2016 tradesman eco

[elyrain]

About two years ago, 85k miles, I got the disco dashboard of transmission needs service, put in park immediately, trailer brakes need service, tmps low, electronic throttle issues, ect...

cleared the codes so I could drive home.

The dealer said it was a bad ground, replaced the pcm for 1100$ This fixed the issue.

Since then the truck has been mostly fine aside from all the recalls.

Until a few months ago, at 105k it started as the tmps going off randomly every few minutes, just a quick ding and a flash then it was gone, tires are fine. Brought to dealer, $160 later nothing is wrong with the truck, OK.

Couple weeks later (probably 500 miles, I don't drive it much) it's evolved into the same disco dashboard problem as before and I'm pretty much done with this truck.

I would really like to think the dealer would take care of this issue because this is the second time, within 20k miles, but I doubt it'll be under warranty.

My question is can I buy a pcm off ebay and just throw it in for $400, or does it need to be programmed? Or should I just try and buy a used tuned pcm? Anything then giving the dealer another $1100. I'm in cali so the emissions stays on for smog.

TIA

 

[PoMansRam]

I really doubt it's the PCM and probably wasn't the first time unfortunately.

Could be as simple as low system voltage from a weak or failing battery or alternator, or some other electrical component pulling system voltage too low at times.

First thing I'd try when it's acting up is measure voltage across the battery with a volt meter with the truck idling. It should be around 14VDC. Anything less will cause weird issues like you describe.

It could be a grounding problem too, but I see you live in CA, so I'm assuming rust/corrosion isn't much of an issue like it is for me in the rust belt.