Can I put a used Powertrain Control Module in??

1995 DODGE STRATUS
200,000 MILES • 4 CYL • AUTOMATIC
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BUDDHALUV79
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I took my car to a mechanic after it just stopped running. Did Trouble shooting on all the fuses, relay switches, etc. The mechanic informed me that my Powertrain Control Module had gone out. I have talked to a few people and some say that I will have to purchase a new one. Others say I can find a used one but will have to have it "flashed" and re-programmed in order for it to work (even if it comes from the same vehicle). And then someone else told me that if it was the same part that I would not have to have it programmed or "flashed." I also was told I could take mine that was bad and have it re-programmed to work.

My questions are: Can I go find a used one and put it in the car and it will run? Or if I do find a used one, do I have to have it re-programmed?

Can I just have my old one re-programmed?

Or is my only option to buy a new one that is already programmed?

Any info would be greatly appreciated!!
Thank you!

Nov 3, 2011 at 3:33 PM
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DOCFIXIT
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Very unlikely PCM has failed not common . Is there spark at plugs? fuel pressure good?
Nov 3, 2011 at 4:15 PM
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BUDDHALUV79
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This is a post I posted earlier and this is what happened:

“I was driving my car to work and it died. It started back up and did fine. When I got to work and parked, and turned the car off, I tried to turn it back on and it would not start. It makes the "rrrrr, rrrrrr, rrrrrr" sound, it just won't start. I checked to see if I heard the fuel pump kicking on and did not, so I assumed my fuel pump was out. I dropped the gas tank and got to the fuel pump and it was NOT kicking on. However, I had the fuel pump tested and it is good. My problem is that the electrical connector that you plug the fuel pump into under the seats, is not putting out any electric, therefore, not kicking the pump on. The only thing that anyone has told me it may be is the ASD relay switch...but I have checked it and switched it with another switch and it is good. I was also told to try the crank shaft sensor and/or the------ but both of those are ok as well. Also, I am not getting any spark when I try to start the car, but was also told that the ASD relay switch would stop spark too.

I have been looking in the Hayne's repair manual and it states that the terminal in the PDC that corresponds with terminal 30 of the ASD Relay should have voltage present at all times (even with the key off), and it does. But it also says that the terminal in the PDC that corresponds with terminal 86 on the ASD relay should have voltage ONLY with the ignition key turned to the "On" position. But I tested it and it not only has voltage with the key "On" but when the key is "Off" as well. Could that be a problem??”

I tried all the relays, fuses, etc. I also tried to get codes, but no codes were coming up…it wasn’t being read for some reason. That is when I took it to a mechanic and he said that the PCM was out...

???????

It would be awesome if that was NOT the problem but I don’t know what else to do or check…

Thanks so much for the help!!
Nov 3, 2011 at 4:41 PM
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DOCFIXIT
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Yes both terminals hot all the time. does relay click when key is turned on? see diagram of relay cavity terminals if relay marked 30 & 86 will be 91 & 97. jumper fron 97 to 86 try and start
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Nov 3, 2011 at 5:29 PM
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BUDDHALUV79
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will try it as soon as i get home and let you know what happens...thanks so much
Nov 3, 2011 at 5:51 PM
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DOCFIXIT
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O.K.
Nov 3, 2011 at 6:07 PM
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JBLECK
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I hope I am doing this in the correct forum, but when I came across this guys problem with his car I was curious about what your diagnosis was since I am having the same problem with my 1998 Dodge Stratus 2.5L V6. So what I gather by your response is that both terminals running hot all the time could be why the car would crank over but will not start. I have checked all the fuses, replaced the distributor and crankshaft position sensor and still nothing. I am not getting a click when the key is in ON position at the relay. Can you please elaborate on your response of what is needed to correct the problem, I am unsure what it is you are suggesting he do.

Also, the fuse box on PCM location no. 1 fuse has no voltage in the ON or OFF position is the normal? I would really appreciate your expertise.
Feb 16, 2013 at 4:59 AM