Spoke w/ 5-Star Diesel Tech on WIF, Perf Mods & FASS

[Wiredawg]

All,

Thur I took my 4500 in for ECM flashes; it had AD and AH is current release. I had check engine light that self cleared a few weeks ago.

This is a great tech. I asked him if he had seen the heavy duty filtration TSB and he had, but had not researched it. I asked what the labor would be and they are calculating. Bet the labor will be most of a day.

Anyway, we discussed perf programs and he showed me a counter on the 5-Star programmer that counts each time the ecm is modified...should equal the qty of Dodge flashes updated. He said every major warranty claim is reviewed by the regional warranty rep, and they have a very detailed checklist that covers typical upgrade signs. the tech said someone pays on invalid warranty claims...the customer, the dealer (the mechanic) and he said he's not paying. He's a good guy and thaqe fact is Chrysler can no longer swallow perf upgrade related problems. No perf upgrades for me until out of warranty, if then.

I asked about WIF problems and cited the Wygate's problem posted on the TDR. He said three trucks had less extreme problems, but he is concerned ther is more to it than just the water. He showed me two fuel filter canisters that had some guck in the bottom...never seen it in any of mine. He said he wished Chrysler had a lab to analyze this as it could also be contributing to the problem.

Finally, I asked him if thought the stock in-tank pump could push through another add-on filteri, and although he said he was not sure, he doubted it seeing the Chrylser was upgrading it w/ the Chrysler extreme duty systesm. I asked about installing a FASS iin front of the stock filter to accomplish the extreme duty filtering and he said he would not interpret it as a perf upgrade, but as one that accomplishes documented need to perform extreme filtation. to me this is not a guarantee, but rather an honest conversation and that my truck won't automatically be denied warranty claim for trying in good faith to resolve a fuel filtration problem.

I decided I'm going to install a FASS (or Air Dog since they are on sale) to ease my mind. Much cheaper than $750 + labor for the Chrysler setup.

I can see there is room for interpretation on Chrysler warranty work from place to place, but it is clear the dealer has less influence on it and with Chrysler financial problems, warranty reps are being more strict on claims.

All said, I'm still ver satisfied w/ Chrysler as I have been a lifetime customer. I belive Dodge/Cummins is still the winning combination that can't be beat.

Wiredawg