CPS failure symptoms? - Page 4

T Peterson · 08-26-2008, 09:21 PM

I understand now about the socket end of the harness, but don't really suspect wiring because it happens the scenario happens every single cold start. I'd take it to a dealer if I could find a good one, the in town will never see me again. Does it have to be a "Chrysler" scan tool?

Tom

JLandry · 08-26-2008, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T Peterson

Does it have to be a "Chrysler" scan tool?

From what I know of how code scanners work... you would indeed need the Chrysler DRBIII tool for this level of diagnostic work. A simple code scanner can only pick up data present on the OBDII data bus, and that wouldn't include the camshaft and crankshaft sensor inputs and outputs you're looking for. The DRBIII on the other hand is capable of reading all communications being sent over the CCD (Chrysler Collision Detection) bus, and it can send out signals over the CCD bus to control the various vehicle computers.

You can buy a used DRBIII on eBay starting at around $2000+.

Best regards,

John L.

T Peterson · 08-26-2008, 09:48 PM

YIKES! Never mind about buying one, I guess I'll have to bite the bullet and try the dealer in Temecula or if anybody knows of a good one close by, the one in Escondido is less than worthless for service. Thanks again, and when I find out what the culprit is I'll let ya'll know.

Tom

JLandry · 08-27-2008, 04:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T Peterson

YIKES! Never mind about buying one

What??? I thought every 2nd Gen 24v Dodge Cummins owner carries a DRBIII in his truck... along with a spare VP44, an ECM, and a PCM!

John L.

T Peterson · 10-01-2008, 05:13 PM

I thought I saw a link somewhere in this thread for a PCM source, maybe it was somewhere else but does anyone know of one? I'm taking it to the dealer soon for diagnosis only and want to be prepared when I get the "good" news. Thanks again for all the help.

Tom

JLandry · 10-01-2008, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T Peterson

I thought I saw a link somewhere in this thread for a PCM source, maybe it was somewhere else but does anyone know of one? I'm taking it to the dealer soon for diagnosis only and want to be prepared when I get the "good" news. Thanks again for all the help.

Tom,

The company is Auto Computer Exchange in Florida. Great folks to work with.

They sell a Dodge Ram PCM for $299 plus shipping charges. No core or exchange is needed. They also sell through eBay.

They'll need to know your truck's VIN and current mileage to program the PCM before shipping it out (or this can be done by anyone with a Chrysler DRBIII diagnostic tool).

Good luck,

John L.

T Peterson · 10-01-2008, 06:17 PM

Thanks again John, you've helped me so much.

Tom

BarryG · 10-01-2008, 07:21 PM

I am in the process of buying an ecm from auto computer exchange as we speak. Did some research on them they seem to be good to deal with. However the ecm they sent me the other day threw more codes than my existing bad one, it also was fairly dirty ie the plug connector had oily dirt on it so it hadnt seen a plug in some time. Didnt exactly give me the warm fuzzies but when I called them they said they would send another one right out. Waiting for it to get here hopefully the second works better. They were helpful and are doing/did what they can will see what happens.

Also as far as the drbIII tool, I'll have to admit I dont have one laying around as I should for just such occassions

but have recently seen several threads here and another site or two where you can rent them. Even renting them doesnt appear to be cheap but significantly cheaper than buying one.

T Peterson · 10-01-2008, 07:54 PM

Let us know how that works out for you. I keep waffling on whether or not to take to the dealer. By the time I rent a car and paying god knows how much for the diagnosis it will probably be just as much as an ECM. I know it could be a bad ground or connection of some sort. Tonight, I'll check the connections and everything else I can with the instructions John sent me and maybe just bite the bullet and go for it if I can't find anything else wrong, either way I'll post the good and the bad.

Tom

JLandry · 10-01-2008, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarryG

However the ecm they sent me the other day threw more codes than my existing bad one, it also was fairly dirty ie the plug connector had oily dirt on it so it hadnt seen a plug in some time.

Barry,

It's actually quite normal for the ECM to be loaded with stored trouble codes if it's been reflashed... especially so if it was reflashed on the bench (off the truck) using a PC as Auto Computer Exchange undoubtedly does. The following text is from Dodge service bulletin 18-033-04 regarding reprogramming the ECM:

NOTE: Due to the Cummins controller programming procedure, a DTC may be set in
other modules (PCM, TCM, BCM, MIC, SKIM, etc.) within the vehicle, if so
equipped. Some DTC’s may cause the MIL to illuminate. Check all modules
using “Module Scan”, record the DTC’s, and erase these DTC’s prior to
returning the vehicle to the customer. Erase any DTC’s in the PCM only after all
other modules have had their DTC’s erased.

So assuming there's otherwise nothing wrong with the ECM you receive, just clear the trouble codes after installation and see how it works.

Of course I'd be put off if I'd received a filthy ECM that was supposed to have been "rebuilt."

Best regards,

John L.

BarryG · 10-02-2008, 03:40 AM

John:
Truck would start but ran poorly. One of the issues was seriously dead pedal and was pretty much undriveable. One of the codes was an apps irrationality which would explain the new dead pedal issue another one was a 606 which is an internal ecm fault or something like that. However will heed your words when hooking it up.

This evening UPS dropped off the new one so they did send one out right away. Hopefully I can get it up to my truck tommorrow. This one looks much better at least on the outside.

JLandry · 10-02-2008, 03:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarryG

One of the codes was an apps irrationality which would explain the new dead pedal issue...

Barry,

The very first thing to do after installing the replacement ECM is the APPS reset procedure. The ECM could have retained the APPS settings from the previous vehicle. Reset procedure: Turn ignition on to run position, slowly depress accelerator to floor, slowly release, then turn ignition off. Next clear all the DTC's. Some DTC's may persist until the truck is driven enough.

Wishing you success!

John L.

T Peterson · 10-02-2008, 07:52 PM

Barry,
I called the folks that sell the reman PCM and they are quoting more than there website advertises, could you PM me and let me know what you paid? Our trucks are same year except for the back brakes.

Thanks, Tom

JLandry · 10-02-2008, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T Peterson

Barry,
I called the folks that sell the reman PCM and they are quoting more than there website advertises...

Tom,

Check eBay... Auto Computer Exchange sells there too and items they list on eBay should be the same price as their web page. If you order it through eBay, they have to honor the listed price and you have some recourse in the unlikely event they didn't hold up their end of the transaction. Also, pay with a credit card (if you can) for even more leverage should things go wrong.

Good luck,

John L.

BarryG · 10-02-2008, 11:21 PM

Received my next ecm put it in and all seems well so far. Only about 60 miles on it so far but no codes and runs fine. Hopefully this solves my issue. Have to take a nice long roadtrip with trailer in tow this weekend probably find out then if it is really solved or not.