Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Pcm Replacement

[GCrowl]

For many weeks I have been pulling my hair out trying to determine the cause of my 1995 CTD's erratic behavior. The Truck has always been a dependable workhorse, but since it passed the 265,000 mile mark it has been nothing but problems. At first it was the torque convertor lockup problem, even after a TPS (and proper adjustments). Then the tach started operating intermittently, followed by alternator over and undercharging, with simultaneous air conditioner and overdrive failure.



Everthing worked perfect in the morning, but would start to go haywire in the afternoon (when temp > 75F). To narrow down the problem, and to help rule out other contributing causes, I removed the PCM and cooled it down in the refrigerator. Then I plugged it back in and used a heat gun to apply heat only to the PCM. The system worked perfectly when cold, but, within a few minutes, the tach failed and the overdrive light became non operational. The voltmeter also went from dead center (14 v) to ~12 volts (no charging condition). I repeated this experiment again, to rule out random error - Same result.



I think this conclusively narrows the problem to the PCM.



I have seen some posting about $100 - $200 PCMs from Longhorn Dodge. I called them today (3/15) and they said their price is $462. 00. I have also seen some posting about NAPA rebuilts. Our local NAPA store does not even show a listing.



Does anyone have some reliable input on availability and price of the PCM for a 1995 CTD, Auto Trans (dealer or aftermarket)? My dealer only lists remanufactured units - is a new one available anywhere? And finally, can I install the (new or rebuilt) PCM without having to pay the dealer to reflash the it.



Thanks

 

[y-knot]

If it were me, I would go to Dodge and get there replacement. Why screew around with the uncertainy of sub-par equipment? Do it once and do it right. Also it there is any doubt in your mind about your ability to do the job right, take it in and get it done.

 

[Andy Redmond]

Yes they are available in the aftermarket world for less than Dodge $350ish.



You should have a plug and play scenario with no flash needed provided you replace it with the correct pcm.



Have you tried bone/wrecking yards? 94-95 s/b interchangable on either year and 96-97 should interchange as well.



I believe 96 was the transmission switch from the 47RH to the 47RE and thus a different PCM, my friend inarush76 (the DTT transmission guru in Texas) can probably hook you up with advice and a great deal should you spring for a replacement.



Good luck

Andy

 

[krs]

Gcrowl,

I've got a feeling that the $462. price was an error but don't have proof. It's the retail price for a '95 ECM in a 2500 with 5. 2 gas engine. Just seems too coincidental.

In any case, try giving these people a call:http://www.trademotion.com/partloca...8&model=Ram 2500 pickup&year=1995&catalogid=1 (you can go from this linked page to the home page. They are a discount selling Dodge dealer who will ship parts by mail. I don't find a price for your PCM but that usually means only that they don't carry it in stock even though it's available through them. You'll have to contact them for price and availability.



By the way, the dealers will look up the part by going into 'drivetrain' then finding the listing of an ECM in that subdivision. This just means that sometimes parts people speak in different tongues than we do.

 

[jimk]

95

I think that there is two different PMC that can be used on a 95 and the best one for my truck ( automatic) will give you a higher,rpm, lockup on the converter. That is the pmc that I would use for a automatic. jimk

 

[y-knot]

Your trade motion is a good choice, but I have ordered several item thru Tenafly and he had the best pricing. Good Luck

www.tenaflyjeepmoparparts.com

 

[krs]

errr, ynot... ... ..... the trademotion link IS tenafly. It's the page for '95 parts.

 

[y-knot]

see... . i told you it was good.



There are two pcm's listed... . auto and manual

 

[GCrowl]

Thanks a bunch for the tenafly link. With as many miles as I have on the truck I'm sure it will help bridge the gap between 265K and 300K miles.

 

[GCrowl]

Just a final follow-up to this thread. I was able to use the Tenafly 30% dicount printout to talk my local dealer (Banning CA) to discount the PCM from $462. 00 to $397. 00, without the hassle of waiting for delivery. With the new PCM installed, the truck now has 4th gear, torque converter lockup, a working tach, alternator functionality, and air conditioning. In addition, the TC lockup/ unlock craziness is gone. My previous purchase of the TPS and Shrendon's $30. 00 cure-all kit (a piece of wire) was totally unneccesary. I am a happy Dodge Owner again - headed for 300K miles (if the original automatic trans stays intact).