in their own little worlds it is. i went to a trusted mechanic for my new(ish) car for the price of an o2 sensor. $99 just for the sensor when i can get that sensor for $50 at the same place that they get it from... they asked me if i wanted them to fix it, my response, "to hell with that! i can get the same damn sensor for $40-$50 cheaper and install it myself"...the look on the guy's face...absolutely amazing...lol

i never trust stealerships unless its for parts that i can't get anywhere and don't like used.

 

lol thats grand! and I know I'd say the same. I go to a local shop where were on a first name basis and theyve even done free stuff for me or just for cheap since I'm a regular. I've only been to the dealership for an oil change, build sheet, or just to ask a question or pick up the books on the new vehicles lol

 

UPDATE:

In case anyone is interested....(irritating to me sometimes when nobody posts back results)

Truck has been at the dealers in the "limbo" section of the parking lot. Haven't been able to get over there.

Anyway, took the PCM I bought from the salvage yard ($80.00 with tax. Maybe high? All I could find....) there. Disconnected the battery cable, did the power down for the old PCM and the new one just in case.

Hit the switch.....nothing. Not even a turnover. WTF!?!? Disconnected & reconnected the battery cable and.......she fired.

The Rattler runs again! I call it the Rattler 'cause something is always rattlin' on it that can't be found.

Runs better than it ever did before.

Just to recap:

The local Dodge dealer wanted $200.00+ in labor to replace it.
$650.00+- for the PCM. I understand that's for an aftermarket & possibly "remanufactured" unit.

I won't lie to you for any reason. I replaced this PCM in under 4 minutes.
1/2" socket for the battery cable.
5/16" nut driver I keep in my Makita impact driver.

Old one off, new one on. "That'll be $200.00...."

Too bad some dealers operate this way. I really do think a good mechanic is deserving of a good salary and am willing to pay them. These dealers take work from them in my opinion.

Anyway.....IT.....IS.....ALIVE!!!!!

 

Cool! I'm glad you got it. When they quoted you they didn't know where it was. Most PCM's are under the dash, which requires $200 worth of labor.

 

I'm pretty sure they did know where it was. I did pay them a diagnostic fee. They gave me the quote, I did some research here, and told them to just park it out back and I would probably have it towed.

When I got there I popped the hood, the aircleaner and tubes connected to it where missing, the lid off of the "fuse box" was off laying on the engine, and a shop rag near the hood latch.

I can't see how they wouldn't know where it was to tell you the truth.

Anyway, I forgot to say thanks to you, others that posted in this thread, and the other threads I've researched on this forum.

Thanks.

 

Another thing to consider is how much of that money they wanted actually goes to the guy doing the work. I've only worked in a Sears garage, so hopefully real mechanics have it better, but over there, Mech.'s got a bare fraction of what the store was charging for the repair. OTH, maybe they both are getting an inflated profit! lol

 

Thought I should update here. The Dakota is down again.

See this thread. https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...ead-again.html

I could be wrong but I don't think the used PCM, and/or perhaps the old PCM, is causing my issue in the thread above.

Have to do some more studying. Thanks to all that continue to try and help.

 

Not sure what part of the country in which you reside. O'Reilly parts stores sells rebuilt PCM's for approximately $150.00, plus they come with a lifetime warranty. I replaced my PCM about three years. One of the easiest repairs I have ever done. My Dakota is a 1992 3.9L V6.

 

Thanks. I will check with them tomorrow. I have been warned by many to stay away from A1Cardone remanufactured PCM's for what it's worth.

Thanks again.

 

The unit I installed is a Cardone product. No problem after three years of operation.