Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 2001 HO 6-speed — identifying OEM ECM part number

[Gordon Maney]

I have a 2001 Cummins Ram powered by the HO version of the engine, fitted with a 6-speed transmission. A lengthy diagnosis covered in another thread here reveals I need a replacement ECM.

There are numerous sources found on the web for ECM's described variously as repaired, remanufactured, or reconditioned. I explore those sources, as I don't care to pay the dealer for the big price, and then have to have the truck towed there for their required, on-vehicle, flashing of the ECM. The online vendors will flash the units for you.

My truck had an ECM put on it in early 2007 by the local Cummins dealer. The ECM is marked with a Cummins number 3947412-RX.

I am wondering if anyone here can tell me what the correct, original part number would have been for the ECM on my truck? It is a 2001, quad cab, HO Cummins, 6-speed transmission truck.

I find some charts for ECM's that can be flashed, yielding multiple numbers, such as 33303206J and 383331305J.

Does anyone have a truck like mine and know the p/n of the ECM, or have a way to look up this p/n?

Thank you... .

 

[Beast2B]

I have my original on the shelf, I'll look when i get home. I kept it as a spare back when I got the Catcher ECM (before the Smarty came out). Mine is a CA model, but I'll let you know what's on it!

 

[Gordon Maney]

I am about to reveal how little I know here, but... . with this performance box you don't need an ECM?

 

[BarryG]

Gordon:

The Catcher ecm was the precursor to the Smarty. It was a replacement ecm or you could send yours in to get it reflashed with the catcher software. It got replaced by the smarty and its adjustability.

 

[JLandry]

Gordon,



The original ECM part number would have depended on what flash file software the ECM was shipped with. It would be difficult to find this out now.



Some helpful background...



In August 2004 Chrysler announced they would no longer supply pre-programmed ECM's and would revert to using "generic" ECM's which needed to be programmed prior to use. TSB 18-033-04 explained this by saying:



"Mopar® is phasing out pre-programmed Cummins Diesel Engine Control Modules (ECM). New modules will no longer be pre-programmed when received from Mopar®. Replacement of future ECM's will require programming utilizing the DRBIII® and TechCONNECT. 1998 1/2 - 2002 modules will cause the “Wait to Start” light to flash, indicating the module has not been programmed. "



The TSB goes on to indicate that the "generic" ECM part numbers for your particular year of truck are:

R5083997AA - Remanufactured

05083997AA - New​

According to a recent flash file listing I have from Chrysler, the correct and current ECM flash files for your truck are:

383331305J - NON-California

383332305J - California​

So if you're looking for the correct Chrysler part number to give an ECM rebuilder, you'll want to supply one of the above.



Best regards,



John L.

 

[Gordon Maney]

Gordon,

The original ECM part number would have depended on what flash file software the ECM was shipped with. It would be difficult to find this out now.

Some helpful background...

In August 2004 Chrysler announced they would no longer supply pre-programmed ECM's and would revert to using "generic" ECM's which needed to be programmed prior to use. TSB 18-033-04 explained this by saying:

"Mopar® is phasing out pre-programmed Cummins Diesel Engine Control Modules (ECM). New modules will no longer be pre-programmed when received from Mopar®. Replacement of future ECM's will require programming utilizing the DRBIII® and TechCONNECT. 1998 1/2 - 2002 modules will cause the “Wait to Start” light to flash, indicating the module has not been programmed. "

The TSB goes on to indicate that the "generic" ECM part numbers for your particular year of truck are:

R5083997AA - Remanufactured
05083997AA - New​

According to a recent flash file listing I have from Chrysler, the correct and current ECM flash files for your truck are:

383331305J - NON-California
383332305J - California​

So if you're looking for the correct Chrysler part number to give an ECM rebuilder, you'll want to supply one of the above.

Best regards,

John L.

Thank you very much!

 

[Beast2B]

my ecm has a cummins part# of 3946242-fx if that helps at all now!

 

[Gordon Maney]

my ecm has a cummins part# of 3946242-fx if that helps at all now!

Thank you. I am gathering information for an ECM rebuild/repair center. Mine would be a non-CA, or Federal, version.

Thank you for looking, I appreciate your effort in my behalf.

 

[JLandry]

Thank you. I am gathering information for an ECM rebuild/repair center. Mine would be a non-CA, or Federal, version.

Gordon,



Just to satisfy my curiosity, I emailed one of the Dodge dealers selling discount parts online to see if a NEW generic Cummins ECM is actually available for sale. They list it costing $1,056. 85, which is expensive yes, it would be brand spanking new. They list a rebuilt unit for $809. 60, but with a $250. 00 core charge.



Tomorrow I'll try and remember to call my local Cummins dealer to see how much they would want for both a new and a remanufactured unit. I get a measly 10% discount on parts at Cummins for being a Cummins Power Club member, but at least it's something.



Best regards,



John L.

 

[Gordon Maney]

Gordon,

Just to satisfy my curiosity, I emailed one of the Dodge dealers selling discount parts online to see if a NEW generic Cummins ECM is actually available for sale. They list it costing $1,056. 85, which is expensive yes, it would be brand spanking new. They list a rebuilt unit for $809. 60, but with a $250. 00 core charge.

Tomorrow I'll try and remember to call my local Cummins dealer to see how much they would want for both a new and a remanufactured unit. I get a measly 10% discount on parts at Cummins for being a Cummins Power Club member, but at least it's something.

Best regards,

John L.

That would need to be flashed, before it would run, is that right?

I am surprised; I was thinking there were no more new ones, only rebuilds. I have no informed opinion on this, obviously. Are they making new ones, do you think?

A question out of curiosity... . are these ECM's potted? If so, I wonder how that is removed to allow repair? Dissolved?

 

[Gordon Maney]

Your comment caused me to search... .

http://www.dodge-auto-parts-dealer.com/parts.htm

lists this...


Powertrain control, Ecm
All Models, 5. 9L Diesel, High-Output
ELECTRICAL »Powertrain control
Dodge › Ram 2500 pickup › 2001-2002
List Price : $534. 00
Your Price : $427. 20


It does not say if it is rebuilt or new, but one can suspect... .

 

[bromano676]

Just a thought, Has anyone tried to call bob wagner?



I don't know if he sells the ECMs but I am under the impression that if you have an ECM problem, HE IS the GUY!!!

 

[Gordon Maney]

Just a thought, Has anyone tried to call bob wagner?

I don't know if he sells the ECMs but I am under the impression that if you have an ECM problem, HE IS the GUY!!!

I did send him an email and he did reply, asking me what vehicle I had; what ECM I needed. I have not heard back from him. I don't mean that as a negative. I suspect either he has been busy, or had nothing available.

 

[JLandry]

List Price : $534. 00

Your Price : $427. 20





It does not say if it is rebuilt or new, but one can suspect... .

At that price... and based on the entire description... it's a PCM... not an ECM. This is the same problem you'll run into at your favorite local auto parts store.



If you search using the Dodge ECM part numbers on that web site you'll see the difference.



Keep dreaming.



John L.

 

[JLandry]

That would need to be flashed, before it would run, is that right?

Correct.



If by chance you decide to get a generic ECM and need assistance having it programmed, I believe I can help. I have a DRBIII scan tool and if you were to send me your ECM I could temporarily connect it to my truck's wiring harness in order to flash it with the appropriate software. I don't think either your ECM or my truck would mind. Send me a private message to coordinate this if the need arises.



I also have the necessary cables and connectors on hand to build a custom wiring harness to flash a Cummins ECM right on my workbench using the DRBIII, but I've just never gotten around to assembling it and trying it. I remember that I still need to built a little box with a toggle switch to (to substitute for the ignition switch) in order to turn the ECM on and off, and a small light to substitute for the wait to start lamp. This is just another one of the many little projects on my list which I haven't yet found the time to finish.

Are they making new ones, do you think?

I honestly don't know one way or the other which is why I decided to go ahead and email the Chrysler dealer to find out. I'll keep you posted.

A question out of curiosity... . are these ECM's potted? If so, I wonder how that is removed to allow repair? Dissolved?

That I don't know either... I've never personally opened one up.



There was a thread here on the TDR forum some time ago where a guy had opened an ECM up so he could figure out how to connect his PC to it in order to download and examine the firmware. Downloading its software is not something the ECM normally allows (only uploading). I don't believe he found the internals potted as he didn't have any difficulty finding a way to make the necessary connections. I'll see if I can find the thread.



Regards,



John L.

 

[JLandry]

There was a thread here on the TDR forum some time ago where a guy had opened an ECM up so he could figure out how to connect his PC to it in order to download and examine the firmware.

Found it HERE. Unfortunately, the original web page with pictures which the experimenter set up to document his work is now gone.



John L.

 

[JLandry]

Ouch!

I am surprised; I was thinking there were no more new ones, only rebuilds. I have no informed opinion on this, obviously. Are they making new ones, do you think?

Just called Cummins NW to inquire about the ECM...



They said new ones are no longer manufactured or available.



A refurbished unit is a whopping $1267 with exchange, or a $563 core charge is added! Cummins Power Club members get 10% off that price. Lead time would be 2 weeks from the factory on a stock backorder.



Must be gold plated.



John L.

 

[Gordon Maney]

Just called Cummins NW to inquire about the ECM...

They said new ones are no longer manufactured or available.

A refurbished unit is a whopping $1267 with exchange, or a $563 core charge is added! Cummins Power Club members get 10% off that price. Lead time would be 2 weeks from the factory on a stock backorder.

Must be gold plated.

John L.

Wow... . and the core price is breathtaking, too.

 

[Gordon Maney]

Found it HERE. Unfortunately, the original web page with pictures which the experimenter set up to document his work is now gone.

John L.

One fascinating thing I discovered following the link you offer is here:
https://techauthority.gltghosting.com

You can rent the DRB III for three days at a cost of $150. Damage or loss causes you to be responsible for up to the $5,200 purchase price. That would be cause for high anxiety, but all things considered — doing it over — I could have found value in that opportunity.

 

[Gordon Maney]

Correct.

If by chance you decide to get a generic ECM and need assistance having it programmed, I believe I can help. I have a DRBIII scan tool and if you were to send me your ECM I could temporarily connect it to my truck's wiring harness in order to flash it with the appropriate software. I don't think either your ECM or my truck would mind. Send me a private message to coordinate this if the need arises.

I also have the necessary cables and connectors on hand to build a custom wiring harness to flash a Cummins ECM right on my workbench using the DRBIII, but I've just never gotten around to assembling it and trying it. I remember that I still need to built a little box with a toggle switch to (to substitute for the ignition switch) in order to turn the ECM on and off, and a small light to substitute for the wait to start lamp. This is just another one of the many little projects on my list which I haven't yet found the time to finish.

I honestly don't know one way or the other which is why I decided to go ahead and email the Chrysler dealer to find out. I'll keep you posted.

That I don't know either... I've never personally opened one up.

There was a thread here on the TDR forum some time ago where a guy had opened an ECM up so he could figure out how to connect his PC to it in order to download and examine the firmware. Downloading its software is not something the ECM normally allows (only uploading). I don't believe he found the internals potted as he didn't have any difficulty finding a way to make the necessary connections. I'll see if I can find the thread.

Regards,

John L.

I sent you an email.