I have a 2002 Dakota v8 with a bad engine - will a engine from a 2000 Dakota work in it? Thanks!

 

Welcome to the forum Gerald.

Which engine?

If it's the 4.7 then you need to be careful of the tone rings. They should both use the JTEC (3 connector) PCM but there is a chance that the '02 is using the NGK (4 connector) PCM. If so, they are not compatible without changing tone rings.

As long as you verify you have a 3 prong PCM in the '02 you are good to go. Use the sensors from the '02.

 

Yea it's the 4.7 so what all sensors would I have to swap over? Basically the whole wiring harness?

 

Use the '02 harness and the '02 sensors, temp, oil, etc. on the '00 engine.

 

Ok thanks!!

 

Confirm that the 2002 is a 3 plug PCM BEFORE proceeding! The 4.7 in the 2000 will NOT work if the 2002 is a 4 plug PCM.

 

Even if I swap over the sensors and stuff?

 

YES!

Inside the engine and on the camshaft are "tone rings." They control fuel sync and ignition timing. Your '02 should have a 3 prong PCM, most did, but there are a few that did not. If it has 4 connectors you would have to OPEN the '00 engine and replace the tone rings.

If your '02 has 3 connectors, the tone rings are correct. Only a 3 connector PCM was available in '00.

The sensors have nothing to do with the tone rings.

 

Which is what I'd do. Give you a chance to check out the engine a bit and replace some seals.

 

At that point, I'd just do a full rebuild. Wouldn't hurt if your going that deep in anyway. Then you got a brand new motor and don't have to worry about it.


If the OP by chance has the 4 plug PCM, won't they have to add in a TCM as well? The 4 plug PCM has an integrated 5 speed program TCM. And just that alone opens a big mess in terms of keeping the proper programming to keep the 5 speed. Without the jeep TCM mod, you would be downgrading to a 4 speed. Just food for thought tho