QuestionI cannot get my 5.9 to stop pinging at acceleration. I ran a can of Seafoam through the brake booster vac hose. I have tried higher octane gas. I cannot get it to stop. If I turn off the overdrive it lessens. The engine only has 67,000 miles. There is absolutely no pining at idle. Do you have any suggestions on how to remedy the situation?
AnswerTHIS BULLETIN SUPERCEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 18-06-00 REV C,
DATED DEC 01, 2000, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES. THIS IS
A COMPLETE REVISION AND NO ASTERISKS HAVE BEEN USED TO HIGHLIGHT
REVISIONS. THE MDS2 MUST BE OPERATING WITH CIS CD2099 OR HIGHER.
SUBJECT:
1999 M.Y. Engine Spark Knock
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) with new software (calibration level 99Cal16B, 99Cal17, and 99Cal17A)
MODELS:
1999 (AB) Ram Van
1999 (AN) Dakota
1999 (BR/BE) Ram Truck
1999 (DN) Durango
NOTE: THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.9L (EHC), 5.2L
(ELF), OR 5.9L LIGHT DUTY (EML) GASOLINE ENGINE. THERE ARE CERTAIN
EXCEPTIONS. SEE THE FOLLOWING TABLE FOR SPECIFIC EXCLUSIONS.
NOTE: THIS BULLETIN DOES NOT APPLY TO THE FOLLOWING SPECIFIC VEHICLES
WHEN EQUIPPED AS LISTED IN THE FOLLOWING TABLE. THE PCM CALIBRATION
SOFTWARE OF ANY EXCLUDED VEHICLE IS NOT TO BE REPROGRAMMED FOR
A SPARK KNOCK COMPLAINT. BEFORE ATTEMPTING A REPROGRAMMING
SESSION, INSPECT THE VEHICLE, TYPE, ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, AND
EMISSIONS CATEGORY FOR POSSIBLE EXCLUSION .
VEHICLE TYPE (Read above NOTE) ENG / TRANS / EMISS
AN ALL 2.5L / M5 / Fed and Calif
AN R/T 5.9L / A4 / Fed and Calif
BR/BE ALL 5.9L Heavy Duty (EMM - Sales Code)
BR/BE ALL 8.0L (EWA - Sales Code)
BR/BE 2500 Cab-Chassis 5.9L Lt Duty / A4 or M5 / Fed
BR/BE 2500 Cab-Chassis 5.9L Lt Duty / A4 / Calif
18-004-02 -2-
BR/BE 3500 5.9L Lt Duty / A4 or M5 / Calif
BR/BE 3500 Cab-Chassis 5.9L Lt Duty / A4 or M5 / Calif
Legend: A3 = 3 speed
automatic trans.
A4 = 4 speed
automatic trans.
M5 = 5 speed
manual trans.
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Some vehicle engines may exhibit a light-to-moderate spark knock condition
during acceleration (under load).
DIAGNOSIS PROCEDURES:
1. Verify that the following NOTE(s) have been reviewed and completed as necessary.
2. Verify that the engine coolant contains a quality antifreeze. The coolant
mixture should consist of 44% to 68% antifreeze.
3. If the only condition seen is the light-to-moderate engine spark knock,
then perform the Repair Procedure.
NOTE: VERIFY THAT TSB 18-48-98, FOR ENGINE IGNITION WIRE
ROUTING, HAS BEEN COMPLETED.
NOTE: THIS REPAIR PROCEDURE WILL NOT COMPENSATE FOR HEAVY
SPARK KNOCK CONDITIONS. IF HEAVY KNOCK IS EXPERIENCED, FURTHER
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING OF THE ENGINE WILL BE REQUIRED. REFER
TO TSB 09-05-00 FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE.
NOTE: WHEN PULLING A HEAVY LOAD OR DRIVING A FULLY LOADED VEHICLE
USE A PREMIUM UNLEADED FUEL TO HELP MINIMIZE SPARK KNOCK.
