NUMBER:
GROUP:
DATE:

18-088-22
18 - Vehicle Performance
April 28, 2022

This bulletin is supplied as technical information only and is not an authorization for repair. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without written permission of FCA US LLC.

This bulletin supersedes Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 18-078-21, date of issue September
30, 2021, which should be removed from your files. All revisions are highlighted with
**asterisks** and include additional regions, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC), symptoms/
conditions and LOP.
This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) has also been released as a Rapid Service Update
(RSU) 21-140, date of issue September 30, 2021. All applicable Sold and Un-Sold RSU VINs
have been loaded. To verify this RSU service action is applicable to the vehicle, use VIP
or perform a VIN search in DealerCONNECT/Service Library. All repairs are reimbursable
within the provisions of warranty. This RSU will expire 18 months after the date of issue.
SUBJECT:
Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves reprogramming the PCM with the latest available software.
MODELS:
2020

(DP)

RAM 4500/5500 Cab Chassis

2020

(DD)

RAM 3500 Cab Chassis

NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles within the following markets/countries: North
America and **EMEA**.
NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles equipped with a 6.4L V8 Heavy Duty Hemi MDS
Engine (Sales Code ESB) and 6 speed Automatic Aisin AS66RC HD Transmission
(Sales Code DF3) or 8-SPD Auto 8HP75-LCV Transmission (Sales Code DFX) .
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
The customer may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further
investigation the technician may find one or more of the following DTCs have been set:
• **P1404 - EGR Position Sensor Rationality Closed.**
• P2457 - Exhaust Gas Recirculation Cooling System Performance.
NOTE: P1404 - EGR Position Sensor Rationality Closed DTC can be erroneously set when
P2457 - Exhaust Gas Recirculation Cooling System Performance DTC is set.
In addition, customers may experience one or more of the following concerns:
• **In Power Take-Off (PTO) mode, transmission gear engagement is abrupt and idle speed is
high when transitioning From Park To Drive/Reverse Gear.**

18-088-22

-2-

DIAGNOSIS:
Using a Scan Tool (wiTECH) with the appropriate Diagnostic Procedures available in
DealerCONNECT/Service Library, verify all related systems are functioning as designed. If DTCs or
symptom conditions, other than the ones listed are present, record the issues on the repair order
and repair as necessary before proceeding further with this bulletin.
If a customer’s VIN is listed in VIP or your RSU VIN list, perform the repair. If any vehicle not on the
VIN list exhibits the symptom/condition or DTC, perform the repair.
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
NOTE: Install a battery charger to ensure battery voltage does not drop below 13.2 volts. Do
not allow the charging voltage to climb above 13.5 volts during the flash process.
NOTE: If this flash process is interrupted/aborted, the flash should be restarted.
1. Is the vehicle on the RSU VIN list?
• YES>>> Proceed to Step 2.
• NO>>> Proceed to Step 3.
2. Does the PCM have the latest software already installed?
• YES>>> This bulletin has been completed, use inspect LOP (18-19-06-FL) to close the
active RSU.
• NO>>> Proceed to Step 3.
3. Reprogram the PCM with the latest available software. Detailed instructions for flashing control
modules using the wiTECH Diagnostic Application are available by selecting the application’s
“HELP” tab.
4. Clear any DTCs that may have been set in any modules due to reprogramming. The wiTECH
application will automatically present all DTCs after the flash and allow them to be cleared.
POLICY:
Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
TIME ALLOWANCE:
Labor Operation
No:
18-19-06-FL

**18-19-06-EV

Description

Skill Category

Amount

Module, Powertrain Control (PCM)
- Inspect
(0 - Introduction)

1 - Engine Repair
and Performance

0.2 Hrs.

Module, Powertrain Control (PCM)
- Inspect and Reprogram
(0 - Introduction)

1 - Engine Repair
and Performance

0.2 Hrs.**

NOTE: The expected completion time for the flash download portion of this procedure is
approximately 9 minutes. Actual flash download times may be affected by vehicle
connection and network capabilities.

-3-

18-088-22

FAILURE CODE:
The dealer must choose which failure code to use depending on if this is a Rapid Service
Update (RSU) or Technical Service Bulletin.
• The “RF” failure code is required for essential module flash/reprogramming and can only be
used after confirmation that the VIN is included on the RSU.
• The failure code “RF” (Required Flash) can no longer be used on Technical Service Bulletin
flashes. The “RF” failure code must be used on an RSU.
• If the customer’s concern matches the SYMPTOM/CONDITION identified in the Technical
Service Bulletin, failure code CC is to be used. When utilizing this failure code, the 3C’s must
be supplied.
RF

Required Flash - RSU

CC

Customer Concern