$80 to reprogram the transmission - Worth it?

[Captain Mal]

Read "Heavy Duty Neil's" post on the TCM calibration with the TIS 2000 version 3.5 to reduce the shifting "business" (http://service.gm.com/techlink/html_en/c200207.html).

Checked with Cochran GMC near Pittsburgh and they want about $80 to do it.

Has anyone had it done? Is it worth the money? What do other dealers charge?

I had my truck "upgraded" with a reflash last year that did help with use of the cruise control. I assume this new change is different, but is it effective?

Thanks for any ideas.

'01 GMC 2500 D/A 4x4 sb approaching 80,000 miles

[GMC-2002-Dmax]

I HAD MY TRANNY UPDATED FOR FREE BY MY DEALER.

I TOLD THEM THAT IT WAS SHIFTING ALOT AND THEY SAID THERE WAS AN UPDATE FOR IT AND IT WOULD BE NO CHARGE.

FIXED IT AND I'M HAPPY.

I WOULD ASK THEM IF THE TRUCK YOU HAVE IS SHIFTING ALOT AND THE NEW ONES THEY ARE BUILDING NOW DON'T THAT MEANS THAT GM SCREWED UP AND SHOULD FIX IT FOR FREE!!!!

JMHO

GOOD LUCK

GMC :D

[SoCalDMAX]

Captain Mal,

I'd go with what GMC-2002-Dmax said. If you go in and complain, they have to flash if for free under warranty, they're fixing a vslid customer compliant. If this dealer insists on $80, I'd find a better dealer.

Regards, Steve

[Captain Mal]

SOCALDMAX

Steve,

I'm out of warranty. Talked to the dealer and they charge to do computer upgrades when the vehicle is out of warranty. This truck has 78,000 miles on it. The only warranty issue left is what might still be on the engine.

Sure would like to hear from someone who had it done and learn to what degree it was effective.

Thanks for the help,

Larry

'01 GMC 2500 D/A 4x4 ext sb

[Kennedy]

At that rate, it is $160/hr as it can be done in less than 1/2 hr...

[mdadgar]

I thought the drivetrain warranty on the Duramaxes was 5yr/100K mile? This is a drivetrain issue.

- Mark

[mackin]

StrangeEngine,

Only the MAX is....... Allison is 36 or 3 years.......SUC*$ ,well you get the PICTURE........

MAC

[Joe.G]

I had mine updated to the latest and greatest, it cost $25 and took 15 minutes. My truck was way out of warranty, what's the difference between where you are and Texas, I don't know! My dealer takes care of me, if he didn't he would lose a customer, enough said!

2001HD Dmax/All 58000 miles and still cookin!

[SoCalDMAX]

I know this isn't totally on the up-and-up, but it was advice given to me by one of our more benevolent members. He said to make friends with the dealership employees, parts people, technicians.

I've had some great work done at a tire store for the price of a 12 pack of beer. Perhaps if you sauntered back to the work area and talked to one of the techs, maybe offered him $20 or a 12 pack to do it for you at the end of the day...

It doesn't cost him anything, no parts involved.

Otherwise, there has to be a local dealer willing to do it for $20-$25.

Regards, Steve

[Tommy turbo]

I would ask them how much their hourly rate is, becouse all of the reflases only allow them to charge 1/2 hour.

[TopBanana 2500]

Can one of you guy's that had it done please tell Capt. Mel if it was worth your while or not? If you had to pay $80 to get it done, would you do it?
I haven't had it done, but would concider it too. :rolleyes: :confused:

[Captain Mal]

Thanks 'bananna,

I still didn't find out if the new reflash is worth it. It may be that those that did get the flash have not had much experience with towing and shifting problems. Many others have added the 'Juice and I think that changes the whole transmission shifting parameters.

I would buy the 'Juice except I'm flat out afraid of damaging something real $$$$ because of the exhaust gas temp. increases and boost. Many people use the truck for play. I use motorcycles and boats for that ...the truck is for pay. I want it to last a quarter million miles over the next couple of years.

Anybody have feedback on the new flash?

'01 GMC 2500 ext sb D/A 4x4

[LarryM]

Captain Mal:

Just got back from the second 3k mile towing run since I had the reflash. I run about 16,000 GCW loaded, 9500 dead heading home. Like you, for me this truck is not a toy, it's just a tool.

After 6k miles I can say that I would not pay 80 bux for the reflash if shift business is the criteria. From what I can tell, the downshift points are still the same. It seems to me all they did was make it stay in 4 longer after a downshift. It takes a really long time for the thing to upshift again after running in 4 for a while.

If you want the OD lockout feature, then by all means get it done. The OD lockout is useful but not as much as I'd like. It helps mostly when you are forced to run between 50 and 55 with a load. Under dynamic road conditions, at that speed, the tranny can't seem to make up it's mind to sh!t or go blind. Locking it in 4th makes life a lot easier under those conditions. Tow/haul mode helped some, but the lockout is a sure thing.

Good luck.

[Captain Mal]

LarryM,

Thanks! I will not get the flash done. Biggest towing problem I have is trying to get the transmission back into 5th after it downshifted. I often resort to moving the selecter to neutral and then back into gear. That always puts it into 5th .... but will it stay there?

Sure a shame that the engine has all that power but the transmission quickly downshifts, puts the motor around 2,800 rpm and causes me to slow down on every little dinky grade or mild headwind.

You had me stop and look twice at the name on your post. My name is Larry M (Malinoski).

Gone for a couple of days. I'm also a charter captain and am booked for fishing the next couple of days. The Duramax tows my 25ft. daul-engined boat without downshifting even on steep hills. 7,000 lbs. is nothing to it if the tow has good aerodynamics. The trailers I tow are 12'4" high boxes related to parachutes. That's what gives the transmission the fits.

'01 GMC 2500 EXT.sb,D/A 4x4

[HD Hauling]

The only reason that this truck is shifting because GM has a Lot of "Want-to-Be Diesel Engine Specialist".
They still think they got the first diesel made from a 350 block so they want to rev the P*** out of it and shorten the life of the engine! :mad:

[MNBowTie]

Captain Mal,

I have an 02,DA,cc,sb,4x4. My combined GCVW is 17+ towing a 5th wheel. I just returned from the Canadian Rockies over 4 thousand Miles. From what I have read about the 01's and the shifty business, I would highly recommend the update.