PCM replacement instructions please with location?

please disconnect the battery before you begin here are the instructions on how to change out the PCM in the diagrams below. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

does anyone know where powertrain control module is located?

Its on right rear of engine compartment next to the firewall. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

How do you reset pcm on a 02 dodge ram 1500, 5.9L? after putting a used one on?

What are you trying to reset? The fuel trim numbers and "minimum throttle" will be erased as soon as the battery or computer is disconnected. If your truck has the factory anti-theft system, any Engine Computer should work. If it doesn't have that system, you need a computer that does not have that programming. That presents a big problem on some car models but I haven't heard of people running into that problem with the trucks so that warning might not apply here.

What does the PCM look like and where is it located?

The PCM is located behind the engine in the engine compartment. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed. Cheers

Hey all, so turns out my truck listed above 1500 needs a new PCM which leads me to a problem. i can't find any good accurate information on how to install the new computer once i get it. i don't want to get one of those online jobs where they charge hundreds for a junk yard special that are supposed to be re-manufactured even if it is "plug and play" I would prefer a good quality unit from Cardone for example but apparently they are not ready to drop in, says on their website it has to be programmed, if i install the new one myself how do i program the thing?
I can't have my truck down for a month and can't afford the $100.00 an hour for a dealer mechanic so I'm at a loss. can't i just drop a new PCM in and call it good?
Could really use an assist I'm still new to these new fangled computerized vehicles. man I miss my carburetor! Thanks!

You are correct that when you get one that has not been programmed they will need to be done but with a proper scan tool. I attached the process on how to do this.

The VIN and mileage needs to be programmed into it and then the secret key information will need to be transferred so if you ever need to replace a SKIM module you will not have to replace the PCM again with it.

I attached the info from the manual. Let me know if you have questions.

Hello, I'm Danny.

Unfortunately, I doesn't work that way. When you purchase a new or used PCM it has to be programmed to your specific vehicle.Your VIN -vehicle identification number is used to load all your trucks info to be compatible.Once the PCM is flashed with the information it is then plug-n-play. Let me know if you have any further questions about your PCM issue.Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.

Hey Danny , i had a feeling you were going to say that, now i really have no idea what to do but thanks for the reply just the same.
I think if the only option is to take it to a shop to have them do the work well i think I'd just as soon get rid of this computerized pos and get an old truck that's s in decent shape!
I can't afford to spend a grand or more on this stupid truck.

Hey KASEKENNY1 thanks for the reply, I think I'll get rid of this computerized pile of junk if i have to spend thousands to fix it. thanks for the info want to buy a truck?

Hello again.

The last time I had a neighbors Dodge Durango's PCM re-flashed the whole process was only $250.00. He sent is old one as a core and they mailed him the refurbished and it was them plug-n-play.Can't remember the name but the company was in Florida. I'm sure you can find a good deal online these days.Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-

Hey Danny ,thanks again for the reply, there's one outfit in Florida that I found https://www.solopcms.com.
Not sure if that's the place you went with but i might consider them if i can confirm that they actually re-manufacture PCM's IE replace all old internal components and reseal.
I've worked for several auto parts companies and the garbage some companies pass off as re-manufactured is mind boggling, most companies won't replace a worn component if it's s still within "tolerance", that's not what i consider re-manufactured, any part that can wear out like a bearing or seal or relay for example should be replaced and some companies do depending on the component but not all of them do that.
Cardone has a rep not perfect but good the companies selling these re-manufactured PCM's online I'm not so sure I've read reviews and BBB complaints but I'm skiddish about them, most of them have a less than stellar reputation, this sucks for sure!

Hello again.

Yes, I know what you mean about sub-par rebuilds. I'm lucky that in my 30 + years as a mechanic I've only got a bad one once.As far as that outfit in Florida I'm not sure of the name as it was like 7-8 years ago. I guess you should just contact a company you want to go with and find out what all work they perform but most important what there warranty or guarantee covers.Let us know how things turn out.Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-

That is lucky, better knock wood! It's looking like I'm gonna have to either wing it, I'll let you know how it goes, who knows maybe I'll sell it.

Thanks again.

You're welcome!

Yes, let us know what route you choose.Good luck and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-

I have a truck that has a bad ECM, I want to go buy another one but the problem is that there is no computer number on the truck, so I am not sure what the serial for the computer is. is there any possible way to get this number without the computer? Because I cannot even get into it with a scanner I have, so I cannot get into the trucks information, and I need the number to be able to get another one, thanks.

There should be a part number on the computer itself have you looked there yet?

Also usually you can just get a computer by application.

There is nothing on the computer itself, I mistyped. I am not sure if their is a number on the truck or not, just that there is nothing on the computer.

The dealer could use the VIN number to help find the correct computer. Otherwise look on rock auto dot com by application they should have one on there.

Could I call them and ask? I got into the website and couldn't seem to find the computer, I searched in every possible category and it isn't there....

Excuse me for butting in. Saturntech9 is right. You're making this way too difficult. Visit any salvage yard and ask for a computer for a 2001 truck with a 318 c.i. and automatic transmission. Since your old one doesn't have a sticker, it most likely was a rebuilt unit that had a rebuilder's sticker taped on, and that fell off. The part number on that paper would be different than the original number anyway.

These computers have an extremely low failure rate. You never listed the problem you're trying to solve. About 90 percent of the time when people don't do that, it turns out to not be a computer problem.

I've already gone to a salvage yard and bought multiple computers where they indicate it's for this engine and trans, but no they don't work, on the original the gas pump doesn't work and I can't use a scanner to get into the system, I put in another computer and the pump works, but then the injectors don't get any pulse, and still can't get any communication with the ecm....if it wasn't the computer the pump wouldnt work on either of the two computers, and it would be the obd fuse that isn't working but the fuses are all good, triple checked them all, under hood and inside, I just want to find out the computer number that's all..

I'm not following your logic, but I get the feeling you're looking in the wrong direction. You haven't mentioned anything about spark. Too many people get hung up on the first thing they find missing, which for some reason seems to be the fuel pump, then they waste their time and money in that system. You also have to check for spark. The hardest thing to check for quickly is injector pulses so we don't look at that.

If you've already gone through multiple computers, at some point it should dawn on you that isn't the cause of the problem. The best place to start is by checking if the automatic shutdown, (ASD) relay is turning on. Look for the wire that is the same color at every injector and at the ignition coil. On cars that is dark green / orange. I'm not sure if it's that color on the trucks. Probe that with a test light. You can also probe either of the smaller terminals on the back of the alternator if that is easier. Digital voltmeters usually don't respond fast enough for this.

You should see the test light light up for one second when you turn on the ignition switch. If it does, the ASD circuit is working and the computer has control of it. You should also hear the fuel pump hum for that one second. What is important is that relay must turn on again during engine rotation, (cranking or running). If it does not, suspect a failed crankshaft position sensor or camshaft position sensor.

If the ASD relay never turns on, suspect a problem in one of the 12 volt feed circuits to the Engine Computer. That can also cause a loss of communication with the scanner. Typically there are four 12 volt feeds, but that fourth one shows up from the ASD relay to verify it turned on when the computer requested it to. There should be one feed wire that has 12 volts all the time, and one that has 12 volts only when the ignition switch is on. There's a third one that is used mainly for the voltage regulator. I can't remember where it comes from, but I think the engine would still run if that one is missing.

If you need help with the wire colors or terminal numbers, one of us will dig up a wiring diagram and find them for you.

I recently wrecked my truck, it was collided with another car on the driver side.Truck wouldn't start, took it to a mechanic they replaced the PCM and a new crankshaft sensor. The day i picked the truck up from the shop, it randomly shuts off, will crank but no start, with the oil light on the dash. Fast forward the truck had its PCM replaced for the second time, which i thought was a relief because it started. Now today the same thing happened, driving out of my neighborhood, the truck randomly shuts off, steering locked, but lights and radio still working. Tired of putting money into this truck when it keeps doing the same thing. Anything helps, let me know your thoughts on this problem.

Hello,

It sounds like the ASD relay is failing. here is a guide and the relay location so you can run a test to confirm the failure:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

See if the relay gets hot as well sure sign its going out. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.