2013 Laramie 4x4 Hemi question

[hanadarko]

I now have 4000 miles on the 2013 and so far overall, things are good.

I have 2 questions:

1. How does one know if there are any software/ecm/etc updates for the vehicle w/o stopping at the dealer? - I took it in for a radio flash and they told me they also flashed the PCM while it was in there as it needed it.
I know they won't call/email for trivial things, but it got me to wonder how one might know?

2. My idle is a bit loopy as she is warming up. From start (55f outside or so) until the temp gauge sees about 3/4 normal temp, the idle is rough, almost a miss. Its not something that everyone might feel or pickup, but being a Ford mechanic for years, Its like its misfiring or missing 1-2 cylinders at times until she's warm. Once warm it idles fine.

That would possibly suspect me to believe another ECM update could be out there. The idle itself isnt worth the wasted time sitting at the dam dealer but if I knew there was a fix for it, then by all means.

Thoughts on these guys?



-HANADARKO

 

[Airborne63]

Here is a site with a recall search.

https://www.moparownerconnect.com/oc/US/en-us/sub/Pages/OwnersLogin.aspx

 

[mtofell]

https://rsur.extra.chrysler.com/rsur/Uconnect.do

Here's the link to check about updates. They seem to come out pretty frequently. I've had my truck for about 6 weeks and did one already and just checked and there is another to download.

There are some threads around of people really struggling with downloading and getting them onto the truck. Mine was easy and went off without a hitch. I just used a thumb drive and formatted it before I started. The process is a bit cumbersome but follow the directions and you should be fine.

 

[hanadarko]

Thanks guys but this doesnt cover PCM updates and stuff.
I have updated the Uconnect system 3x since I owned the RAM and it does fix/change some items but it doesnt do any updates to the BCM or the PCM (Engine) for example.

So I was wondering short of stopping at the dealer every few months...it would be nice to know what I have NOW and what MIGHT be available.

There are many ECM devices in these RAMs and the Uconnect update doesnt cover all of them.....sadly.

 

[mtofell]

I didn't even realize there were ongoing engine updates..... I'd think you just have to go by the dealer. I can't imagine Dodge/Ram would just give us mere peasant owners access to such goods

 

[Badunit]

The only place I have found so far that lists any TSBs is
2013 Dodge Ram 1500 TSB - Technical Service Bulletins for 2013 Dodge | AutoMD

But I don't know if it is up to date and complete. For the Diesel trucks, the TDR magazine stayed up to date on recalls and TSBs. Some apply to non-diesels but only if they apply to the diesel, too (for instance, a TSB related to a 9-1/4 differential would not be listed because the diesel trucks don't have that).

 

[UneasyJmitchell]

Maybe just phone the dealer?

 

[BossHogg]

How does one know if there are any software/ecm/etc updates for the vehicle w/o stopping at the dealer?

You need to swing by the dealer, have them hook into your OBD-II port and scan the modules for their software part numbers. Their scan tool links to the Chrysler database and if there are updates it will notify.

I just had a new transmission and engine updates flashed that came out a few weeks ago. The notice simply stated "enhanced customer experience" and nothing else. I did note that the shifting of the first two gears has changed but for the better, I don't know. I was happy with the way it was.

 

[mtofell]

I did note that the shifting of the first two gears has changed but for the better, I don't know. I was happy with the way it was.

The only complaint I've had about my truck so far is an extremely harsh 2-1 downshift when engine braking. The dealer told me there may be a software update so this is good news. Mine is so harsh that it will actually cause the tires to chirp and skid for a split second.

And this is when I engage the auto downshift (like on an off-ramp) so it's not something I'm doing. It's the truck's internal "brain". For those of you who didn't read the manual and don't know what I'm talking about - hold the "-" (minus) sign on the shift lever for a couple seconds when getting off the freeway and the tranny selects the best gear to aim for to slow you down. Coming off the freeway it's usually 2. If/when I'm going under 45 or so it aims for 1 and that's when I usually get the harsh tire-chirping kick down.

I'm hoping the update fixes it.