2001 T&c 3.8 Trouble Code Meanings

Was driving today on interstate about 80 and lost power, pulled over and stopped. No lights on, so I went ahead and drove off. Seems I only have one gear, guessing it went into "limp" mode. I also noticed that my powertrain light was not on. I pulled back over and restarted it, no light. Last week I was told my computer needed replaced. I have bought one and plan to have it installed at the dealer on Tuesday. I checked the codes when I got home and had the following,

P-1684 - less than 50 starts
P-0601 - PCM fault
P-0500 -
P-0700 - transmission control?

I think one of them is the transmission control and don't know what the other is. Anywone know? And can this all be related to having a bad PCM in the first place? Is the transmission control in the same box as the PCM?

Also, I know the powertrain light on the information center is a led light, I don't think the light is bad. Could the bad PCM cause this light to not come on?

The good news: P0500 is a failed Vehicle Speed Sensor or VSS. Could be wrong but I believe your 4th generation van has 2 VSSs, an input and an output. If the output VSS was bad, your speedometer would also be erratic. Since you don't mention the speedo, I would assume the input VSS is bad. Both sensors will effect transmission shift schedules and when failed will put the tranny in limp mode as happened to you. The good news? This will more than likely also fix your P0700 tranny code.

The bad news: A P0601 error code is an automatic PCM change. It's an internal memory failure and can only be remedied with a new PCM. Looks like you're well prepared for that. As far as the PCM effecting the tranny codes, just not sure on that but would lean towards saying no, it won't fix the tranny issues. If gen 4s and 3s are the same you have a seperate Transmission Control Module or TCM and PCM boxes. The TCM is on the passenger side fender wall and the PCM is on the drivers side fender wall next to the fuse/relay panel.

When I say sensors could be bad, it could also just be a loose or corroded sensor connection or a problem with the wire harness and not the sensor itself.

Boy that was some really GOOD news! The speedometer reads zero at all speeds. The transmission is making noise, and shifting hard from reverse to drive, is this normal to? Is the speed sensor something I can replace? Thanks

Was wondering, should I have the dealer install this? Advanced sells just the output side. Can I do this? Where is the location of the output? and the one going in. Thanks again

Sorry one more thing, since I am removing all this stuff to replace the sensors, can I switch out the PCM while I'm at it? I know it needs programmed and all and if I do replace it will it drive to the dealer with out damage to the computer and engine/transmission? Thanks

ok pulled output sensor out, it is trashed, there is alot of small metal pieces stuck to it, I felt in the hole it came from and felt more, used a magnet to get some more out. The sensor looked burnt as well. Please advise.
:bricks1:

EGADS! An easy fix was at hand then Murphy's law took over. Metal chips are never a good thing, especially when it concerns the transmission. To me the ideal next step would be to tow it to a shop to prevent any further damage. If that's out of the question, at least clean as much of the chips out of the hole as you can and reinstall the old sensor. If you put the new one in it may get trashed on the way to the shop. If the few bucks you spent don't matter, put the new one in. Save the chips for the mechanic. Might be a clue to precisely what is going on.

As far as the PCM goes, yes you can change it but does that matter now? Recommend you let the pros handle it. Besides, they can be zapped by simple static electricity if you're not careful. If you insist here's how: http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/1a/3f/5c/0900823d801a3f5c/repairInfoPages.htm You'll have a Service Engine light and it may run rough.

Reality is you might need a new tranny or at least need to have yours partially or completely rebuilt. The noise and the chips are signs all is not well internally. If it comes to that, make sure they change the torque converter and flush the cooler. Metal chips can get trapped in them and trash your brand new tranny. I'd look for a non chain shop that specialises in transmissions.

This is one of those times when I hope I'm proven wrong. I've never seen your exact problem with the VSS damage/chips etc. I'm basing this on general knowledge. MAYBE SOMEONE OUT THERE CAN GIVE YOU SOME BETTER NEWS.

lol, if someone gives me good news I am going to have to say they are full of it. As much as I'd like to hear it it's just not possible. Metal pieces stuck to the speed sensor - theres nothing good about that. I'd have to say you are correct. I went ahead and took it to the dealer. I did clean out the hole with a magnet and put the new speed sensor in, they are doing the PCM as well. I don't remember where I read this but I was under the impression that when your transmission goes into limp mode it prevents the transmission from damage, I guess it does BUT you should not drive it past that point period. My transmission was fine before this, just had it serviced. I drove home at about 2500 rpm for 30 miles or so and now I may need a new transmission because of the heat build-up I caused driving it home. Will post back. Thanks for help!

Well, it got replaced. Driving this after it went into limp mode was not a good ideal. I went with a reman from Chrysler. The dealer here wanted about 3200 for it so I shopped around and found one on eBay at a dealer up north for 1625 and they delivered it free to the dealer here, and the return back is free too, and it only took a day to get here! 690 to put in and included a transmission filter. This is apparently a new thing these dealers are starting up, wholesale internet sales. Not all are doing this but some are and with a little homework a person can save close to 2 thousand dollars. So replacing your transmission isn't that bad these days. Thank you for all the help on this thread.

make sure they change the torque converter and flush the cooler. Metal chips can get trapped in them and trash your brand new tranny.

Please tell us that was done.

Sorry to hear you had to go the whole mile but, glad to hear you're on the road again. Sounds like you got a descent deal.