Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) dead pedal, new APPS. ECM???

[BDahm]

OK guys I have an 02 auto. My problem is that I have a unresponsive pedal, cuts in and out. Heres my codes, p0122, p0236 and p1475. Have Edge Juice with attitude but removed it to troubleshoot. my scanner doesnt show the p1475, but the key trick does, weird. . So anyway i put a new vp44 on about a year and a half ago, new batteries and alternator this week along with an apps from Genos. Calibrated it to according to their sheet. did it twice to make sure it was good. Still have the pedal problem. Oh yeah, no fourth gear too. Maybe connected because it went out at the same time. Im thinking possibly the ECM or PCM is south. Any help would be great!! Thanks

 

[HBarlow]

Failure of the APPS module is a common problem with the VP-44 24 valve engines and in my experience it always resulted in a pedal that ignored what I wanted the engine to do. Can't comment on the other things you mentioned.

 

[BDahm]

are 24 valve ecm's interchangeable? (98. 5-02) meaning i can swap mine with my buddys 99? or do they need to be set up for your vin and/or reflashed?

 

[MAV1]

ECM swap question

ECMs can be swapped, truck to truck, providing they both/all have the same kind of transmission, ie, auto to auto, manual to manual. When trying an ECM from another truck, it will set a CEL and codes. The code(s) will be for VIN fault and possibly APPS communication. The swap will work for test/diagnostic purposes, to determine if your ECM is bad. I've done it on my truck.

 

[monkeyman]

A common problem overlooked on auto second generations is the sensor on drivers side overdrive housing. It will not throw a code. will give you dead pedal, mimic VP44 issues, all sorts of things. $13. 00 at Auto-zone with lifetime warranty, takes five minutes to change. Move fast as fluid comes out, I think its a one inch socket. I am on my third one.
Rick

 

[BDahm]

Thanks for the info guys, it is indeed the ECM. Swapped with my buddys 2000, ran fine but didn't seem like it had as much balls as before. And I'm going to take that sensor into consideration for future troubleshooting. On to finding a new ECM. Don't really wanna pay $450 on eBay. Any suggestions? Thanks

 

[AlaskanCummins]

I bought one from Auto Computer Exchange in Davie, FL and was NOT impressed. It looked like they just cleaned it up (used a wire wheel brush), put their stickers on it and sold it as "reconditioned". I saw NO evidence of the casing being removed and re-installed with new sealant. #@$%!



So, what constitutes a "new/reconditioned" ECM from these people? I mean, do they just get junk yard units, put them on their computers, upload the most current programming and call it good?



If that's the case, then they're trash.



Another poster on here said to go straight to Cummins where they will have an actual new ECM. Then, they program it there with their computer assuring that you have a good ECM.



You'll then KNOW that you have a unit that's not just some re-cycled junk yard unit that has new stickers on it.



My issue wasn't the ECM, so I'm probably out 600 bucks. My bad for not performing more diagnostics, but the point I'm making is that A. C. E. appears to be a tad bit underhanded.

 

[MAV1]

From my own experience

When it became necessary to replace the ECM on my truck, I did like everyone else and Google'd for one to suit my application. As previously stated in this thread, and numerous places elsewhere, Auto Computer Exchange came up. At 1st, A. C. E seemed like the way to go. I chose to delve deeper, and after discovering the difficulty experienced by others with A. C. E. , especially a few people having to return the replacement ECM to A. C. E. several times, and not getting any satisfaction, in combination with the fact it's not an American owned company, I bit the bullet and bought a ECM through my local dealer. $$$$$$. I felt it was better to spend the dollars, get a good ECM the 1st time around, rather than risk getting caught in an endless loop of returning a bad one to A. C. E. I'm glad I did, and happy to report that the ECM I purchased through my area dealer resolved my ECM issues with no problems or hitches.

Here is some information I discovered while researching A. C. E. that I found very useful, and you may too, it's lengthy but very well worth the read... ... be sure to scroll past the Dodge Questions box, rather than clicking on one of the links.

Dodge Questions - 2002 Dodge Cummins 6 speed I have had multiple ECM failures - JustAnswer

After purchasing my ECM, only reman'd ECMs are available by the way, I discovered this company... ..... Chrysler Parts Center - Call (800) 519-5279 for Genuine Dodge Parts, Genuine OEM Chrysler Parts and Accessories, Dodge Parts, Jeep Parts, Plymouth Parts, Eagle Parts

I registered, cost nothing and asked for a quote through their website on a ECM. They needed VIN and old ECM P/N to determine P/N needed and I received a quote of $786. 50, after exchange, for a reman'd unit. The P/N that comes up by using the website's search feature is a PCM. As stated, I had to e-mail and ask for a quote. Once received, the ECM has to be programmed/flashed by either a Dodge dealer or a Cummins facility.

As a side note, yes I did contact Cummins, in this case Cummins Midwest in Kearney, NE; and I received a quote of over $1300 for the ECM and $350 to program it. All replacement ECMs, regardless of source are generic ECMs, meaning they are blank, no software and have to be programmed for the specific truck involved. It is possible to buy a used ECM through a salvage outfit and use that. The hitch is that the ECM has to be VIN compatible in order to work properly, with no codes and software conflict issues. As long as a digit of the VIN from the donor truck matches your truck's VIN, it can be used. Sorry I don't know which digit of the VIN must be a match. It's mentioned in the justanswer link I posted above.

In hindsight, if I could do all this over again, I would have pursued finding a used ECM, VIN compatible, have my dealer reflash it to make sure it had the most current correct software, and keep on trucking. Barring that, I would buy from Chrysler Parts Center and have my dealer do the same install and programming as I did above. This post is not to say there is not a cheaper alternative source for a new reman'd ECM... ... ... ... . as stated, just my experience.

To close, I must say and include that Chip Fisher at Bluechip Diesel was very instrumental and informative in educating me about how to test and diagnose for a bad ECM, it was from him that I learned a compatible ECM could be used from another truck. Once again, my accolades to Chip!

For those that may wish to know exact $ figures for the route I went, cost of ECM, install and programming, PM me and I will be happy to provide the info.

Sorry for the length of this post, I hope you and others find it useful and you resolve your truck's issues.

 

[BDahm]

Wow great info to know, im looking into it now and really appreciate your inputs. Its great to learn from others who have been there done that especially with a dreaded issue like finding an ECM and not getting robbed or screwed. Ill keep u guys posted thanks- Bryan