TCM and PCM Flashed By My Dealer: Here is my review

[Fiveoh]

After reading numerous threads about the TCM flash and B&G TCM, I decided to convince my dealership to flash the stock TCM. Here is what happened:

I went to the local dealership with TSB 21-020-06 (this one pertains to the SRTs 1-2 shift hesitation). I told the service rep that I wanted my TCM flashed because I have the AWD SXT, which has the same transmission as the RTs and SRT8s. They agreed that I have the same transmission and TCM and would do the update. However, the mechanic tried to find this TSB using my VIN. I said it won't show up using my VIN because I don't have a SRT8. So the mechanic said the flash couldn't be done.

I spoke to the service rep and said that even though the TSB is for SRT8s, I should be able to get the flash since I have the same transmission. So they looked up some more TSBs and found the following:

TSB 18-011-05: Flash Engine Roughness or Idle Fluctuation

TSB 21-009-04: Transmission Control Module Initialize EGS-52 Procedure

TSB 21-012-06(a)(b): Upshift Shudder or Rough Shift

NOTE: TSB 21-012-06, A, and B deals with 2.7L and 3.5L LXs equiped with the 42RLE transmission (sales code EER and DG6). So if you have the 42RLE, then take this TSB in for the flash.

Now, another service rep noticed that on TSB 21-009-04 there was a note that states: ...procedures apply to all LX vehicles equipped with a NAG1 transmission.

Since he read that, he told the mechanic to use that TSB to update my TCM. My TCM is now flashed with number 4692390AI (not sure what my PCM flash number is now) and I didn't pay one cent. So how is the performance?

Oddly enough a slight shift hesitation still exists, but not as bad as it was prior to the flash. The shifting is smoother and when it changes gears, the engine grabs onto the next gear better.

The idle roughness is gone and acceleration is stronger and smoother. I won't say it is more powerful. Instead there is a feeling of a greater pull across the RPM range (starting from 2200 RPMs).

Is this TCM and PCM flash worth getting? Well, it is a good and valid upgrade but don't expect any major results. Make sure you print out those TSBs for 2.7 and 3.5 vehicles and take it to the service reps. I didn't get anywhere using the SRT8 TSB.

[PHANTZM]

Cool , thanks for the heads up.

[COLORADOMAGNUM]

I'm hesitant to get any of these TSB's done unless my car is having the specific problem that the TSB addresses. A lot of members had the "SRT" TCM re-program and said they are not happy with the new shift characteristics. Like my Dad always said: "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".

[Fiveoh]

If by "shift characteristics", you mean how the SRT flash changed the manual shift mode by auto shifting at max RPM, then my AWD SXT already did that with the old flash. The new "AI" flash didn't change this operation. My manual mode is still the same, but smoother. My flash isn't the "AX" version used for the SRTs, it is the "AI" version.

I agree with the old "if it ain't broke" saying, but I'm the test dummy here...heh...and this upgrade fixed what was "broke". With the old flash I wasn't satisfied with how my transmission shifted and the inferior response. Now, the new "AI" flash is a subtle improvement and I can't state I noticed any major improvements. However, there are minor and noticeable changes to how the vehicle performed.

For example, with the old flash when I drove at 70 MPH at 2500 RPM and needed to pass, I would hit the throttle to WOT or manually downshift. Now with this flash, I hit the throttle to half and the vehicle accelerates nicely at a steady and strong pace. Whereas with the old flash when it accelerated the transmission often felt like it was slipping or being held back.

All gears produce a stronger pull at acceleration. Not like there is more power, but a feeling that the gears are tighter and more responsive to the throttle. When the SXT hits the RPM range of 3000 and higher, there is a slightly greater surge in acceleration. Now this might be nothing new for those who had the "AI" version already, but the slight improvements are a welcomed upgrade from the stock "AB" program.

Again, this flash isn't the SRT fix and problems associated with the "AX" flash hasn't manifested itself with the "AI" upgrade. I would recommend everyone get this flash done. But do not expect major performance gains. If you want the extra performance gains, then get the B&G PCM/TCMs...a bit costly...but probably worth it.

[Jaak]

I'm not one of them, I love the new flash, compared to my old one, but to each his own!

[ChargLex]

Whoa I thought I had this all figured out... I was planning to go to the dealer and ask for the TCM Adaptation SRT TSB... thought that even if they didn't show it available on the 3.5 that the Starscan "should let 'em see it"...

I was expecting to have a faster 1st to 2nd shift....

and be able to hold a gear (without the annoying downshift just 'cuz my foot is 1 mm too far down on the pedal).

So do we now have a 3.5-specific TSB to reference ? If so, do these changes include the faster 1-2 shift and the ability to hold a gear without automatic downshifting ?

[lafrad]

Go to the dealer and ask them to "Flash update the TCM using the Starscan, and make sure you have the starscan check the internet for updates.

THis will get you the latest software, and it is the best of all BY FAR. Going the TSB Route just seems to be running around to do this exact thing.

[spoonerock]

OK I have to ask.........

The thread title suggests that PCM as well as the TCM was flashed by dealer service. What was the PCM flash all about?

[Fiveoh]

They did reprogram my PCM...but they didn't write down or tell me the new number (thought they were supposed to do that). What did it do? Not sure...how it affected the performance. Possibly it changed the throttle response...since my vehicle doesn't hesitate after pushing the pedal. All I know is that both the throttle and gears respond better (not awesome...but better). Anyway, to answer ChargLex's question.

When the engine revs up past the 6200 RPM line, it does automatically shift up. As for the auto downshifting...it does it when I come to a stop...but I haven't paid enough attention to it during speeds lower than 30 MPH. I do know if I select a certain gear above 1st, drive between 1800 and 6200 RPM, and in speeds greater than 30 MPH...the selected gear will hold. In fact, I've driven in slow and go traffic in third gear without it auto downshifting...with the exception of going WOT...then it temporarily downshifts. I'll update you in the morning after I drive to work and let you know if it auto downshifts at speeds lower than 30 MPH. Regarding the faster 1-2 shifting...meh...it is slightly more responsive, but it isn't instantaneous.

Pertaining to the TSB. Well, the service rep stated those TSBs listed above does authorize both PCM and TCM updates. They were willing to update it without the TSB, but then I would have paid for the maintenance (they said $69 not including tax and diagnostic). So, with the TSBs I didn't have to pay.

[Fiveoh]

BTW, if you read FNKCHKN's Flash thread you'll find more information. One good info in that thread is that for 2005 LX vehicles, the latest TCM flash suffix ends in "AI". 2006 LXs will end in "AK". Why? More than likely due to the different TCM parts installed at the factory. One thing I gathered from reading through those posts is that if your TCM ends in a "90A*" then the latest update will be "90AI". If your TCM ends in "92A*" and "95A*" then the latest is "AK".

Also in that thread FNKYCHKN mentions that both the "AI" and "AK" versions were release at the same time last December. Whew...DCX sure does make things confusing.

[Fiveoh]

OK, here is my experience with the auto downshifting:

This morning I drove about 30 miles to work and during that time I put the vehicle in manual shift mode under various speeds and traffic conditions. It seems that whenever the RPMs hit below 1000 to 900, it will downshift. But that isn't really bad because in any gear, hitting below 1000 RPM can be quite sluggish.

So if you choose any gear in manual mode and it stays between 1000 to 6200 RPM, then that gear will hold. EXCEPTION: Depending on the MPH, going WOT usually creates a temporary downshift

[Fred]

is this a true downshift or just unlocking the tq converter?

[thelastgoodbrother]

what is the TSB covering for the 2.7? Should I take off the Jetchip before I go in?

[Fiveoh]

thelastgoodbrother,

21-012-06 rev. B can be found at www.300Cforums.com in their TSB section. It states as follows:

Subject:
Flash: 1-2 Upshift shudder or Rough shift

NOTE: Bulletin applies to all 2005 models with a 2.7L or 3.5L engine and 42RLE transmission (Sales Code EER or EGG with DG6) and 2006 LX models equipped with a 2.7L engine and 42RLE transmission (Sales Code EER and DG6) built prior to April 4 2006 (MDH0404XX) or 2006 LE models equipped with a 2.7L engine and 42RLE transmission (Sales Code EER and DG6) built prior to April 5, 2006 (MDH0405XX) ** ande all 2006 models equipped with a 3.5L engine and 42RLE transmission.

Symptom/Condition:
The customer may experience rought 1-2 upshifts or vehicle shudder.

Oddly enough my transmission is a NAG1 (5 speed), but they still updated my TCM using this TSB. And yes...you should take off the Jet Chip.

Fred,

I'm not sure what you are asking about true downshift or release of tq converter.

[ChargLex]

Thanks Fiveoh. It's the WOT downshift that I'm trying to avoid, seems I'm still seeking the workaround to get the SRT8 and/or "Adaptive" setting configured to get this accomplished. Apparently this will also tighten-up the 1-2 shift (but will make it happen too soon for our HO's lol).

Went to a dealership this week to get this done... they refused to do anything to the trans "no fault found" sigh. As a computer nerd I simply expect to get the latest software when it's available but service guys seem to think it's not worth doing if they can't see a problem.