Cat ECU flash/add "Latch Mode"

[stuplich]

I have done much research and am convinced that adding "Latch Mode" into my ECU would be an excellent choice.

I am having a problem finding a Cat dealer that seems familiar with ECU flashing or programming, most seem disinterested, at best.

Some get that "deer in the headlights" " look when asked about re-programing the ECU. (Not a great confidence builder)!

All to often I find that I have payed $100.00 (or more) an hour for tech service which, IMO, includes paying them to LEARN HOW to diagnose and perform a necessary service to repair a malfunction. (especially when I had to be towed to, or I limped to, them because of an on the road emergency).

Since this is "elective surgery", I have time to choose a competent service provider, if I can find one.

Location is not too important because we can, and do, travel in the WARM, coast to coast, for 4 mo each year. (summer in WI, MN & MI)

I may be asking too much, but I would like to find a shop that I can get a "warm and fuzzy" feeling for!

My coach is a early '96 Sahara (Jan 16), with the 250hp, 3126 engine, Allison 6 speed, and a PacBrake.

1.) Does anyone know of a dealer that they could suggest or recommend for such work?
2.) Has anyone had their ECU "flashed"?
3.) Do you know what updates are available?
4.) Do you have any suggestions related to re-flashing the ECU?

Thanks
Mel

[mel stuplich]

ALL references in my previous post should be to the ECM (not ECU)
I can't seem to find "EDIT", so I will make the correction this way
Sorry
Mel

[bdpreece]

You said location is not too important. Call Mike or Jon at Brazel's RV 1-877-786-1576. If they can't help you they will tell you who can. Brazel's is an IRV2 sponser. Great shop, great people. Ya gotta come to the West coast though.

[HarleyWJones]

The following is from a post I made once before. This may be an alternate way of achieving the same goal. The last time I priced a re-flash of the ECM it was about $225.00.



I use a device called the "Brake Switch". My exhaust brake used to come on when braking and while coasting. (as long as the dash switch is on). The "Brake Switch changed that to a much more pleasurable experience.

Now with the switch on, the exhaust brake doesn't apply until the brake pedal is tapped or depressed, and stays on until my speed drops below 15 mph or the throttle is tapped or depressed. Depressing the throttle and then releasing it allows me to coast. This is pretty much the "Latch" mode that Cat can flash. I compared the expense of having the ECM flashed vs the "Brake Switch" and the add-on was the clear winner. Now I can leave the exhaust brake on in town and the constant jerking is gone. It coasts when it should. Just tapping the brake pedal at the top of a hill applies the exhaust brake and it stays on unless you tap the throttle.

Basically you have to supply the control box with the brake light power and a ground. All the wires I needed were right under the dash. There are two pairs of wires that you use to interrupt the line to the dash switch. Some installations require both pair, but mine used only one. Of course the device only works with the dash switch on.

I installed it myself in about 30 minutes. The control box is about 2 by 3 inches. (Picture below) Also if you don't like the way it operates, all you have to do is remove it and you're back to the old system. No need to pay Cat again for a re-flash, and only the purchase price is wasted. I can't imagine wanting to go back to the old way.

Seems like it was about $80 and $5 shipping. It was a good investment for me. I have no affiliation with the product, just a happy user.