93 Dakota 5.2L LE needs an ECM
#11
Well, I broke down and ordered the ECM/PCM from an EBay source. Used but with the standard 30 day return policy. Haven't got it yet but will post results when I do. My current plan is if the replacement works I will then send my original computer in somewhere for repair and keep it as a backup. Anyone have a "good" experience with one of the rebuilders?
Here is another thing to consider if you get yours rebuilt. You wont know if it works properly unless you install it back in your truck and try it. I would recommend doing that. Fortunately it is not hard to swap out PCMs. Just go easy on that plug and harness. Lots of wires jammed in there.
I will give you the name of the place I had look at my PCM. Because it could not be fixed, I ended up buying another PCM from them. The first one they sent did not work at all. Truck would not even start. The second one they sent worked perfectly fine except the voltage regulator in it did not work so I bypassed it with an external voltage regulator. I actually prefer the external anyway. The company offered to have me send it back and they would replace it with another one. I declined and kept the second one. It's still in my truck and working fine. The guy I spoke with (Adam) wasn't the most charming fella around but he wasn't bad either. He took my calls and kept working with me until I was satisfied so there's that. Just be sure you understand all the terms before selecting a rebuilder. Your call.
Module Experts
Jacksonville, FL.
https://moduleexperts.com/
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tndakman (06-26-2024)
#12
Thanks for the reference Bronze. I did receive the ECM this afternoon and installed it almost immediately. Fired right up, let it run for a few minutes then drove it around the neighborhood for a few miles to let the electronics warm up a bit. No problems so far. I may have lucked out on the used computer. Now to try and get the original one repaired. If it is repairable I will probably install it again and shelve the ebay computer as the spare. Now I guess she deserves a full tuneup and fluids change. This trucks been super dependable and I'm hoping it keeps going for a lot longer. I love my Dakota!
#13
Thanks for the reference Bronze. I did receive the ECM this afternoon and installed it almost immediately. Fired right up, let it run for a few minutes then drove it around the neighborhood for a few miles to let the electronics warm up a bit. No problems so far. I may have lucked out on the used computer. Now to try and get the original one repaired. If it is repairable I will probably install it again and shelve the ebay computer as the spare. Now I guess she deserves a full tuneup and fluids change. This trucks been super dependable and I'm hoping it keeps going for a lot longer. I love my Dakota!
#14
OK guys. My ECM smoked on me the other day. I've been looking for a replacement for it for several days with no luck. Part # is 56027848. The only ones I can find are for the 4cyl and 6cyl models. The 318 must have been either very popular, or hard on ECMs. Mine has lasted all 31 years till now. Most reconditioning shops I have checked have quit doing ODB1 modules or the don't have 56027848 available. I'm trying to avoid the ones that require you send in your core to be refurbished and sent back to you. Got burned on that method a few years back on a Ram pickup. Has anyone replaced their ECM and know of a source?
nah no joke on my 93’ Dakota v8 my ECM started smoking and died on me, I’m trying to find one as well.
also if anyone finds one it’d be really nice to know, I’m 17 and my grandfather gave me that truck before he passed not to mention it’s my only vehicle so I gotta get it fixed. Anything helps Yknow.
Last edited by Bigdudelittletruck; 08-12-2024 at 04:36 AM.