How to Determine if a Code Was Suppressed

[Longfisher]

In a previous thread I voiced some concern that a problematic, difficult to diagnose (by the dealer) and regularly reappearing code in my Son's new 2014 Ram 1500 might become such a frustration to the dealership that they somehow modify either the sensor or the computer to disregard the code. Although, I always do what I can to keep these sorts of things from becoming personal, in this case, I can't say the same for the dealership.

At least one respondent to my previous e-mail said unequivocally that such a code could be suppressed. If that's so, may I please ask of anyone who might know how such suppression or modification might be detected by an independent mechanic?

If in light of the dealership's obvious frustration this problem is suddenly resolved and if we don't see the code for a month or more yet still experience symptoms (the truck seems to falter in 1st gear) I'll want to take the vehicle to another mechanic to ensure we weren't just fooled by tricky mechanicing.

Thanks to anyone who might have input on this.

The code is P0731.

David

 

[JasonK94Z]

Your tin foil is on too tight!

Why would a dealer suppress a code? If they really could? What's there to gain?
If they can find the problem, they will fix it. No skin off their backs, Chrysler will pay the dealer for the repair.

Take it to another dealer. Do some research and find a good one.

 

[JasonK94Z]

By the way, the sensor common to this code is the transmission output speed sensor. This code comes up when the input speed doesn't match the output speed in 1st. This usually puts the transmission in limp home mode.
Other issue could be mechanical, the underdrive clutch. If this was the case, the issue would be continuous instead of random, and the dealer would have had no issue repeating the problem.

Hope the issue was resolved with your last visit and rounds of parts being replaced.

It is true, Chrysler has procedural steps to diagnosing problems. It prevents dealerships from wasting money and using common sense when diagnosing and repairing problems. Other manufacturers are starting to do the same thing. It's the only way to stop the constant bleeding that dealers cause.