its a 2001 passenger van 3500 with the 5.9L it has 253k
2 years ago it threw a code we had a few places look at it and they couldn't really find any problems but the code, since then we have put on 130k, rebuild the trans, timing, few accidents. IMHO aside from some quirks in the trans, the truck runs pretty good. We use it for lots of long trips, but lately its had minor issues check trip and really we want to get rid of her. and get something else, we want a sprinter but need more seats. At the current moment, i'm studing to be mechanic and am taking a engine systems daignosis class at the moment. We learning about OBDII and stuff, and i checked the code on the van myself finally.
it threw a P0601 - internal failure in the PCM,
only info i can get on this so far is that the PCM needs to be replaced or reflashed.
I was wondering if any one has come across this before, and if it does have to be flashed how much will the dealer charge us for it? We would like to get it fixed to possibly less the van.
Here's the thing though, The van isn't showing signs of a bad PCM, decent gas mileage, atleast it hasn't change since before the problem. We were able to talk to the PCM and had bi-directional control with the DBR3. all we have is this code. sometimes it goes away randomally but comes back on as soon as you restart the car, same if u clear the code.
any info on this problem would be awesome.
ALEX
buzzkill
03-02-2007, 01:04 AM
its not replace or reflash ...its replace and reprogram
Reprogram the vin and pinion factor with the DRB..think thats it, kinda late and the old brain isnt working
Alperovich
03-02-2007, 01:11 AM
hmm, sorry i'm a noob with the DRB.
so your saying the ECU is toast? or can it be saved?
also what problems does IS this causing?
THANX FOR THE :help: :)
buzzkill
03-02-2007, 01:21 AM
No problem I just didnt want ya thinking it could be flashed
Am I saying the PCM is toast? Hmmm...tough one.
Since we dont know how the PCM checks itself we dont really know what part is failing. The tech in me says hey...its an internal failure, replace it.
on the other hand if it isnt causing a problem and your gettin rid of it...well...ya know...let the buyer beware
van-nut
03-02-2007, 01:23 AM
Is the current code the same one it had 2 years ago? The PCM also controls the trans, too. I wonder if your trans quirks are related???
Pete
Alperovich
03-02-2007, 01:31 AM
No problem I just didnt want ya thinking it could be flashed
Am I saying the PCM is toast? Hmmm...tough one.
Since we dont know how the PCM checks itself we dont really know what part is failing. The tech in me says hey...its an internal failure, replace it.
on the other hand if it isnt causing a problem and your gettin rid of it...well...ya know...let the buyer beware
well our plans are actually either fix the problem and sell it. or not fix it and drive until the end of the year, until when we have to get the emmision test done by, and donate it to my school.
I must have misread about the reflashing
Is the current code the same one it had 2 years ago? The PCM also controls the trans, too. I wonder if your trans quirks are related???
Pete
what happens is a kinda a dog at take off, after that its cool. its been this way since the rebuild at 150k which was after the code came on. possible related problem? I'm not sure. I haven't had any trans classes yet :(
I'm pretty sure its the same code, its been ON the WHOLE TIME! :D :rofl:
buzzkill
03-02-2007, 01:36 AM
Trans quirks? hehehe new information eh
it could very well have something to do with it
If you are planning on keeping the van ... replace it
ooooo have you seen the new sprinters? sharp! new body lines kinda got rid of that bread box look
EDIT - how was the trans before the light came on?
Actually it doesnt mattter now that I re-read that last post.
Personally I would drive it till it dies
Alperovich
03-02-2007, 01:48 AM
we started having problems at 60k finally at 150k it gave out. It was a while back, i'll have to talk to my dad and see if he can remember the problem.
I think it was just giving up on him, i remember him trying to go up a slight hill with ppl and it would bearly move. but i can't recall what else it was doing.
naw, we aren't really planning on keeping it. its too old and not passenger worthy (at least not to my dad's standards for his travel business.)
I have seen the new sprinter at the auto show. We like it alot. we test drove one when they just came out. I dad liked it. however we need atleast 12pass, 15 ideal. 10 (this is with driver) is just not enough. IMHO I don't see the point of having such a HUGE lauge space, yes some is good but its too much, half is still more then enough and then u can get 12pass in and/or 15.
I can see i'm not the only one up at the middle of the nite :D
Alperovich
03-02-2007, 01:53 AM
what happens is a kinda a dog at take off, after that its cool. its been this way since the rebuild at 150k which was after the code came on. possible related problem? I'm not sure. I haven't had any trans classes yet :(
I'm pretty sure its the same code, its been ON the WHOLE TIME! :D :rofl:
not too quote myself but, i'd like to add that the trans has also been acting like since the rebuild!
EDIT: haha its late. i repeated myself. i was gonna delete the post but doesn't seam be a way
stev
03-02-2007, 07:31 AM
Oh my, a 2001 with well above 250k ! I've got the 2001 B2500 12-passenger and haven't had any big issues like yours.
So, you got the CODE-OF-DEATH P0601. :( :( :(
Most of the time, this code ins't a broken trace on the PCM board. It's usually a surface-mount component that went bad and either allowed the voltage to spike on the board or is totally resisting voltage from being used and processed.
There are REBUILT PCM's that take your board as a core charge refund. These boards work well, but the cost could set you back about $250. That sure beats the dealer.
You may need to do a "search" here in this forum of Ram Vans for the details of the two or three companies that offer this service. It's been awhile, but I think Siemens bought out the OEM that made the PCM's for our Gen-2 Ram Vans.
AS FOR THE SPRINTER, the pre-2007's have the worse comfort for rear seating possible. Not only that, but the seats are not for older people either. It's worse than sitting on wooden church pews. In the rain on the pre-2007's you can't even hear yourself think, yet alone the person next to you. The ting-ting on the roof will drive a person nuts. AND it is not any better with the hightop either. I think that actually amplifies the rain problem. So, buy 2007 or better. The sound reduction updates and the seating is far better.
Since you have a B3500, isn't that a 15-passenger? Or is it a 12-passenger? There are a few B3500's that are only 12-passenger and not 15. The Sprinter in the base model will do 10-passengers. The longer wheel bases can add another row of seating or there are a few "custom" seating packages. Most of them are Europe (UK) configurations. BUT, don't get those with the steering on the WRONG SIDE of the van.
B-300
03-02-2007, 01:14 PM
I saw a program last night about tin-growth and related electrical failures of circuit boards and electrical devices.
I think it was on the History channel related to engineering disasters. It showed how over time tin on circuit boards would grow into spikes and short out component level electronics and that this has happened to at least one Communication Satelitte.
This could be the cause of failure on many electrical circuits of the modern era.
Just thought I would pass on the info... It could be why ECU's fail self check.
--B-300--
Alperovich
03-02-2007, 01:20 PM
Oh my, a 2001 with well above 250k ! I've got the 2001 B2500 12-passenger and haven't had any big issues like yours.
So, you got the CODE-OF-DEATH P0601. :( :( :(
Most of the time, this code ins't a broken trace on the PCM board. It's usually a surface-mount component that went bad and either allowed the voltage to spike on the board or is totally resisting voltage from being used and processed.
There are REBUILT PCM's that take your board as a core charge refund. These boards work well, but the cost could set you back about $250. That sure beats the dealer.
You may need to do a "search" here in this forum of Ram Vans for the details of the two or three companies that offer this service. It's been awhile, but I think Siemens bought out the OEM that made the PCM's for our Gen-2 Ram Vans.
AS FOR THE SPRINTER, the pre-2007's have the worse comfort for rear seating possible. Not only that, but the seats are not for older people either. It's worse than sitting on wooden church pews. In the rain on the pre-2007's you can't even hear yourself think, yet alone the person next to you. The ting-ting on the roof will drive a person nuts. AND it is not any better with the hightop either. I think that actually amplifies the rain problem. So, buy 2007 or better. The sound reduction updates and the seating is far better.
Since you have a B3500, isn't that a 15-passenger? Or is it a 12-passenger? There are a few B3500's that are only 12-passenger and not 15. The Sprinter in the base model will do 10-passengers. The longer wheel bases can add another row of seating or there are a few "custom" seating packages. Most of them are Europe (UK) configurations. BUT, don't get those with the steering on the WRONG SIDE of the van.
ic, i'll do a search for the PCM. $250 isn't that much. its cheaper then the alternator I installed recently. damn rebuild bosch alternators!
IT is the 15pass.
Were can I get more info on a more then 10-pass sprinter? like i said 12-pass is our minimum.
Again i want to point out that IMO we don't have any driveablity issues!
but we can't pass an emmision test with the MIL on :(
Alperovich
03-02-2007, 01:41 PM
stev, i don't mean to sound like a noob, lol.. i did a quick search for PCM, i couldn't find anything on what u were talking about. any other search term suggestions? THANX
ECM Express features: - Tech support to assist in diagnosing drivability issues; Same 1 year / 18,000 mile warranty provided as stocking Electronics SKUs; FLASH Technology units are FLASHed to the latest calibration.
ECM Express turnaround time details: - Most units are rebuilt within 48 hrs from the time received by the CARDONE R&R Department. Some units may be more complex to rebuild or require sourcing of extra parts, in which case we will contact you to request more time.
Please send all units for R&R Service to: R&R Department - Dock 50; CARDONE Industries; 5501 Whitaker Ave.; Philadelphia, PA 19124 - Ensures the fastest turnaround for your unit.
What is ECM Express Rebuild & Return Service? - The solution for fast, reliable and competitively priced rebuilding of a vehicle’s original electronic module.
Alperovich
03-03-2007, 12:52 AM
sweet! thank you very much for the info! you guys are awesome! honestly, i'm a very active member on acura-legend.com and sorta active on yotatech.com and both those sites are awesome with the type of thing also, very glad i stumbled onto this site.
stev
03-07-2007, 06:55 PM
Alperovich,
I'm really glad that Chump jumped in here. I tried to reply to your post, but while I hit the submit button, my on-line connection died for three days. :(
CARDONE and BBB Automotive Parts would have been the ones to use. BBB A-P is found here: http://www.acdelcocomputers.com/computers/chrycomputer.htm BBB A-P is a little risky too. Read the lower right Product Return policy.
Chump is right, CARDONE would be the best source.
Alperovich
03-07-2007, 11:25 PM
wow 3 day huh! that sux. do u have comcast? that shit used to happen to me all time with them.
i checked out cardone, but couldn't open the PDF's i have a issue with opening those :(
i just found out we have to pass the emission test by the end of APRIL! or we can fail it and get 6 more months to fix the problem. My dad is talking to the guy that got the truck to pass the test 2 years ago.
I also found out what his plan is if he can either pass the test or fix the problem, He wants to sell it to a lady who works for him, so she can use it (pretty much for helping him out) but like i said IMHO (being a tech in training) its not worthy of long trips anymore because it keeps breaking down each trip, but she would use it for local stuff, so it perfect :) (for my dad and her, lol)
I'm gonna try and use a different computer and see if CARDONE infact can fix the PCM.
I've heard good stuff about them in the past (mostly about their rebuild loaded calipers).
THANX for the help, you guys are a very helpful bunch. Who really know their shit about their cars. Its something I like in a forum, we have a similar great community at my regular forum (acura-legend.com).
We decided to NOT fix the van, and will be donating it to my collage. I was going to part a few things, but to be on the better side of my school, we're just going to remove our TV screen and dvd player and leave the rest.
anyways, we have bought a replacement and i'd like to share a few pics....
its REALLY nice! 15pass with the driver, great luggage space. they installed a PA system, and i plan on putting in a nav screen and a TV for the back in the next few weeks.
Thanx for the help guys. sad to be letting another dodge go! office OD reading at 254k+ of heavy usage conditions, just goes to show, with regular maintenance how long it has lasted us.
peace out!
Alex and Alfa Travel, INC
Dodgevanman
04-02-2007, 09:37 PM
Nice people hauler you got there. I think in the long run you'll be happier with that bigger "bus". It's purpose built.
254K is pretty darn good...you should be proud of the ol' Dodge.
