Code 601 PCM replacement

I just replace the PCM in my friends 2003 Dodge Caravan with 90,000 miles. The engine light is now off. ECU direct tried to rebuild it but it was burnt up to bad. Could not find anything other than the fact its behind the headlight and in front of the battery so I assume engine heat may have done it not sure. Well now I think the Body control module is not communicating with the PCM properly. The AC/heat controls wont work along with the radio. I turned the ignition on/off 6 times and the cluster panel lit up and and everything works fine,until you try to crank it,then once running radio and AC fan stops working with no lights showing on the radio or AC control panel until I cut it back off then works fine..AC comp.kicks on but no air.. I just want to know is there a trick to complete program with the ignition the on off 6 times and the steps you need to complete this.. Does anyone know the steps?? Thanks Gary

it's probably because when you replace thepcm on these vehicles you need to validate the vin with the drb scanner

The place that did the reprogram used the VIN. But any way I will take it to the dealer for them.. The van runs though. now you can do everything until you crank it up then every thing does not work... Hope that does not cost too much already have 370.00 tied into it.. Still cheaper than 800.00.. Will post results later.. Thanks for your reply...

Please post your results from the dealer. I am in the same situation and considering a PCM from ECU direct. Thanks for sharing!!

Please post your results from the dealer. I am in the same situation and considering a PCM from ECU direct. Thanks for sharing!!

I had a ECM sent from ECU direct with just the Vin # they sent me the ECM programmed for the Ign key which is coded (2002 jeep grand cherokee)
Put it in and started her up, no problem . A very good and friendly service i got from the company.:wink:
Indy

Please post your results from the dealer. I am in the same situation and considering a PCM from ECU direct. Thanks for sharing!!
UPDATE.. Right now the Vans at the dealer. They confirmed my issue that the PCM is not responding to the BCM hopefully the flash will take care of this. It should run around 86.00 bucks. Hope this works. Will post back total cost. The PCM was fried so they sent a rebuilt one. You may wont to go with this option for 90.00 bucks more. You will get it back faster.. It been almost 3 weeks now because the tried to rebuild the old one. So far 485.50 was invested.

Re- UPDATE!! Well got the van back from the dealer and no luck.. They finally figured out this PCM is also faulty.. I talked to ECU direct and they said I was the 2nd one this week to have this problem on a 2003 caravan. I am shipping part back for over night return. They are very helpful and I hope they can resolve my problem.. Other solution to those in need is to go to Dodge parts on line.https://www.dodgeparts.com/oe_parts_catalog.html?osCsid=96e5d43b598a8cefbee9e a7294eb08cf
Look for in key word search ECM.. It was 227.00 for a federal smog control. But you will have to take to Dealer for program in my area its was 85.50. Now here is the catch.You may have limp mode which will allow you to drive it to the dealer with no inside accessories or you may not be able to start it. From what I was told it was a flip of the coin deal..Some do some don't for some reason..I will say I was happy with the dealerships help today.They could have charged me a lot more. They did not. They spent 3hrs looking for bad wires.But end the end traced it back to the PCM and or ECM.. They are one and the same.
If you go with Dodge parts online. They only other money spent would be programing and maybe a Tow. MAKE SURE you call your local dealer first to see if they will Flash and Reprogram your new PCM. Some dealers want money from the part. In other words if you did not get it from them they may not won't to do it.ASK about there price as well. 85.50 At my local dealership for flash and programing. Prices vary of course. Hopes this helps. I will post step by step instructions on how to remove the PCM later. Very easy.. Gary..

2003 PCM update.. After dealing with this over a month had the owners to take to the dealer... So far I have had good luck with the dealer and they have been good with talking with me about this issue.. ECU direct has giving me nothing but non-compatible PCM's 2 so far. They started out nice even called the dealer to check up on me. I guess they thought I was lying.. So they sent me another. Put that one in,they same thing again. It does not want to communicate with the BCM. Talked with 2 ASE master mechanics and both agreed that something in the PCM is not compatible.. #1 CEL was on before and 601 code was pulled every thing worked fine just CEL was on. #2 The owner took to dealer and said yes common problem PCM need to be replaced. 800.00 bucks.
#3 I took a look and pulled code on my computer 601 and agreed.
#4 Sent PCM to ecu direct to rebuild and they finally said it was fried. 90.00 more bucks after the 299.00 spent,will send a replacement..
#5 Installed new PCM and CEL light went off, thought everything was fine until
I went to turn AC on, "it was hot". Nothing!AC kicked on but no air coming from vents.. Windows did not work stereo and all inside electrics.. Lights worked though..
#6 With engine off . BCM works fine..Until you crank the van. Works for a split second them nothing. Engine runs fine, CEL off but no inside power.. Except lights do work..
NO shorts in the wiring. Already checked and had double checked by dealer.
So at this point am not happy with ECU direct..2 rebuilt PCM's not working. Will keep you posted..
Oh finally when I did talk with ECU direct about this they said they were having the same issue with another 2003 caravan.. That tells you something. I understand if they had success with other PCM's and ECU's but this is a Dodge.. Just do right by your customer. Thats why I do what I do.. I got almost 400.00 bucks invested in this and I not charging the owner one dime..Simply I was unable to fix there problem..The next time I do this I will order factory blanks and have them programed at the dealer..Thats what I do on all my ABS modules... The reasons its at the dealer now is the fact they need there van back..

UPDATE!!! The dealer put new PCM in everything works fine now.. ECU direct sold me a dud!!! Even dealer said so.. So that was 2 duds and I have to pay 100.00 bucks to get it back from dealer.. Core charge!!! I knew that anyway.. So this means war.!!