Intermitent Stalling Issue
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: SC
Simple test to identify a bad PCM to resolve stalling/ hot PCM issue
I am one for not buying parts just to see if that may be the problem, never have been. I need to test & know a part is bad before I will go buy a new part. Between manuals, you tube, or right here in the forum, one can typically learn how to test about any part on an auto. If a part is made, there has to be a way to test it.
Back when I was having the intermitting start problem on my Durango that I got. It had been into Dodge dealership 5 different times for this issue with no results other than them installing parts, charging the previous Owner with no results, (She had all the receipts to show the dates & parts replaced.) She also took it to 3 or 4 other mechanics with the same reults, including one who cut out the breather box & mounted the PCM in there in hopes of keeping it cool to prevent stalling.
What I did was so simple, I do not understand why it is not a sticky or at least one of the times at the Dodge dealer, they did not do this very simple inspection.
I removed the PCM from the Durango, took it to my bench & removed the screws that holds the cover on it & sure enough once I opened it, I had no doubt I needed a new one.
Inside is full of a gel like substance & there was a line on one side that ran down to the bottom of the box & the entire bottom say 1 inch or so all the way across the bottom of the box, the gel had been melted, burned, whatever one wishes to call it.
I ordered a new PCM pre-programmed from the link provided here in the Forum & installed it & been driving it daily since. This has been at least 6 months with no issues what so ever.
Also while cleaning up my garage, (finally), I located a box of PCM's from different autos that I must have saved while parting them out. I opened the backs of a number of them & the gel in each looked brand new, & must be why I had saved them knowing they worked at the time.
I personally believe if one is having the stalling issue as described in this forum where a bag of ice helps a hot PCM, simply remove it, remove the screws holding the back cover on & inspect the condition of the gel.
If burnt, there will be no mistake the unit is bad. For a 5 minute task, as any will attest to that has dealt with this issue, not to mention the money they have spent, this is so worth the 5 minutes.
Back when I was having the intermitting start problem on my Durango that I got. It had been into Dodge dealership 5 different times for this issue with no results other than them installing parts, charging the previous Owner with no results, (She had all the receipts to show the dates & parts replaced.) She also took it to 3 or 4 other mechanics with the same reults, including one who cut out the breather box & mounted the PCM in there in hopes of keeping it cool to prevent stalling.
What I did was so simple, I do not understand why it is not a sticky or at least one of the times at the Dodge dealer, they did not do this very simple inspection.
I removed the PCM from the Durango, took it to my bench & removed the screws that holds the cover on it & sure enough once I opened it, I had no doubt I needed a new one.
Inside is full of a gel like substance & there was a line on one side that ran down to the bottom of the box & the entire bottom say 1 inch or so all the way across the bottom of the box, the gel had been melted, burned, whatever one wishes to call it.
I ordered a new PCM pre-programmed from the link provided here in the Forum & installed it & been driving it daily since. This has been at least 6 months with no issues what so ever.
Also while cleaning up my garage, (finally), I located a box of PCM's from different autos that I must have saved while parting them out. I opened the backs of a number of them & the gel in each looked brand new, & must be why I had saved them knowing they worked at the time.
I personally believe if one is having the stalling issue as described in this forum where a bag of ice helps a hot PCM, simply remove it, remove the screws holding the back cover on & inspect the condition of the gel.
If burnt, there will be no mistake the unit is bad. For a 5 minute task, as any will attest to that has dealt with this issue, not to mention the money they have spent, this is so worth the 5 minutes.