PCM dead in my Dodge Dakota R/T truck

[Larry Callahan]

Just dandy. I tried to smog my 2001 Dodge Dakota 5.9L today and it failed due to an internal computer error and it has to be replaced.

Has anyone ever bought one from a salvage yard and had it flashed by a dealer or????

[MonzaRacer]

Get it diagnosed first, see if they can find WHY before you dump cash in another one. Also do call around as some shops are setting up to do off vehicle reflash.
Ill check my supplier monday

[megaladon6]

who said it has an internal problem?
are they just reading the inspection computer screen? it may just say that there's no communication and they want to sell you a computer.
/\like he said, have it diagnosed first, you could just have a bad wire.

[Larry Callahan]

It's kicking out the code P0601 that says PCM Internal Controller Failure.

The only solution everyone claims is to replace it. I can't pass smog until it does and it's already past due.

[NorwayCharger]

http://www.dodgedakotas.com/boards/gen/11657.html

[megaladon6]

crap. that one's either simple-reflash/new PCM and reflash, or tons of electrical diagnosis. this is probably best done as a "throw money at it" fix. if you know someone, have it reflashed and see if it works. if not, get a OEM pcm and dealer (level) reflash. you probably want it done on the truck itself as opposed to a remote flash.
how long has the CEL been on? did you change the battery or anything like that?

[Larry Callahan]

I haven't done anything. It's bone stock and the battery is 3-4 years old. The light came on a few months ago but it's been running fine and the fuel mileage was the same. I do have some tranny issues and assumed i was that until I went to smog it.

I have ready many message boards including the one listed above and they all basically say it has to be replaced.

[megaladon6]

i just ask about the battery 'cause that can cause this and similar issues.
unfortunately it's not a code that actually affects anything (with the engine performance anyway).
but you're right, 99% of the time it's just a bad PCM.

[MrQuick]

2001? sorry to say but once the vin is programed in it, its no longer swap-able between vehicles. You will set a vin mismatch dtc if you try a used one. You might be able to find a reman that will have to be reflashed and your vin installed.

Check with your dealer for a v-line (reman) PCM. Get an estimate and labor quote the try for a exceeded repair cost limit. Might save you a few hundred bucks.

Also check your power steering pressure switch, they tend to leak and wick through the harness to the pcm causing it to fail.
Vince

[MrQuick]

Larry, not sure if you had got it taken care of but the reman source we use is in your neck of the woods.

AER Tech
18003216970
local 7148716970

vince