trouble code p0601

[westea49]

I have had good luck with my 2001 Chrysler 300M. A week ago the check engine light came on with the p0601 code. The next day the battery was giving me problems so I replaced it and the check engine light would come on and off with no pattern. The last few days it has stayed on but the car is running fine. I had O Reilly read the code again, again p0601. The printout says that the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) had a random access memory failure, self test error. This sounds like an expensive repair for a car that is running fine???

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

[Scotty89]

The code is basically saying that the PCM has internal memory issues and needs replaced. Normally when I see this code the customer brings in the vehicle for a check engine light. I haven't seen one yet that it caused engine performance issues but I am also not saying that it can't. I am not for sure what all the PCM uses the RAM portion of the memory for so I can't really say what is or isn't being stored and what all will be affected if anything. I'm just as bad as the next person. My last vehicle had the MIL light on for a year cause I never got around to fixing it and it was screwing with my gas mileage. Its possible that down the line you could have issues or you may not notice anything different.

[AmberrA]

"I have a 2001 300m and I switched the motor. The motor I used was from a 2002 300m. Now that everything is in place the car will still not start. I was told that the motors are not compatible. But then I was told the flywheels are not the same. Any advice?"