TCU question

[Import_Killer]

I was trying to explain to a Chrysler tech the other day that I wanted him to check my TCU and see if there are any updates to it. Its a 2005 300 C.
He asked why and I said there is supossed to be a transmission update available and he said he didnt know what I was talking about. He said $25 just to check out my TCU and then more money to download it all, if anything.
I was under the impression that there the transmission upgrade applied to all 2005's. Actually, what downloads are applicable to my car and are they worth the money?

[cadzilla74]

Actually it's a TCM, Transmission Control Module ... on an '05 there was a TSB that talks about transmission performance and the dealer is supposed to flash the TCM with the StarScan any time an owner complains about the condition. That's how most people here got flashed. Search the Knowledge Base for TSB's (Technical Service Bulletins) find the one that applies, print it out and bring it to the dealer. If they won't update your flash, find another dealer.

[Mr. iNCREDIBLE]

depending on what part # there are as many as 8 or 10 updates since 2005..

need to know what the part number on the TCM is...

[Import_Killer]

OK, I went through the 2005 TSB's for the 300C and the closest I could find to the transmission upgrade is 08-015-05.....something about initilization of the TCM.

Am I missing something cause it doesnt sound like its the one Im looking for and I went through it three times.

If I brought in my TCM number, could someone with the abilty, see if anything applies. I dont trust the dealers.

[Import_Killer]

Found it. TSB#1803105 "shift hesitation during wide open throttle"

Is this something they have to do or just if they feel like it?

[Hemi31]

Thats for an SRT

[cadzilla74]

Are you experiencing problems with the car or just trying to find out if you have the latest versions of updates? You can get an aftermarket tuner that can read your current versions. Or attend a Meet and Greet, I'm sure someone near you has one. They can reset their car to Stock quickly, hook up to your car and get the readouts. Once you know your current versions post them here and we can tell you if you are current or not. If you have a specific complaint then tell us what it is and we will try to help pinpoint whether a flash is needed to help resolve the problem.

Hemi31 is right, the TSB you posted is for the SRT8...

There is one TSB that comes to mind, it dealt with idling and poor low-speed shifting issues....18-031-04A ... the fix was to flash the PCM and possibly update the TCM to resolve it. I still say your best bet is to try to find out what versions you have now for free, the dealer has every right to charge you for the time for hooking up the StarScan and running diagnostics on your car if you don't have a specific complaint.

[Import_Killer]

So is it a matter of cant or wont with the SRT reflash? It wont work or they wont do it? I remember a really long thread about it several months ago, but the thing was so long I dont remember what the final verdict was.

This is whats happening. When Im at a complete stop and then floor it, the engine will rev high and Im about to take off, but it drops very suddenly and gives me maybe 2nd gear at 20 or 25 miles an hour. Then it will start accelerating hard. Im not powerbraking it either.

Same thing happens when I try to shoot out of a corner...the speed will drop at least one gear and Ill lose momentum. I think this is just the computer keeping me safe, but its annoying.

[Mr. iNCREDIBLE]

sounds more mechanical than software related to me...

but find another dealer, express your concerns and ask (don't tell) them if there is a transmission computer involved and could it be a software issue..

IMO until you build a good relationship and/or friendship with your service adviser they don't like it if you come off acting like you know more then they do (which most of us do, but that's another issue)..


took me going thru 7 dealerships to find one that would work with me on stuff like this..

[Smoove06CSRT]

hey import.. i have a starscan..... where are you located? I am in Michigan. if you are local i will update you for free....(or a beer)

[DannyC]

I didn't see where you posted what model or transmission you had. There are many TSBs out there and some with the 5 speed were able to talk the dealer into flashing with the SRT-8 software.

I have the 4 speed SXT and I got them to do a TSB for rough shift.

Funky can help you if you contact him.