Saddodgeowner

I own a 96 Intrepid. Recently I took my car for inspection. It passed the safety test but failed the emissions. With the new emissions test in place, they hook up the computer to the inside of your car to your computer under your dash. Well the car was not giving a reading. I found out that the computer of a 96 Intrepid (not all of them) need an update. I took the car to a local Dodge dealer and they said the computer will not accept the reprogramming and now want me to foot the bill at 65 dollars an hour with an expected time of 3 to 5 hours to find the problem. All they said is it could be wiring or could be the computer in the car itself. The car has been running ok for once until I had to get it inspected. Has anyone else had computer problems like this and is it a typical thing with these 96 dodge intrepids? I have had it with this car as I have put so much money into it since 2002. I will never own another dodge! Thanks for your response!

theFREAKnasty82

Do you have a check engine light that comes on? Chances are, you have a communication error, so start first by checking the connections at the PCM, TCM, and all related engine sensors. The only time a module needs programming is when it is replaced and if you haven't replaced your PCM within the last few months, it doesn't need reprogramming. Did the emissions tester(s) tell you what specifically was wrong or could they not communicate with the module all together?

Saddodgeowner

No the check engine light does not come on. The reason that it needs reprogramed is because they updated the emissions test to computer which I am sure you are aware of. The emissions machine won't read the computer. 96 dodge intrepids need an update per chrysler so that the emissions machine (computer) can read the Intrepid's OBD system. When Dodge went to do the update, the car's computer system would not read the update. Evidently, it couldn't. So, the mechanic at the dodge dealership says that there could be a wiring problem or a computer problem within the car and it would be 65 dollars an hour to search for the problem. What is a PCM or TCM? I am a female and need to tell someone who knows something about fixing cars what to check. I really appreciate your help. Thank you so much.

theFREAKnasty82

PCM stands for Powertrain Control Module and TCM stands for Transmission Control Module. I believe I know what the problem is, the Dodge Technician is correct when he said that it's a wiring problem, there's a communication wire that connects the OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics) connector under your dash to the Powertrain Control Module. Chances are, it's an open circuit where the wire could have broken. If you care to venture to them next time, they should know this already, but have them check the OBD II connector for a spread terminal, or a misplaced terminal at the communication wire. If you really want to impress them to sound like you aren't like other, you know a thing or two about cars, have them check your CCD (Chrysler Collison Detection) BUS J1991 circuit; that's the main communication circuit used on all Chrysler cars.

lefnesor

TSB 18-005-01 (check this Technical Service Bulletin)

We own a 1996 Dodge Intrepid 3.3L. It exhibited the same behaviour that was mentioned above. Several years ago, Dodge--who is very well aware of this problem--sent out a Bulletin stating that those who had experienced troubles with getting their vehicle inspected via the OBD-II connector could be reimbursed for the PCM reprogram. It stated that free reprogramming was available for the life of the vehicle. Any service garage that has the "Alldata" CDs, has a copy of this letter. You can also check out http://alldata.com/TSB/16/96162126.html for all TSBs affecting Dodge Intrepids with the 3.3L engine.

Dodge feels that this reprogramming is not required more than once; however, our vehicle has had to be reprogrammed every year to get it through the OBD-II inspection phase. This requires our Intrepid being inspected at the Dodge garage every year.

We found that unless you tell the Dodge service personal that you are aware of this technical service bulletin, they don't volunteer its availability. As for Dodge's inability to reprogram your Intrepid, one recommendation is to go back to the same garage and "calmly" explain that you are aware that there is a TSB from Dodge concerning this matter. Once they are aware that you are informed of this TSB, they will most likely warranty what is required to get your vehicle inspected.

God bless you in your adventures,
Dave

1thunder

Now if the technitian knows anything about your car
or chrysler vehicles in general he would know to test the BUS communication wires is simple with a volt meter BUS+& BUS-fluctuates around 2.5 volts. or when trying to access pcm with drb3 scan tool all he has to do is attemp to communicate through the generic screen on the scanner as this feature
uses serial communication wires at the data link conector instead of the BUS wires. Not very likely all wiring is broken. And also have him try to communicate to trans controller or body controller this would help in the diagnostics greatly if he knows what he is doing GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!