I have a 2001 Dakota sport with a 3.9 auto 4X4 and have been having issues that I can't figure out on my own thinking that someone here may have encountered this before.
my truck has 290,000 kilometres on it and has had engine light on since I bought it 6 months ago no issues has been working very well till about a month ago I moved my son about 9 hours away and right after I got back tranny started not shifting correctly it would rev really high before shifting I took it into shop they dropped tranny pan and replaced both solenoids in it fixed reving high problem but now surges at low throttle about 1000 - 1200 RPM in 1st and second gear 1st is worse I took it back to shop and mechanic doesn't think it tranny so he replaced T.P.S. no change then he replaced the thing at back of throttle body that made it run tiny bit better but still surges its worse when cold.
I checked with code reader when I first got truck and it only came up with P0601 code which I was told is PCM multi check error and until thats fixed it won't throw any more codes so thats where I think I am going to look at next as I hear PCM controls shifting as well as a bunch of other stuff I've spent 600.00 in shop already nothing changed PCM is $180 from wrecker here in BC and $200 to get programmed to my truck so $380 total.
And a few days ago my airbag light and dinger started to go off to I am not sure if its related or just coincidence I am willing to spend money to fix just want truck running good again like it was before.
any suggestions welcome and is there any suggestions of good suppliers of PCM that I can order online thats cheaper but still decent quality?
Thx in advance Shayne

 

Check with your local parts stores, they may be able to get you a preprogrammed PCM for less than that 380, but, I am guessing you are in Canada, so that's just a guess.

The P0601 is a checksum error. That means corruption in the data files, which means, pcm is toast, and it's time for a new one. Nothing you see going on right now can be diagnosed until you have a known good PCM in there. Then, just wait and see what codes, if any, come back, and go from there.

 

Thank You HeyYou
Does anyone have any suggestions on good reputable online vendors for pre-programmed PCM - ECU either interchange or strait-up purchase there seems to be a lot on internet not sure which ones to trust?

 

I have had good luck with an Ebay store called Importapart. They have used pcm's and will program your vin and mileage before they ship. Just make sure to include that info when you order.

I did a 5 speed swap on my 2002 and the pcm they sent was plug and play, no problems.

I just checked and they will ship to Canada, but I don't know if there are any differences in pcm programming between US and Canada parts. Maybe send them a message and ask?

 

Can also check with Solo PCM

 

I guess its gonna have to go to dealership I've ran out of thoughts on this one bought a different PCM from Importapart they programmed me one for my truck Delivered incredibly fast but am still getting P0601 error is there anything else that can cause that error?
Timing computer by feet under dash?
Uggg im stumped!
Airbag light and dinger are still going off as well that just started a week or so ago yesterday all lights started intermittently flashing on and off too is my truck possessed? LOL
any and all ideas will be investigated as this is driving me mad.
Thank you in advance
Shayne

 

The sent you a bad PCM. Return it for another one. The dealership PCM, if they can even get one, is north of 1000 bucks.

 

I would check for low or intermittent voltage going to the pcm. That can cause the p0601 also.

These trucks hate low battery voltage and I have seen many reports online of that causing "possession" type symptoms.