96 grand caravan 3.3L

will a used computer work on this or would it have to be programmed?

I'm assuming you mean the PCM. You can't use a used computer. Once it has been programmed to the vehicle it cant be programmed to another vehicle. U have to program the VIN number in these and once that is done u cant do it again. You haven't been able to switch PCM from vehicle to vehicle since like 1994 and earlier. I don't recommend it. I know it's way more expensive but i don't recommend using a used controller even if you was able to find a computer from a van that has every option u have. I have seen used ones cause more troubles with other modules on the vehicle than what it is worth.

I'm assuming you mean the PCM. You can't use a used computer. Once it has been programmed to the vehicle it cant be programmed to another vehicle. U have to program the VIN number in these and once that is done u cant do it again. You haven't been able to switch PCM from vehicle to vehicle since like 1994 and earlier. I don't recommend it. I know it's way more expensive but i don't recommend using a used controller even if you was able to find a computer from a van that has every option u have. I have seen used ones cause more troubles with other modules on the vehicle than what it is worth.

Scotty. You've got me scratchin my head. First you say "You can't use a used computer...". Then you say, " I don't recommend using a used controller...". Which is it? Can you use them or not in your opinion?

In any case, used/refurbished and preprogrammed PCMs have been readily available from internet distributors for years for just about any model year Chrysler Corp vehicle. Even Autozone sells them. You just have to provide your van's VIN# so they can program it. Some even pull them from junkyard wrecks without programing and don't have a problem, though some eventually get them programed.

schwanracing - The PCM is one computer. The BCM is another. Both are available.

There is a different between used and refurbished. And yes Autozone does sell them but aren't used computers. They are probably refurbished or new. Refurbished is like rebuilt and has no VIN programed into it. As far as i know there is a way to be able to reprogram them after they have been programed once but you have to erase the old VIN in the computer. I was told that certain company's have the ability to erase the VIN like the ones that rebuild them. The programed VIN in the computer tells it what the vehicle has as far as options. If you put a computer from a van that does have EGR for example and urs doesn't it may not run right because the computer is trying to control the EGR valve when it isnt there.

Of course you can reflash a used computer to work in a different vehicle. You need a dealer level scan tool which is not cheap or common, but it can be done time and time again with the right tool.

thanks alot for the replys. i keep getting 2 codes one is random misfire and the other is pcm to bcm failure to communicate. it started as an intremittent problem but now its all the time. during acceleration the engine misses really bad and gets worse the harder you try to accelerate. the other thing that happens but only once in a while is that the dash will completly quit workin but one or two good bangs on dash board usually solves this problem. i have replaced plugs wires coil pack checked for vacuum leaks done a compression check on all cyl except # 5 hard to get to all around 150 and fuel pressure is 60psi . not sure where to go next.

Banging the dash to bring your cluster back to life is a sure indication of the all too common "cracked solder joints on the instrument cluster circuit board" syndrome. Specifically, it's the solder joints that secure the connector to the circuit board. Easy fix. Retouch the solder joints with a soldering iron. I can link you to a slideshow that shows you how to remove the cluster and make the repair if you want to give it a go. Other that that, change the cluster. Good chance it will fix your BCM/PCM communications code too. Has all to do with the sensative CCD data bus.

Bit more P0300 random misfire info: http://www.obd-codes.com/p0300

There is a different between used and refurbished. And yes Autozone does sell them but aren't used computers. They are probably refurbished or new. Refurbished is like rebuilt and has no VIN programed into it. As far as i know there is a way to be able to reprogram them after they have been programed once but you have to erase the old VIN in the computer. I was told that certain company's have the ability to erase the VIN like the ones that rebuild them. The programed VIN in the computer tells it what the vehicle has as far as options. If you put a computer from a van that does have EGR for example and urs doesn't it may not run right because the computer is trying to control the EGR valve when it isnt there.

Yup. It's just not the absolute no-go as you first implied. Other than that I've read many times you will never get a NEW PCM for a 3rd generation van. They are all rebuilt/refurbished even from a dealership.

Banging the dash to bring your cluster back to life is a sure indication of the all too common "cracked solder joints on the instrument cluster circuit board" syndrome. Specifically, it's the solder joints that secure the connector to the circuit board. Easy fix. Retouch the solder joints with a soldering iron. I can link you to a slideshow that shows you how to remove the cluster and make the repair if you want to give it a go.

I just did this last week on my '97 and have done it on 2 other Caravans. It solves the dead instrument issues. HERE (http://www.flickr.com/photos/landar/sets/72157617315319764/) is the link to the instructions. Good Luck!

will the dash gauges going of and on like that cause a driveability issue or are these problems not related

will the dash gauges going of and on like that cause a driveability issue or are these problems not related

If the driveability issue happens at the same time the gauges die then yes it could.

BTW - Fuel pressure on a 3rd generation van should be around 49 psi. Your 60psi sounds high. Could be your hesitation issue though I would think your mileage would be suffering.