Computer Relearn Procedures Dodge Ram Wagon B2500

INTRODUCTION

Vehicles equipped with engine or transmission computers may require a relearn procedure after the vehicle battery is disconnected. Vehicle computers memorize and store vehicle operation patterns for optimum driveability and performance. When the vehicle battery is disconnected, this memory is lost. Default data is used until new data from each key start is stored. As the computer restores its memory from each new key start, driveability is restored.

Driveability problems may occur during the relearn stage. Depending on the vehicle and how it is equipped, the following driveability problems may exist

1. Rough or unstable idle.
2. Hesitation or stumble.
3. Rich or lean running.
4. Poor fuel mileage.
5. Harsh or poor transmission shift quality.

To accelerate relearn process after battery removal and installation, vehicle should be road tested in the following manner

1. Vehicle at normal operating temperature (cooling fan cycles).
2. Accelerate at normal throttle position (20-50%).
3. Cruise at light to medium throttle.
4. Decelerate to a stop, downshifting and using brakes normally.

Manufacturers identify specific relearn procedures. See RELEARN PROCEDURES. Always complete the procedure before returning the vehicle to the owner.

Note. If repairs other than battery replacement have been made to late model vehicles, always refer to verification tests in the appropriate TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE section.

Theft Alarm Relearn Procedure

1. Theft alarm relearn is necessary whenever battery is disconnected or dead battery is boosted. If battery is connected or boosted without conducting relearn procedure, alarm system will enter power-up mode and vehicle will not start.
2. Before reconnecting battery or connecting booster, insert door key into driver side door lock. Connect battery cable(s) and cycle driver side door lock once. Vehicle may now be started. On some models, horn will sound 3 times to indicate theft system is activated.

Note. If Single Board Engine Controller or Powertrain Control Module (SBEC or PCM) is replaced, theft alarm system will not operate for minimum of 20 engine starts.

Transaxle Shift Quality Quick Learn Procedure

1. Transaxle shift quality quick learn procedure must be performed to provide proper transaxle operation. Transaxle shift quality quick learn procedure must be performed using Chrysler's Diagnostic Readout Box (DRB-III) scan tool.
2. Following conditions must be met when performing transaxle shift quality quick learn procedure: Brakes must be applied. Engine speed must be greater than 500 RPM. Throttle position sensor angle must be less than 3 degrees. Shift lever must remain in designated position until prompted to shift to overdrive. Shift lever must remain in overdrive after the shift to overdrive until scan tool indicates procedure is complete. Calculated oil temperature must be within 60-200°F (16-93°C).
3. Connect scan tool to 16-pin data link connector, located below driver's side of instrument panel. Install cartridge in scan tool.
4. Red and Green lights on scan tool will light up and then begin to flash. Wait until both lights stop flashing. Press No. 4 button (SELECT SYSTEM) on scan tool keypad. Press No. 2 button (TRANSMISSION) on scan tool keypad.
5. Press No. 1 button on scan tool keypad. Wait for scan tool to perform the Bus Test, Initialize Test and Transmission Control Module Part Number Test before continuing.
6. Press No. 5 button (ADJUSTMENTS) on scan tool keypad. Press No. 3 button (QUICK LEARN) on scan tool keypad. Follow instructions displayed on scan tool. When transaxle shift quality quick learn procedure is complete, remove scan tool.

Torque Converter Clutch Break-In Procedure (FWD Van With 4-Speed A/T)

1. Torque converter clutch break-in procedure must be performed whenever NEW torque converter is installed or a different Transmission Control Module (TCM) is installed. If NEW torque converter is installed, procedure must be performed to break-in torque converter clutch to eliminate shudder during partial torque converter clutch application. If different TCM is installed, procedure must be performed to reset break-in procedure to the start of the break-in procedure.
2. Connect scan tool to 16-pin data link connector, located below driver's side of instrument panel. Install cartridge in scan tool.
3. Red and Green lights on scan tool will light up and then begin to flash. Wait until both lights stop flashing. Press No. 4 button (SELECT SYSTEM) on scan tool keypad. Press No. 2 button (TRANSMISSION) on scan tool keypad.
4. Press No. 1 button on scan tool keypad. Wait for scan tool to perform the Bus Test, Initialize Test and Transmission Control Module Part Number Test before continuing.
5. Press No. 5 button (ADJUSTMENTS) on scan tool keypad. Press No. 1 button (RESET LU CLUTCH) on scan tool keypad. Scan tool will display status of the LU clutch break-in procedure. The status will be displayed such as START, IN-PROGRESS or COMPLETE.
6. If scan tool displays LU clutch break-in procedure status as START, no other action is required. Disconnect scan tool from 16-pin data link connector.
7. If scan tool displays LU clutch break-in procedure as IN-PROGRESS or COMPLETE, press ENTER key to reset the break-in process. Scan tool will display RESET LU CLUTCH ARE YOU SURE?. Press ENTER key again to start break-in procedure. Once break-in procedure is completed, scan tool will display LU clutch break-in is reset to START. Disconnect scan tool from 16-pin data link connector.

Pinion Factor Procedure

1. Pinion factor procedure must be performed to provide proper speedometer operation if Transmission Control Module (TCM) is replaced. If pinion factor procedure is not performed, speedometer may not operate. Pinion factor procedure must be performed using Chrysler's Diagnostic Readout Box (DRB-III) scan tool.
2. Connect scan tool to 16-pin data link connector, located below driver's side of instrument panel. Install cartridge in scan tool.
3. Red and Green lights on scan tool will light up and then begin to flash. Wait until both lights stop flashing. Press No. 4 button (SELECT SYSTEM) on scan tool keypad. Press No. 2 button (TRANSMISSION) on scan tool keypad.
4. Press No. 1 button on scan tool keypad. Wait for scan tool to perform the Bus Test, Initialize Test and Transmission Control Module Part Number Test before continuing.
5. Press No. 5 button (ADJUSTMENTS) on scan tool keypad. Press No. 2 button (PINION FACTOR) on scan tool keypad. Follow instructions displayed on scan tool. When pinion factor procedure is complete, remove scan tool.

Torque Converter Clutch Break-In Procedure

1. Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) break-in procedure must be performed if torque converter, or TCM is replaced. Torque converter clutch break-in procedure must be performed using Chrysler's Diagnostic Readout Box (DRB-III) scan tool.
2. Connect scan tool to 16-pin data link connector, located below driver's side of instrument panel. Install cartridge in scan tool. Red and Green lights on scan tool will light up and then begin to flash. Wait until both lights stop flashing. Press No. 4 button (SELECT SYSTEM) on scan tool keypad.
3. Press No. 2 button (TRANSMISSION) on scan tool keypad. Press No. 1 button on scan tool keypad. Wait for scan tool to perform the Bus Test, Initialize Test and Transmission Control Module Part Number Test before continuing.
4. Press No. 5 button (ADJUSTMENTS) on scan tool keypad. Press No. 1 button (RESET LU CLUTCH) on scan tool keypad. Scan tool will display one of the following messages: LU CLUTCH BREAK-IN STATUS: START LU CLUTCH BREAK-IN STATUS: IN-PROGRESS LU CLUTCH BREAK-IN STATUS: COMPLETE
5. If LU CLUTCH BREAK-IN STATUS: START is displayed, TCM is at the start of the break-in procedure. No other changes are required.
6. If LU CLUTCH BREAK-IN STATUS: IN-PROGRESS, or LU CLUTCH BREAK-IN STATUS: COMPLETE is displayed, press ENTER button on scan tool keypad to return to the start of the break-in procedure.
7. Once the scan tool displays LU CLUTCH BREAK-IN STATUS: START, press ENTER button on scan tool keypad. Scan tool will display RESET LU CLUTCH ARE YOU SURE. Press ENTER button on scan tool keypad. Scan tool will now perform the break-in procedure.
8. Once break-in procedure has been completed, scan tool will display a message to state the break-in procedure has been reset and procedure is complete. Remove scan tool.