would like to know what all I will have to deal with.
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wildhawk
GenIII
5/17/2002
15:55:01
| RE: Cost to Flash VIN into a Mopar PCM
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Ive been told that the 4x4 VIN will work in the 2x4 PCM. I have not personally experienced this. Check out dodgetrucks.org and do a search for this topic. Several people have reported their 4x2 PCM taking the 4x4 VIN.
I plan on trying out the PCM unflashed for a few weeks, and then deciding if I am even going to bother having it flashed.
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Troy
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/17/2002
17:21:55
| RE: Cost to Flash VIN into a Mopar PCM
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That is what I plan on doing as well. I seen the different posts on dodgetrucks.org about this. Everyone I seen was about a Ram, however. You said several warning lights come on. What do you mean? Like "check engine", etc. Does it affect the way it runs, or is the lights just "on"?
If you have your servicing dealer flash this, are they going to be blaming everything that happens to your truck on this. I am still under warranty, and I need them to cooperate and work on the thing when something is wrong. I guess they can flash it. Is this something every dealer can do, or do you need something special?
Hope I'm not bugging you; just trying to figure this out, and you seem to know alot about it. Thanks for your input.
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wildhawk
GenIII
5/17/2002
19:23:22
|  RE: Cost to Flash VIN into a Mopar PCM
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Well it's done! I received my Mopar PCM 2000 5.9 4x2 this morning and I had it installed in my 4x4 in less than 10 minutes. I didnt notice anything different at start-up and it idled smoothly. I took it out for a 75 mile drive (to use up the last of the 89octane) and everything seems to be working great. I only notice a small amount of pinging on hills (I already have the 180 Tstat installed) and I have since put only about 1 mile on the new tank of 91 Octane. The idiot light for the ABS and the Brake came on after about 1/2 mile and they have stayed on since, but I havent noticed anything different with these systems.
After being quoted $110.00 to have my vin flashed into the PCM, I think im going to leave it unflashed and deal with the idiot lights. At least I will be able to sell the unit later if I want to do that.
Troy, every dealer should be able to flash the vin, but if I was to have it done, I wouldnt tell them anything more than the VIN#. I would also stay as close to the truck as possible while they were doing it. With regard to warranties, this is a factory authorized upgrade, so I wouldnt think you would have a problem as long as someone didnt figure out you had a 2x4 PCM. Remember, they did make 4x4 PCms for some years. Oh, and ndont worry about asking too many questions on here, thats what this place is all about.
Now if I could only get rid of the full-time four wheel drive so that I could spin the tires!!!
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dano
Dodge Dakota
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5/17/2002
20:13:25
| RE: Cost to Flash VIN into a Mopar PCM
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wildhawk, how is the power with the new pcm. i should be gettin mine on monday.im also trying the 00 pcm on a 01 ram 4x4.
thanx dano
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Troy
Dodge Dakota
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5/17/2002
20:25:11
| RE: Cost to Flash VIN into a Mopar PCM
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Thanks wildhawk,
If you would like I'll let you know how mine does once I get it. It should be here around Wed. or Thursday of next week. I'm about like you on the dealers. I trust them about as far as I can throw them. I have part-time four-wheel drive so I will be able to tell if the tires spin any easier. And I wonder why I don't get good mileage out of my tires. Go figure!!
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Troy
Dodge Dakota
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5/17/2002
23:45:39
| RE: Cost to Flash VIN into a Mopar PCM
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Also wildhawk,
Once this PCM is flashed with my VIN, is no good for a different truck, correct? Can the VIN not be overwritten with another VIN?
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Halo3
GenIII
5/18/2002
09:45:15
| RE: Cost to Flash VIN into a Mopar PCM
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heh...you guys are making me jealous!! I've been itching for a custom flash or Mopar PCM for quite a while. Unfortunately, the custom flashes are kinda pricey, and Mopar didn't oblige us 2000+ 4x4'ers with a PCM.
WildHawk: Let me know how that new PCM treats you once you get a couple miles on it!! I'm dying over here!!
Semper Fi,
Halo3
'00 Lt. Driftwood 4x4 SLT DQC w/5.9L
http://home.attbi.com/~quadcab
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wildhawk
GenIII
5/19/2002
18:10:03
| RE: Cost to Flash VIN into a Mopar PCM
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Alright, the results are in! The new PCM is well worth the money and after 125 miles I can really feel the difference. Now, for the down side. As mentioned before, the Brake light and the ABS lights have come on in the dash. After doing several tests, I have found that I DO NOT have a functioning ABS system and I am able to lock up the brakes and slide on all four tires.
Since I drive on several freeways that have a tendancy to go from 70+ to 0 before you can blink, I guess I am going to have to get the Vin flashed in after all. My understanding is that this will fix the brake problem, but I will not be able to ever have another VIN flashed into this unit.
Well, if anyone has any ideas on how to get the VIN flashed in without a dealer doing it, please let me know. Otherwise I'll keep ya all posted.
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dano
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/19/2002
21:31:26
| RE: Cost to Flash VIN into a Mopar PCM
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c'mon wildhawk, more details on the power.
details details details. :)
dano
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Aaron Weather
Dodge Dakota
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5/19/2002
23:31:57
| RE: Cost to Flash VIN into a Mopar PCM
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I have a 2000 R/T the dealer charged 1/2 hr labor for VIN and mileage. I noticed alot of difference in performance, higher shift points definately help out.
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wildhawk
GenIII
5/21/2002
00:49:16
| RE: Cost to Flash VIN into a Mopar PCM
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With only a butt Dino for comparison, I would have to say that the Mopar PCM was the Best Performance Mod I have made to date. Since Ive done quite a few thing prior to, I dont know if a stock vehicle would feel the same gains, but I would have to say this is a must do mod. Aaron is definately right about those shift points.
Since Im headed to the Mountains this weekend, I made an appointment to have the dealer flash the Vin in this Wednesday morning. Ive asked to speak to the Tech prior to the flash, so im not to worried... Ill keep you guys posted.
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bassboy170
Dodge Dakota
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5/21/2002
01:12:17
| RE: Cost to Flash VIN into a Mopar PCM
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i have a 1997 4x4 dak and i had mike leach do a custom flash for me i told him all the mods i had and he flashed it for my application let me tell u he did an excellent job the trucks runs beautiful i have a charger and 24lb injectors and the thing idles and runs mint no pinging and no lights i would give tom from mike leach a call he knows his stuff
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NATHANIEL
Dodge Dakota
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5/21/2002
09:49:24
| RE: Cost to Flash VIN into a Mopar PCM
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my dealership charged me 1/2 hr. of labor. It came out ot be like $35. If you look at the instructions for the pcm it even tells you that it takes 1/2 hr to do this. so unless your dealerships labor rates are alot more than mine in Illinois, $110 is a rip off.
the shift points are a bit higher, 5500 or so, so I am about to get the m1 to alow my 5.2 to breath better on the top end.
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Hersbird
Dodge Dakota
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5/21/2002
12:23:55
| RE: Cost to Flash VIN into a Mopar PCM
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It really even takes less then 1/2 hour. Some shops charge a minimum of 1 hour labor but even then $110 is a high hourly rate at that. I bought my MP Pcm used off ebay and it already had somebody elses vin flashed in it. It's been working prefectly with the wrong vin for 3 months now. It is the correct part number for my truck and all, but sometimes the used ones don't work in different trucks, sometimes they do. It's cool because it was only $150 for a used 2000 already flashed and it would have been almost $400 from a discounter already flashed, and almost $600 from the dealer.
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Troy
Dodge Dakota
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5/21/2002
22:18:35
| RE: Cost to Flash VIN into a Mopar PCM
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Hey wildhawk,
I got my PCM and installed it today. The truck runs fine, and shifts higher (right at 5,400). It seems to run stronger, but I don't think it is my best mod to date. I feel like my headers is probably my best mod thus far. I also have the ABS and brake lights on, but that is it. Everything else seems to be working fine. I only have about 15 miles on the truck since the install. Will the PCM continue to learn my current mods and adjust itself accordingly? Let me know after you have the VIN flashed, if you still feel the same performance, and if the lights go away and the ABS works properly again. Thanks.
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Fubar512
Dodge Dakota
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5/21/2002
22:47:17
| RE: Cost to Flash VIN into a Mopar PCM
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I was quoted (If I'm not mistaken) $25 to flash my VIN into an MP PCM by Marty at KRC Performance.
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wildhawk
GenIII
5/22/2002
08:31:39
| RE: Cost to Flash VIN into a Mopar PCM
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Thanks guys for all the input regarding flashing costs. I called a different dealer in my area and they quoted me $33, so lesson learned and now I know what dealer to go to in the future.
Troy, glad to see that you got the PCM in. I noticed a significant increase in power after about 100 miles. During the first 100, the truck seemed like it was searching for gears, felt a little sluggish ect. I took mine out for about 50miles of freeway, 30 miles of open city streets and about 20miles of stop and go traffic in the first two days and it was after this that I felt the real difference. To be honest with you, I was a little disapointed at first and thats why I didnt mention performance gains when I made the first post after installing the PCM. Let us know what your feeling after 100 miles or so.
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Troy
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/22/2002
08:49:40
| RE: Cost to Flash VIN into a Mopar PCM
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wildhawk,
I wasn't overly happy with the performance gains, either. Mine is also doing the hunting for gears during light throttle. I will let you know how it goes after a few miles. Let me know if the VIN flash fixes your lights, etc. Are you still someone disappointed, or are you happy with the performance gains, since you have some miles on it?
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wildhawk
GenIII
5/22/2002
09:12:46
| RE: Cost to Flash VIN into a Mopar PCM
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I would definately say that I am happy with it now. Two thumbs up.
My dealer flash appointment is in an hour, so Ill let you know the results ASAP.
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wildhawk
GenIII
5/22/2002
11:16:27
| RE: Cost to Flash VIN into a Mopar PCM
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The dealer VIN Flash went fine. The 2x4 PCM accepted my 4x4 VIN and the ABS system is now working normally.
I would highly recommend this mod for 2000 4x4's.
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Troy
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/22/2002
11:33:04
| RE: Cost to Flash VIN into a Mopar PCM
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Thanks wildhawk! I guess I will get an appointment to get my flashed, now. Is there anything they (dealer) can screw up while flashing it? I understand they can erase a custom flash PCM, but I don't know if they can hurt the MP unit.
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wildhawk
GenIII
5/22/2002
14:13:03
| RE: Cost to Flash VIN into a Mopar PCM
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I highly recommend that you continually remind the service guys that you only want the VIN entered and that they should not do anything else.
While I was there this morning, I asked the service guys if there have ever been incidents where a Mopar Performance PCM has been reflashed with the stock program and they just looked at me funny. The way it happened, I took it as a yes it's happened...
Also, I have heard of upgrades (of what I dont know) that the dealers have been know to flash into the PCM during servicing. Something to think about...
With regard to actually hurting the unit, I have never heard of that.
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Hersbird
Dodge Dakota
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5/22/2002
22:55:26
| RE: Cost to Flash VIN into a Mopar PCM
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It's my understanding they cannot unflash a MP PCM, maybe some of the other outfits but not MP. If it were possible to un-flash one then they would just make the MP upgrade availible as a 20 minute trip to the dealer to flash the stock PCM, and without having to use a new computer core they would be a lot less then $300.
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Troy
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/27/2002
10:09:38
| RE: Cost to Flash VIN into a Mopar PCM
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wildhawk,
I take my truck in tomorrow for some service work (crank seal leaking), and I am going to see if I can get my VIN and mileage flashed. If they do it tomorrow, I will let you know if everything seems fine, and the cost. I am pretty happy with my new PCM, so far. It really seemed like it ran better after about 150-200 miles. It seems the same as always now, though. I guess I'm already used to the power increase. Oh well! Time to do something else. Still waiting on my M1 that is on backorder. How is your mileage with the new PCM? Later.
2000 QC Sport Plus 4x4 5.9L 3.92LS, every factory option
Magnaflow 3" single in/ 2-1/2" dual out
Equal-length headers with 2-1/2" y-pipe
Autolite 3923's, indexed
Kenne Bell (Taylor) wires
180 stat
Redline Water Wetter
S-bolt
Homemade 4" cold-air induction
Baffled removed from air hat
K&N air filter
Mobil 1 and Purolator
Perma-Cool auxiliary oil cooler
Map sensor mod
TPS set at .774
clutch fan removed (electric fan on thermal switch)
timing advanced app. 2-3 degrees with sensor in bellhousing
Mopar Performance PCM
radiator flap removed
Very near future mods:
Upgraded throttle body
M1 2-barrel intake
1.7 ratio roller rocker arms
02 SIMM and remove cat (possibly)
IAT adjuster
underdrive crank pulley
MSD Blaster coil
Ford Racing fuel injectors (probably 19#)
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Halo3
GenIII
5/27/2002
12:10:48
| RE: Cost to Flash VIN into a Mopar PCM
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Well, in light of Wildhawk's bravery, I have ordered my MP PCM...should recieve it Tuesday or Wednesday.
I do have one question: Did the mileage carry over when you swapped to the MP PCM? I'm assuming that the mileage is stored somewhere else, but just want to make sure.
Semper Fi,
Halo3
'00 Lt. Driftwood 4x4 SLT DQC w/5.9L
Halo3's Dak
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