Howdy Ya'll. Wondering if someone might have a little guidance or suggestions.

I have a 1992 Dodge Dakota.
Two wheel drive.
3.9 V6.
AT.

Dead as a hammer. Won't run. Cranks. Here the fuel pump at the on position. Even smell gas some like an older one that's flooding. (Not that bad though.)

Doing some searching it was suggested to replace the Crank Position Sensor.
Done.

And check the wiring harness for splices & corrosion at splices.
Done.

Pulled a plug wire and installed a plug in it. Watched with someone cranking.
No Spark.

Repeated off the coil wire.
No Spark.

Self diagnostic code flashes 11.
11** Timing belt skipped 1 tooth or more from initial learned value, Intermittent loss of either camshaft or crankshaft position sensor, No crank reference signal detected during engine cranking (From 95318SLT. Thanks! I'm in N.C. too!)

No local recommended/independent Dodge specialists. Off to dealer.

They diagnose that the PCM needs to be replaced for a quoted price of "around $875.00. About $650.00 for the PCM and $225.00 for labor..."

No problem if this is the going rate. Everybody has to make a living. I'm pretty confident I can do it myself though.

Just curious is there a test to confirm PCM death?

Example: Hook a multi-meter to x wire and look for abc range. Or turn key, if check engine light present, PCM ok. etc. etc.

Wondering what is the confirmation that a PCM (or is it ECM?) has gone bad?

Other than the truck not running.....

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

Bump.

Any ideas or information?

Recommended computer replacement?

Is the original OEM even available from Chrysler? Or would they be using an aftermarket as well?

All ideas and/or information is appreciated.

Thanks.

 

First if the PCM is telling you code 11. Rest it and try to start it again. See if it comes back, if so then you got a timing chain/distributer problem.

Next the PCM can be bad and not dead, so it may work but not 100%. The only way to test is with a Dealer DRBII scan tool or most PCM re-builders have there own testers.

You can buy PCM's new and rebuilt for way cheaper. $200 or so. Go to www.autozone.com www.ebay.com Or even used some have 30 day warranty/guarantee, www.ebay.com or www.craigslist.org.

Heck you can buy a Mopar Performance PCM for $250 from www.summitracing.com

 

If it is the pcm, then I would go to the wreckers myself. They want you to go get new and will charge ALOT of it, though second hand does the same or better, I wouldn't spend more then 50 bucks for one, I have 3 pcm and it cost me about 40 all together all of them work, remember these trucks are old and not super super exotic or classy, they will be at the wreckers and you can find whatever you want for your truck there, so I suggest wrecker and installing them is pretty darn easy, 5 minute job.

 

junkyards and pullaparts is awesome for this kinda stuff and pullapart has cheap 30day warrentys...

 

Thanks everyone. I'll do some junkyard searching & phone calling tomorrow.

Much appreciated.

 

Another question:

Are the computers interchangeable for certain years? Would a 91, 93, 94 etc. work in my 92 if the drivetrain is the same?

Just wondering 'cause I might run into this when searching used.

Thanks.

 

92-93 Computers are the same and best. 94-95 are slightly different but can work. Ram and Dakotas will work, maybe van too. Make sure you get the same engine and drivetrain.

 

Thanks. Checked 5 salvage yards today. Found ONE. Only ONE computer that matched my specs. V6, AT, 2WD.

On another forum, someone that seems really knowledgeable posted that any computer from 92-95 will work provided that the same drivetrain is there.

Pretty sure he knows the changes made to the drivetrains through those years as well.

Can't say whether that is right or wrong, just posting what I read for information or discussion.

 

Update. Went to dealer to put on used computer. Got my old Dakota locked in the back lot and they decided to take this Saturday off. Try next week.

Just a statement:

Many good mechanics are underappreciated for all they have to know and the crazy-back-breaking positions they have to get in to make things work. Not to mention all of the $$$ tools they have to own.

But I have no idea why dealers want to hammer people on a repair like this. They want between $850.00 to $900.00 to replace the computer. (PCM) All my research indicates all dealers have to buy the same remanufactured computers that the DIY'ers would have too. A new original Mopar one is not available. The price range I find on the remanufactured ones is from $175.00 to $250.00. The labor a person has to do is remove 4 screw bolts. One holds the wiring harness. It's on the passenger fender. No laying, ramming your arm between things, grease, heat, or special tools. A 30 minute labor charge is generous.

So that's:

$200.00 PCM (Average Cost)
25% parts markup seems fair. Brings the PCM charge to $250.00.
1.5 Hours Labor @ $85.00/hr. $127.50. (Have to pay a diagnosis fee.)

CHARGES THAT SEEM REASONABLE:

PCM with markup: $250.00
Labor & Diagnosis: $127.50

TOTAL: $377.50

WHERE DOES THE OTHER $500.00 COME FROM? DO THEY HONESTLY FEEL THIS TO BE REASONABLE AND ETHICAL?