Any input on this guys would help me out. I'm driving down the road and the truck quits, shuts down. I thought i seen a little smoke from under the hood near the PCM. Anyway a check engine light, P1388, P1389 which is the ASD no voltage? Check what I could but had to tow her home. The PCM is leaking some tar substance so it's cooked. Okay so I need another one but i'm guessing something took it out but don't know what to look for except for a grounded or shorted solonoid maybe that did this? It's a new problem and the only indication is that Auto shut down took place. Where to start I guess I'm asking. Starting my research now so any advise would be appreciated since I want to find out what caused before putting in another PCM. It's a 98 3.9L Dakota. Thanks!

 

The PCM failure will immediately drop the ASD circuit, so, no power to coil(s) and injectors... Engine stops running RIGHT NOW.

The stuff running out of it is a sure indication that it is indeed cooked... As to what did it? Maybe just age.

 

Okay, so what if I jump the rely and fuse it of course, would that work?

 

PCM only deals with the control side of the circuit. (which is already fused elsewhere)

Given the condition of your PCM, I would be very surprised if the engine ran at all...... You need a new PCM.

 

I do have one ordered, it takes a few days. One other question however is the fuel pump. Does the PCM cycle this thing or is it just powered up when truck is running?

 

Fuel pump is controlled by the PCM as well. Couple seconds at initial key on, then, when it sees the engine turning.

 

Believe I figured out why the PCM burned. Found a hose clamp touching a small wire on the alternator and also the fuel rail. Finding out the regulator is built inside the PCM for the alt led me to do a visual. My fault as I had this engine apart a few times for head gaskets. Just one of those things that happen to me. I don't think I could arrange that clamp to do that if I wanted it to. Hopefully, it's the problem.