2002 - Shorted out wiring harness equals grounded PCM equals $3,000

[Joe Fred]

2002 Grand Caravan 3.3L 86,000 miles, broke down on interstate during evening rush hour and a steady rain. Had lights, but absolutely no power. Attempted jump start to no avail. Was towed to the local Dodge dealership. Was told the powertrain control module (PCM) had grounded out. A replacement was ordered. Was later told that when they installed the new PCM, it also grounded out immediately. They determined both PCMs failed due to the main wiring harness having shorted out. The main wiring harness was replaced and the second new PCM installed. Problem solved for as mere $3,000+. Of that, the harness cost $1,500 and 5 hours of labor was charged for replacing it. The company I have an extended warranty with does not want to cover all the expense. Their ASE Certified Technician is contending that if one of THEIR people had been given the opportunity to inspect the vehicle before the repair, they may have determined it wasn’t necessary to replace the ENTIRE main wiring harness. Would that have been a possibility? If so, would there likely have been considerable less cost? Joe Fred

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[master tech]

Did the service tech that looked at the van find the shorted wires and attempted to repair the wires. Or just said you needed to replace the harness? If the dealer made the attempt to repair the wires 1st, then the extended may have covered. Pictures are always good too.