Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 98 Dodge, changed auto to manual, how to smog?

[MOvermeyer]

My 98 Dodge, 12valve was changed from auto trans to manual before I bought it, now California wants a smog and check engine light is on, any one done this before? Any ideas?

 

[MLee]

Find out what the code is. Turn the key on and off three times and leave the key on on the third one, without starting the engine. Record the flashes of the check engine light. It will give the code three times to make sure you have it. The codes are listed in the forums some place I can't remember where right now.

I wouldn't think that kind of a change would be serious.

 

[Mhannink]

as far as i know the code will not matter. the cel is on it will not be allowed to pass smog. you do need to get the code though, a code reader should do it just fine. based on the code, do what ever it will take to make the light go out and then take it to get smogged.

 

[Missouri Mule]

May be when they switched trans they did not switch out PCMs. Try finding a used 98 12 Valve with manual trans PCM. (The PCM you have is probably wondering why you are not getting signals from the auto trans sensors. )

 

[Simplysmn]

If your close to Southern Ca. I have a code scanner that we can find out what code is showing and reset it and see if it comes back on ?

 

[Mhannink]

If your close to Southern Ca. I have a code scanner that we can find out what code is showing and reset it and see if it comes back on ?

I have a couple different scanners too, and the same offer. Im in northern/central cali, whichever is more convenient for you, we can pull the codes and go from there.

 

[ewcmr2]

Right now I have two auto to manual swapped cars in my household. '93 MR2 and '04 325i. Each one needed different things to make them work correctly (no CEL's)

MR2 swap included replacing ECU, engine harness, instrument cluster
BMW swap needed less parts but had to reprogram DME (ECU,PCM) to not look for automatic related sensors.

Get the code and go from there. If it's a single sensor you may be able to "fool" it. If PCM is looking for auto transmission you may need to swap in a Manual PCM.

 

[Gene Heck]

Just a thought.



I wonder if you took it back to a Dodge dealer if they could reprogram it? I know it would cost a few bucks if they could but if your current PCM is good it would be worth it. Buying a used PCM is like "buying a pig in a poke". You don't know if it is any good until you get it and even some of the "rebuilt, re-manufactured, re-flashed" units are not any good when you get them and have to be sent back x-times until you get a good one. And that is time and shipping expenses. So I would give a local dealer a call and inquire if it's doable to reprogram the auto part out and the manual in.



Gene

 

[Bob4x4]

Just a thought.



I wonder if you took it back to a Dodge dealer if they could reprogram it? I know it would cost a few bucks if they could but if your current PCM is good it would be worth it. Buying a used PCM is like "buying a pig in a poke". You don't know if it is any good until you get it and even some of the "rebuilt, re-manufactured, re-flashed" units are not any good when you get them and have to be sent back x-times until you get a good one. And that is time and shipping expenses. So I would give a local dealer a call and inquire if it's doable to reprogram the auto part out and the manual in.



Gene

Not doable at the dealer level... ... ... ... ...

 

[Gene Heck]

Well if the dealer can't do it you could break out the service manual and put resistors, each one about 30 ohms, in the harness that goes down to the plug on the trans. That would let the PCM "think" that the circuit is still intact and not set any codes. It wouldn't be that hard to do. It can be done up at the harnesses coming out of the PCM if you wanted to.



If you keep hunting until you find a manual pcm be sure it is for a Cali. truck. Yours has to have the programming in it for the EGR so you can't just grab a 49 state PCM.



I'm not doubting Bob 4x4's word but there are a couple of good Dodge mechanics on here that are always helpful. Maybe if you contacted them they could verify if the PCM can be reprogrammed at the dealer level.



Sag2 or MullinexM are the names. I might be a little off on the spelling of the second name.



Gene

 

[Bob4x4]

Well if the dealer can't do it you could break out the service manual and put resistors, each one about 30 ohms, in the harness that goes down to the plug on the trans. That would let the PCM "think" that the circuit is still intact and not set any codes. It wouldn't be that hard to do. It can be done up at the harnesses coming out of the PCM if you wanted to.

If you keep hunting until you find a manual pcm be sure it is for a Cali. truck. Yours has to have the programming in it for the EGR so you can't just grab a 49 state PCM.

I'm not doubting Bob 4x4's word but there are a couple of good Dodge mechanics on here that are always helpful. Maybe if you contacted them they could verify if the PCM can be reprogrammed at the dealer level.

Sag2 or MullinexM are the names. I might be a little off on the spelling of the second name.

Gene

The dealers can not change configuration... ... ... . and no,resistors will not work

 

[rMetzger]

ECM is "engine"control module... . TCM is for "transmission"..... What's the "P" stand for? Pollution?

 

[cerberusiam]

What's the "P" stand for? Pollution?

Powertrain. The TCM is a part of the PCM.

 

[rMetzger]

Powertrain. The TCM is a part of the PCM.

Thank you, Three-headed guard-dog you am.



I probably knew that once, and I'll probably forget it soon, but, for now, I know.



I do have a question, though. Rather than hijacking this thread, you'll find it on my "will the levers interfere with each other?" that I started several months ago.



Might a "manual" pcm fix my issue?

 

[JKosten]

I believe you can get the bar to exempt your truck if it was made before 98 but sold as a 98. Ie production dat 11/97 or before as 12v are not computer controled.