Bullydog install tips

[Mopar_Express]

Bullydog install tips and first impressions

I installed my Bullydog on Friday and just figured I would share a couple things I came across during my install which would have made it much simpler had I known them from the get go.

1. I searched and dug it up but I looked through a bunch of threads before I found it, use fuse M33. A lot of other ones I tried that I figured would be key on only fuses were not and I wasted a ton of time just trying different fuses.

2. Someone posted about this before but their solution was that Bullydog sent them the correct update for the tuner. 2012 Ram does not show up on the update agent. I called Bullydog tech support to have them send me the file. As it turns out the correct one is simply the 2011-2013 Chrylser/Dodge 3.5/4.7/5.7 file on the update agent. When you first plug the programmer into the truck it will allow you to choose your year truck and then ram and then 1500 before you start to load the tune. It then proceeds to have you upload the updated file to the truck. So in short you dont need to waste time calling tech support at Bullydog, the file they sent me and said was the correct application for my truck was the one already in the update agent.

After install I noticed a nice improvement in throttle response and seat of the pants acceleration. One of the nicest things about the tuner IMO is the ability to set your WOT shift points for 1-2 and 2-3. Im running the premium tune (93 octane) and you can tell the truck just isnt working nearly as hard to climb hills, accelerate etc. Its a great option for those looking for bang for the buck and dont want to screw around with fully custom tunes.

 

[BAILEY1]

Nice write up, and thanks for sharing. Good job!

 

[Designflaw]

NIce write up - on another forum they are really bashing the BD for the 13 and all of the bugs they are encountering. Guess I'm still going to wait awhile.

 

[daviddup78]

yea < i was going to order one for my 2012 hemi but all i read are bad reviews with the bullydog even if its for a 2013, mine is a 2012 and not to much written up about it, just bad reviews for the 2013 which is making me wonder about a company that has a product out that ISN'T functional at all!!. So i have no clue on what to do, maybe just get the 85mm TB and wait and wait until Bullydog has everything working. Last thing i want to do is mess up my new truck and f**k up my warranty because of a programmer that doesn't work as promised. Mopar_Express if you can pm me and talk to me about installation and settings and your reviews about it on your 2o12, i would really appreciate it, thanks and for the fuse , does it need to have power just with key on with remote start or the ignition key? i have a radio system installed and when i remote start it, the amp doesnt kick on, i have it hooked up to a fuse where even with remote start it doesnt come on UNTIL i turn the key

 

[(S.M.R) 101]

Love my Bully Dog... I have not had a single problem with it since install.

 

[Mopar_Express]

yea < i was going to order one for my 2012 hemi but all i read are bad reviews with the bullydog even if its for a 2013, mine is a 2012 and not to much written up about it, just bad reviews for the 2013 which is making me wonder about a company that has a product out that ISN'T functional at all!!. So i have no clue on what to do, maybe just get the 85mm TB and wait and wait until Bullydog has everything working. Last thing i want to do is mess up my new truck and f**k up my warranty because of a programmer that doesn't work as promised. Mopar_Express if you can pm me and talk to me about installation and settings and your reviews about it on your 2o12, i would really appreciate it, thanks and for the fuse , does it need to have power just with key on with remote start or the ignition key? i have a radio system installed and when i remote start it, the amp doesnt kick on, i have it hooked up to a fuse where even with remote start it doesnt come on UNTIL i turn the key

Bullydog has everything sorted out for the 2012 from what I have read and experienced. Install was trouble free and the premium tune really woke my truck up. Its very user friendly because there isnt much to program or anything technical. You just choose your tune level (stock, regular, or premium) and then set your neutral and in gear rev limiters and top speed governor. You then have to choose your gears and tire size. It walks you through all of this and then has you cycle the key on/off a few times and it reprograms your trucks computer.

As for the remote start the fuse i believe in the instructions is stated as a "key on" fuse which. To be honest I dont have remote start so Im not sure how that would work but I do know that once everything is initially installed the tune essentially reflashes the ECU. Therefore whether or not the tuner comes on with the remote start the truck will function as normal even if the bullydog doesnt come on with the remote start. Fwiw the M33 fuse will only turn the Bullydog on with the key in the run position whether the truck is running or not. It will not work when the key is in the acc position or just in the ignition.

I'll try to shoot you a more detailed pm when I get the chance.

 

[daviddup78]

ok thanks, the truth I have NO clue what gears i have, i know the tires bec i bought the truck new from dodge and they had the rims and tires put on and it came with the hypertech wheel and tire programmer.

 

[daviddup78]

so can you take the bullydog out or do you have to keep it in once you install it

 

[Mopar_Express]

Someone can correct me here if I'm wrong but I dont believe you technically have to keep it in the truck after you download your tune because it basically re-programs certain parameters in your trucks computer. Theres not a good reason to take it out though because it functions as a multi-gauge allowing you to to select 4 read out slots from a list of a couple dozen choices. Its pretty nifty to monitor trans temp and exact coolant temp etc. I do find the fuel mileage readout depressing sometimes though...

 

[Mopar_Express]

Also fwiw I would feel weird not having it in the truck just in case something was to go wrong you'd want it handy to reload your tune or return to stock in a pickle.

 

[Rob P]

Bully Dog for 2013's

I have a 2013 express and I worked with the engineers/programmers for at least a week on getting my bullydog right for the 2013 HEMI's. Problems I had was that the engine lights would come on and throw a fault code saying my ECM was bad when it actually wasn't ofcourse. Worked with them quiet a while and still all functions do not work as they should for instance the "ding" indicator for passenger seatbelt does not work and locks up the bullydog still. Overall as far as the performance goes it's a definate improvement over stock and I picked up almost 1 mpg more. Throttle response is much better than stock.

 

[BlkRamRt]

I have a question. When you update the bully dog can you do it with an apple computer? Or just windows?

 

[Mopar_Express]

I have a question. When you update the bully dog can you do it with an apple computer? Or just windows?

Not sure, I have Windows so it was easy for me just download the updater and go from there. You download it from their website so if you have an Apple I dont see why it wouldnt work. If you cant get the update agent to download you can just call tech support, I waited about 10 mins and they emailed me the exact file to load right onto the micro sd card, no update agent needed that way. As long as you have a usb port on your computer there should be a way to get the files loaded onto the card that goes in the tuner.

 

[BlkRamRt]

not sure, i have windows so it was easy for me just download the updater and go from there. You download it from their website so if you have an apple i dont see why it wouldnt work. If you cant get the update agent to download you can just call tech support, i waited about 10 mins and they emailed me the exact file to load right onto the micro sd card, no update agent needed that way. As long as you have a usb port on your computer there should be a way to get the files loaded onto the card that goes in the tuner.

ok thanks.

 

[Jerseymike]

I installed the Bullydog on my 2013 three weeks ago. It has been great. I did have to call tech support and they emailed me an update. Just had to upload that and it worked fine. I chose the performance tune, 6000 rpm limit, 5800 shift point (1-2 and 2-3), seatbelt chime off, foglights on with high beams, traction control off and top speed set to 160 . My observations so far. Moderate power increase, same gas mileage and much improved shifting, also seems to rev a lot quicker. Still seems to have some limits on the motor from the ESP. I read a few people pulled there esp/abs fuse so I gave it a try and smoked the tire to second gear. Guess lsd will be my next investment. I called Bullydog and requested a fix for esp/tm. The rep said she will pass it on to the engineers and they will email if they have an update. If you try the fuse trick remember the rear brakes tend to lock. I put my fuse back in and will wait for the tuner update. Also, the tech I spoke to said it is ok to run regular gas on the performance tune. No pinging here. Hope this helps. Oh and there are instructions for using an Apple.

 

[Hemi450hp]

I would advise against running regular gas with the performance tune. If the motor detects any knock, then it is going to pull timing which will cause a loss of power. You always want to run at least the recommended octane or higher than what the tune calls for.

You wont hurt your motor by running regular fuel, but you also wont see the full potential of the tuner either. Try a tank of 91 or 93 on your next fill up, and you should feel a nice increase in performance.

 

[Jerseymike]

I did have 91 when I first installed the tuner and burned through it like I lit a match. Didnt seem to lose much power when I dropped back down to 87 and my mileage went back to normal. Also you don't have to leave the tuner connected. I just hooked it up to the obd port and downloaded the tune. Just installed my exhaust yesterday and have my CAI coming in a few days. Also have 180 thermostat and Sonnax line booster. I have learned a lot on here in the last few weeks so just wanted to pass on what I have learned.

 

[Jerseymike]

How do I put my upgrades in the bottom of my profile? Thanks.

 

[that white kid]

How do I put my upgrades in the bottom of my profile? Thanks.

Go to your user settings and go so were it says profile and click on the signature tab and fill it out

 

[Jerseymike]

OK. Thanks.