2002 Dakota 4x4 157K bought new; have had NO problems w/Truck. Have not replaced anything (not even spark plugs) on it but have done regular oil change maintenance.
Radiator fan went out and truck did not get into the red zone. Replaced radiator and fan and replaced leaked out trans fluid.
Driving down the road truck stopped and gave NO BUS; no gauges working.
Did a code test with my reader and got nothing. Held Trip button and got 920, 921, 999. Checked ALL fuses and switched out relays and nothing.
PCM: removed plugs and checked cleanness; OK.
After a while figured what the heck; tapped on PCM w/hammer; started right up. Ran for 15mins, then stalled. Repeated hammer, started back up.
Since PCM are so expensive; my logic is that it should not be cam or crankshaft sensor. Read that Crankshaft sensor can be a pain.

Your thoughts please.

 

Moved to the correct section.

 

My '01 had about 70K on the clock when it just would not start after just shutting it off. No hints anything failing prior, no stumbles no hard starts. Cranking resulted in nothing but I didn't use the all purpose tool on anything. After towing it to my trusted mechanic (AAA is actually pretty good!) he replaced both the crank and cam angle sensors and everything has been great since.

 

Thanks for the input. This is my son's truck and is hardly ever used; sits for days w/o use. I was going to change the Crankshaft Sensor, but read it can be a pain; so I will proceed as you did and take it to our mechanic.

UPDATE: After checking ALL wiring to trans, Crank and Cam sensor as stated above I had already tapped on Crank sensor w/light hammer, so my logic was it had to be the PCM. I did not have the funds to purchase a new one, so I got one from a salvage yard; $135. Installed it, and had my insurance to tow it to Dodge dealer for flashing, which cost $85, w/a road test.
Since then I have put over 900 miles w/no issues.