Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) ECM/repair shop/cruse control woes

[JLandry]

I tried to open the attachment but it says it is corrupted. Could you re-poast it please?

The file is compressed so it will fit here on the forum. It opens just fine on my end using the free Adobe Reader version 8. You probably just need to update whatever viewer you're using.



Adobe Reader version 8 is available for free here:



Adobe - Adobe Reader Download - All versions



Regards,



John L.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Gary,



Don't know if the attached file would help you any, but take a look.



John L.

HMMmmmmm - opened fine for me John - but surprised that only a SINGLE ECM is listed for the '02 - and NO OEM new or rebuilt #, as with other year models, just what they refer to as a "Generic" number... .



I'll hang onto that list for future reference - thanks!

 

[JLandry]

... surprised that only a SINGLE ECM is listed for the '02 - and NO OEM new or rebuilt #, as with other year models, just what they refer to as a "Generic" number... .

Gary,



I believe this is because Chrysler is trying to phase out all the pre-programmed ECU's, and instead move toward a single generic unprogrammed ECU which would need to be flashed with the appropriate software prior to installation. This makes perfect sense from a supply and logistics standpoint.



See the attched TSB for more insight into this change.



Regards,



John L.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Gary,



I believe this is because Chrysler is trying to phase out all the pre-programmed ECU's, and instead move toward a single generic unprogrammed ECU which would need to be flashed with the appropriate software prior to installation. This makes perfect sense from a supply and logistics standpoint.



See the attched TSB for more insight into this change.



Regards,



John L.

That possibility was mentioned before John - thanks for providing specific verification, Yeah, sure makes sense to only stock a single blank ECM, then just program it for the needed application.

 

[AllianceDiesel]

yep all the computers we got were blank and you had to install the software depending on the options on the truck

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

yep all the computers we got were blank and you had to install the software depending on the options on the truck

What did one of those blank computers cost?

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

What did one of those blank computers cost?

I think I'd first try to get a DC service tech to flash the one you have, to see if it is good, and will take the proper program for your specific truck. If it does, and you still have CC problems, the problem is probably somewhere else - if it won't accept programming, then it is most likely bad.



If all else fails, here's a pointer to an outfit that sells ECM's for our trucks:



eBay Motors: 98-02 Dodge Pickups 5. 9L 2500 3500 CUMMINS DIESEL ECM (item 370046739123 end time May-07-08 12:28:35 PDT)

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

I think I'd first try to get a DC service tech to flash the one you have, to see if it is good, and will take the proper program for your specific truck. If it does, and you still have CC problems, the problem is probably somewhere else - if it won't accept programming, then it is most likely bad.



If all else fails, here's a pointer to an outfit that sells ECM's for our trucks:



eBay Motors: 98-02 Dodge Pickups 5. 9L 2500 3500 CUMMINS DIESEL ECM (item 370046739123 end time May-07-08 12:28:35 PDT)

sounds like an great deal! Have you dealt with them before?

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

sounds like an great deal! Have you dealt with them before?

NOPE, but they have been active on Ebay, buying up all the ECM's and PCM's they can - beat me out of a couple... #@$%! :-laf

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

Well, I have decided to buy from the e-bay company listed above. When I pulled the plug out of my ECM and brought it inside to get #'s from I noticed that it appears the plug itself might have gotten a little diesel spilled on it and it worked its way inside the plug. What should I use to spray in the plug to clean it out? I knwo the old WD-40 trick when it comes to the un-sospisticated eletrical cap and rotor systems on the gassers but I don't think WD-40 sounds appropriate here. (What with a new $500 ECM on the way an all)

 

[JLandry]

Well, I have decided to buy from the e-bay company listed above.

While they have a good eBay feedback rating, they have an "F" rating from the Better Business Bureau for not responding to 7 complaints within the past 36 months. That kind of scared me away from them for now.



But reading their eBay feedback comments, and after doing a Google search for complaints about them, it seems that the majority of customers find them friendly and pleasant to deal with. The complaints indicate that sometimes they'll be slow to ship (due to lack of inventory), will send out a wrong unit, or ship one with broken mounting ears, etc. , thus creating headaches for customers who have an undriveable vehicle and were needing a unit right away. But it also sounds like they stand behind their products and make good on mistakes.



Please let us know how it works out with them.



Good luck,



John L.

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

Well, I installed their ECM today and so far, so good! The thing threw 9 codes right off the bat, but I cleared those and made it around town woth no troubles. I will drive it to school in the morning and then I'll be away all weekend so I won't drive it again until Monday or Tuesday. I should put it to a good test then though. I will hopefully get to even pull a trailer a little bit



I'll keep everyone posted.....

Oh, I also bought a can of "QD Electronic Cleaner" from checker auto. It is made for wiring harness' and cost half as much as Radio Shack's stuff for twice the content. It is put out by CRC.

Have a happy Memorial Day and remember that only 2 defining forces have ever died for you - Jesus Christ and the American soldier. One for your soul, and the other for your freedom. Let's remember their sacrifice and all be safe!!

 

[JLandry]

Well, I installed their ECM today and so far, so good!

That's great news!



How did the unit you received look physically? Was it clean and did it look as if it was refurbished like their eBay listing suggests?



Best regards,



John L.

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

It looked sandblasted on the outside and had 2 stickers stating it was remanufactured by an independant rebuilder and dated May 14, 2008. It looked as good as a reman. could I suppose... . The factory sticker was worn pretty good... . as if it had been sandblasted.

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

Well... ... . so far so good! I have put about 100 miles on it and all is well so far. I put my hypertech back on it and if feels just like it used to. I'll keep ya'll posted as time goes!