Dodge PCM replacement

[smithguy]

I have a 1996 Dodge Dakota (3.9L V6) that I recently brought into a Dodge dealership for repair. The truck was stalling at various time (under power, at stoplights, etc.) and idling a bit roughly. 2 days later (and $700), I was told I need a complete tune up, and throttle body/fuel injection servicing/cleaning. 1/2 the cost was labor. Reluctantly, I had it done, and it just didn't seem to idle as smoothly as the salesman said it would. Well, needless to say, the very next day, guess what? It stalled again.
Brought it back, told them to keep it until the AM, and witness it stalling (generally happened then). Talked to them later that next day, and was told my AIS motor was shot. Due to how much I already spent, they agreed to eat the labor cost, all I needed to do was pony up the $97. They asked if they could keep it until the following AM, to see if the morning stalling would cease. Well, needless to say again, it didn't.
They dug back in and found the car was spitting out a "no crank" code (or something to that affect). They tried replacing the crank sensors, but that didn't help. They seem to have boiled it down to the PCM itself, which they said was going to be $500+.
My questions for anyone out there are:
1. Can a faulty PCM cause the above mentioned symptoms?
2. Found a PCM online for $237, but it's a performance unit (http://www.autoanything.com/performa...et_chips.aspx). OK to replace stock with peformance without any other modifications? Or are mods necessary?
3. Seems like a fairly easy job. Or is it? (looks like 2 plugs and some mounting screws)
4. Oooooor, does this sound like a faulty fuel pump? They (the dealership) swear up and down that they checked the fuel pressure, but from most of every one that I'ved talked to (including diagnostic software programs), I've been lead down the fuel pump path.

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated, kinda tired of shelling out big bucks if this is something I could deal w/ myself.

[master hec0]

ok well before you go shelling out more money at the dealership try going to a mechanic shop the labor will probally be cheaper and it might turnout that the dealer was just tryin to milk you dry

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by smithguy

I have a 1996 Dodge Dakota (3.9L V6) that I recently brought into a Dodge dealership for repair. The truck was stalling at various time (under power, at stoplights, etc.) and idling a bit roughly. 2 days later (and $700), I was told I need a complete tune up, and throttle body/fuel injection servicing/cleaning. 1/2 the cost was labor. Reluctantly, I had it done, and it just didn't seem to idle as smoothly as the salesman said it would. Well, needless to say, the very next day, guess what? It stalled again.
Brought it back, told them to keep it until the AM, and witness it stalling (generally happened then). Talked to them later that next day, and was told my AIS motor was shot. Due to how much I already spent, they agreed to eat the labor cost, all I needed to do was pony up the $97. They asked if they could keep it until the following AM, to see if the morning stalling would cease. Well, needless to say again, it didn't.
They dug back in and found the car was spitting out a "no crank" code (or something to that affect). They tried replacing the crank sensors, but that didn't help. They seem to have boiled it down to the PCM itself, which they said was going to be $500+.
My questions for anyone out there are:
1. Can a faulty PCM cause the above mentioned symptoms?
2. Found a PCM online for $237, but it's a performance unit (http://www.autoanything.com/performa...et_chips.aspx). OK to replace stock with peformance without any other modifications? Or are mods necessary?
3. Seems like a fairly easy job. Or is it? (looks like 2 plugs and some mounting screws)
4. Oooooor, does this sound like a faulty fuel pump? They (the dealership) swear up and down that they checked the fuel pressure, but from most of every one that I'ved talked to (including diagnostic software programs), I've been lead down the fuel pump path.

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated, kinda tired of shelling out big bucks if this is something I could deal w/ myself.

Yes a pcm can cause many problems and including that one.
But it sounds like they took you to the cleaners.
If it was me I would go back and raise hell about it and tell them to fix it right on there dime or see you them in small claims court.
And also call the 1 800 servce no in your owners manual and file a complaint with cry.

And be looking around for a good repair shop.
Tip on going to the dealer
Ask that only a factory certified gasoline engine performance specialist work on your car.
Not all dealerships are concerned with how repairs are dispatched, and not all dealership techs bother to take advantage of the training offered by factory (the vast majority of which is paid training). If the dealer is uncooperative, ask for your money back and call around for a dealer that will accommodate you.

Tips on finding a good repair shop.
Check around Ask around
Word of mouth.
Family friends coworkers neighbors business people and delivery people.
Mailmen and parcel delivery people get around and notice a lot of stuff.
Even a good parts house knows what shops are good and not good.
Chamber of commerce and better business bureau and city hall.
If you find a good referral to a repair shop go look them over and talk to them.
Look for a clean looking busy place with nice people running it.
Ask a few questions and ask about their qualifications and training.
Not all places have trained tech/mechanics.
If they do not find a place that does.
Even all dealers do not have all trained techs/mechanics.

[smithguy]

will do, thanks for the advice! silly me, I figured a Dodge dealership would know Dodges!
I'll start looking around, or just jump on the repairs myself.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by smithguy

will do, thanks for the advice! silly me, I figured a Dodge dealership would know Dodges!
I'll start looking around, or just jump on the repairs myself.

It is sad to say some do not and not on;ly dodge dealers but all dealers.
On cry/dodge delaers alway look for the 5 Srar dealer. They tend to be a lot better and if the mess you around you can always take a star away.
Good luck
MT

[smithguy]

thanks for the reply! I'll keep an eye out for the "star"!

[smithguy]

UPDATE: Yep, turns out it was the PCM. Went to http://www.ecudirect.com/index.asp, and had it refurbed. HUGE PROPS to the guys at ECU Direct, they had SUPER FAST service!!! Truck seems to be running great now, and I spent less than 1/2 of what the dealership wanted!

[jathlon77]

I had the same issue with my 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0L. I called this company All Computer Resources http://www.allcomputerresources.com. that specialize in reman Dodge JEEP and Chrysler PCM's at a fraction of dealer price. They sent me one that was programmed already to my VIN and all i had to do is plug it in and drive. The guys were very helpful and knowledgeable and fast shipping. Car is running like the day i took it off the showroom floor! They rocked! Hope this helps...

[ddurango51]

I know this is an old post but the information is still relevant. I had recent PCM failure. I used an online car computer exchange company and had a very bad experience. You must research the company before you buy. You might get a good one or you might not. If you do not, the question is how good is the warranty. Look on BBB for the applicable area before you buy. A BBB "D" rating means something. I can vouch for that.

Here is my Review of the company:

http://ddurango12.blogspot.com/