I have been following a new TSB on the TDR site that claims increased mileage on certain build dated CTD 600's. Finally decided to head to the dealer to get the change done and it appears to be working. My overhead display averages about 15.9-16.1 for my commute down from the mountains and back into the mountains (60 mile round trip, average 70 mph, increase and decrease in elevation about 2200 ft). It usually ran 13.5 or so going uphill which is now about 16.2 going uphill. Downhill it was running 21-22 and now is about 26.5 or so. Just refilled so handcalc values should be coming soon. Anyway if it turns out to be true, i expect my commute mileage to be up around 19 mpg or so. We shall see.

TSB 18-037-04

http://www.klenger.net/dodge/3rd-ge...-037-04_pg1.pdf

I just called my local dealer and told them I had "white smoke" on cold starts and poor mileage and told him about the TSB. He said bring it in, and it was reflashed in about 45 minutes or so. Warranty fix, and they can also enable the high idle feature as well. No hassle, no fuss (Zangara Dodge here in Albuquerque).

For those with an auto, it also seems to improve the shift pattern a bit, and eliminates the sluggish shift into O/D. Also seems to spool the turbo a bit faster from a stop (less need for powerbraking for a quick takeoff). It also got rid of my 1500 rpm valvetrain clatter as well. All in all, I am happy so far.

Billster

Yup,

Mileage is up to about 18.5 on my commute. :D

Billster

ps. I was kinda disappointed when the mileage of this thing started out in the 12-13 range initially. But break in and some heavy towing have steadily increased it to about 16, then the TSB got it up to 18 or so.

tsb? Can you explain this?
I have an 04 600 auto 4 door short bed 3500 SRW and I get around 12 around town and 14 on the highway. 5,700 miles. I towed my landcruiser on my 18 foot tanden skid steer trailer this weekend and @ 65 I average 9.8 mpg.
What was everyones brake-in time, mileage. Diesels 2.30 in colorado and it's draining my wallet.

Peter

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Technical Service Bulletin = TSB

In this case it is a reflash of the CTD's ECU. It changes some of the fueling parameters (and tranny parameters on the autos). It helps with mileage unladen, and with towing mileage.

My truck started out in the 12-13 mpg zone and about 10 mpg towing. Now with 13000 miles on it, mileage has gone up to about 15.5-16 mpg on my commute, and about 12-13 towing an 18foot utility trailer and my BJ-42. This was all pre TSB reflash. Now it is getting about 18-18.5 on my commute. Haven't tried towing yet with the reflash. I really noticed sharp gains in mpg right after heavy/mountainous towing. I am still looking forward to the mileage creeping up as the miles on the truck increases.

The CTD is very sensitive to rpms on the highway (read cruising speed). I get vastly better mileage towing if I keep it under 70 or so (2000 rpm). Between 65-75 mph my mileage drops about 3 mpg towing.

Billster

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Im assuming you have a 4x4 w/ a 6spd?

any idea of what build dates this is for (the link doesnt work for me)

Nope. 3500/4x4/Auto/3.73's

Here is another link:
http://www.klenger.net/dodge/3rd-gen-reference/tsb-18-037-04_pg1.pdf

It has the build dates listed,

Billster

Im assuming you have a 4x4 w/ a 6spd?

any idea of what build dates this is for (the link doesnt work for me)