PCM / ECM SWAP Compatibility

[DodgeTx]

Howdy!

My 2000 dodge ram 1500 automatic lowered ram is giving me trouble again. It is randomly dying and stalling in bad places. All it will do is endless crank when it chooses to die, then randomly it will start again. As some of you know, my grandparents drive this truck. Needless to say I cant have a 70 year old man dying in the middle of the road night or day.

It did this to me in 2012 when I used it for local hotshot deliveries with no bus error. Ended up being the PCM bought a refurb one, have no records for it now. Fixed everything when the new one came in.

My question, will any 1996-2001 5.9l v8 pcm swap over no problem? Or must it be vin coded? Tried the one from my 1999 4x4 2500 5.9l v8 automatic flatbed. It started ran drove, but eventually gave no bus. Must it be exact same year or is the vin coding my issue?

 

[dudeman2009]

The 00-01 will swap in no problem. 998-99 I think were slightly different but should still work just fine.

However, before you do that, try changing the crank sensor. Crank no start is usually a crank sensor or fuel system issue.

 

[DodgeTx]

I did pull one time a P0320 with the key on off cycle test, which leads to crank sensor. I replaced that at the time of computer replacement (few weeks earlier actually) it did not fix the problem. Found the original sales PO email for PCM replacement, going to touch base with them in the am, may try a 2000 model pcm from local parts yard.

 

[dudeman2009]

I did pull one time a P0320 with the key on off cycle test, which leads to crank sensor. I replaced that at the time of computer replacement (few weeks earlier actually) it did not fix the problem. Found the original sales PO email for PCM replacement, going to touch base with them in the am, may try a 2000 model pcm from local parts yard.

It's worth a shot, in the end if you've already replaced this PCM it should not have gone bad so fast, you may have another issue that is frying PCMs.

 

[jlbayes]

Check the alternator for excessive ac voltage output. Have a ton of issues in the diesel world with this, kills the ecm long before the pcm.

 

[DodgeTx]

Called the support team at computer exchange they informed me, $229 for a new one at $20 off. No honor on the warranty. I will try to check the alternator.

Does anyone know if a 5.9l v8 pcm from a durango will work?

 

[SportRam00]

I tried a PCM out of a 5.9 Durango. The truck started and then shut off after a few seconds. I think the PCM I tried was security enabled. But, I think it would have worked fine if not for that.

Have you tried pushing on the plug closest to the engine after the truck stalls? I was able to get mine to start doing this. This then lead me to opening up the PCM and probing the board. The step-up transformer (red rectangle thing) had broken solder joints on the posts. Real easy fix to re-solder since its on the front of the board.

Might save you a couple of bucks and time to poke around the pcm a little to see if the truck will fire.

 

[mjmplus]

What or where would i find interchange parts list for a 2002 dodge ram 2500 5.9L 4x4 auto ECM part number P56040206AC

 

[DodgeTx]

All parts from a 1500 5.9l v8 4x4 will swap with yours with the exception of brake components and axles tires etc.

 

[mjmplus]

thanks

 

[DodgeTx]

to clarify, it would need to be the same newer 2nd gen ram 98.5+ or even 2000+ for some items. Computer would be best to get an 01 or 02 from a company programmed to vin.