Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) PCM replaced for no reason?

[Thomas 01]

I have a cold start problem. 50ish or less outside. I start the truck and it runs for appoximately 2 minutes, stumbles and dies. If it dies it is hell to start. If I'm in it and I catch it stumbling I have to keep the tach at 1200 or more to keep it running. After it warms up it's fine. The first visit I was told that the PCM is not putting out a voltage (not sure which). I paid $788 and the next morning it did it again. This time I took it back and they are telling me that the Fuel heater is at fault. My question is if the fuel heater tells the computer to put out said missing voltage and if so can I get documentation to hit the dodge dealer with? I raised hell and so far they are fixing it for free and covering my rental car. If $788 was spent unnecessarily, I would like to see about getting my money back or at least some credit for further repairs or ??? The Forums opinion is greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Steve

 

[BWilson]

There are many members who will know a lot more about this than me, but here's my $. 02 worth... ...



I wouldn't call 50 degrees cold. I would actually be surprised if the fuel heater actually kicks on at that temp. As for the engine dying after it has been running, it sounds like you have a fuel leak some where. Does it smooth out? Might also be a lift pump issue. It could be a number of things, but I am pretty da#$ sure it's NOT the PCM.

 

[Thomas 01]

The manual says; "When the fuel temperature is below 40 degrees F, the sensor allows current to flow to the built-in heater element to warm the fuel. When the fuel temperature is above 80 degrees F, the sensor stops current flow to the heater element (circuit is open). Voltage to operate the fuel heater element is supplied from the ignition switch, through the fuel heater relay, to the fuel temperature sensor and on to the fuel heater element. "

$788 is a decent amount of money that could go towards Christmas instead of unnecessary repairs. I need proof to hit the Dodge dealer with.

Thanks again,

Steve

 

[Dane]

Steve,

Sorry to hear of your trouble at the dealer. The mechanic and service manage should be fired on the spot for changing such an expensive part without verifying it was the problem/solution.



Stories like this chap my hide!



Any service tech who thinks they are worth half what they are paid would know to reproduce the problem first using cold spray and then verify the fix using cold spray again.



There are way too many goons posing as "qualified" service techs working on our trucks imo.



Yes, problems like yours can be real hard to isolate, but thats NO EXCUSE for the way they stole your money.



I would to speak with the general manager and demand satisfaction or get your money back. When they change a part that does not fix the problem you cannot be charged for it. If they don't agree let a judge in court decide.



OK, I feel better now...

 

[Reb.B]

well, it PCM is probably not bad, but i can see their logic. The grid heater was probably shorting and showing low voltage and the PCM does control voltage output. They should have diagnosed it a lttle further. Usually when the pcm goes it goes, the a/c doesn't work, the transmission will be stuck in third gear, the tack won't work, couple other tell tale things that the PCM controlls. Oh well, at least they got u back going. Maybe they will buy the PCM back, . . good luck

 

[SEmerson]

At 50 you would start fine with no heaters. And if it started if wouldnt die. The hard part was the first fire up. Sounds like a leak somewhere. Or maybe bad fuel pressure.

 

[rjones]

Originally posted by Dane

Steve,

Sorry to hear of your trouble at the dealer. The mechanic and service manage should be fired on the spot for changing such an expensive part without verifying it was the problem/solution.



Stories like this chap my hide!



Any service tech who thinks they are worth half what they are paid would know to reproduce the problem first using cold spray and then verify the fix using cold spray again.



There are way too many goons posing as "qualified" service techs working on our trucks imo.



Yes, problems like yours can be real hard to isolate, but thats NO EXCUSE for the way they stole your money.



I would to speak with the general manager and demand satisfaction or get your money back. When they change a part that does not fix the problem you cannot be charged for it. If they don't agree let a judge in court decide.



OK, I feel better now...

BOY I feel better too!!!!!!

 

[Dan_69GTX]

You probably got ripped!!



On a 12V the computer does NOTHING as far as getting the engine to run.



At 50 degrees you do not need anything the computer controls. (those mentioned in a previous post as to what might go wrong).



You are correct on the fuel heater - it should not work above 40* - unless - it turned itself on because it WAS below 40 - then it won't go off until the fuel reaches 60*.



I'd gripe!! - you have a fuel leak - have you checked the fuel return hose?



Good luck - please keep us posted as what resolution has occured from the dealer as well as what problem was found.



Dan

 

[1tuffram]

I agree that you got taken as a result of poor diagnostic skills. Unfortunately it is pretty much a "known" in the auto parts industry there is a no return / no refund policy for electrical components once used. Take it to the service manager and/or dealership owner. If that gets ya no where, then maybe a call to your locate Better Business Bureau can help clear matters up.



It's things like this that give stealers such a bad reputation.

 

[ddutil]

Steve, I have the same problem. I'm going to the Cummins shop monday, and will keep you posted on what they find. Dan