Hi I have been having reocuring what I think are transmission issues I have an 01 Dakota 3.9 4X4 auto with a bunch of problems happening it has a 0P0601 code coming up which I looked up is checksum error needing new PCM which I replaced once with one that I got off of Ebay from Importapart Same error they said they had no more and sent money back which I am happy with but still haven't got that fixed yet but am Having transmission issues too.
It all started after a long road trip when I got back it started really eratic shifting like it was stuck in first and slipping took it into mechanic he changed two modules in tranny it worked a bit better but still not right it seemed to be slugging and ODoff light was stuck on so I took it back to him he then changed shift controller thingy in it I think (rectangular box inside pan with wires coming out of it) it seemed better again for about a week but not what it was like before road trip.
A few days ago was sitting at a light and it kinda grabbed while just sitting there I thought someone bumped me from behind but no-one there lol.
then yesterday on first trip over half an hour in two weeks while driving I heard a clunk and clicking sound kinda like a card in spokes of a bike only for a few seconds then it started acting up again no overdrive and ODoff Light stuck on again I pulled over transmission seemed hot but no temp light came on and checked fluid it seemed fine no burnt smell and looked great but that could be because its been changed twice in a month.
Its really getting frustrating not sure where to turn to now am thinking of getting a whole different transmission and torque converter from wrecker (I can't afford rebuilt one) and trying that gamble.
In an unrelated issue I think (Flashing head and interior lights) that I fixed by replacing CTM I saw wrecker had three 2002 and one 2001 Dakota's there so chance of having transmission are good.
Does transmission have to come from same size engine (V6) Dakota or does V8 use same one?
I have already spent over $900 dollars trying to fix this Transmission that I have and don't really feel like (or can afford) sinking more money into this one thats why I'm thinking of just replacing it or could this all be stemming from Computer with Checksum errors as I know the PCM controls transmission and torque converter in this year truck too, there's not a separate unit for transmission.
I asked mechanic when this all began if I should replace and he suggested it could be fixed but I now feel as if I am kicking a dyeing horse.
Do I try getting different PCM first and try to limp along with Transmission I have till I can get that fixed or go the Transmission replacement first?
I plan on doing both if needed but I'm doing this all on fixed budget.
I really appreciate any help or advise I can get on this as I hope someone has run into this problem on here before.
Thx in advance.
Shayne

 

Check with your local parts stores. They should be able to get you one.

Until the 601 code is fixed, nothing else you do is likely to help. The PCM has failed, so, you can't trust anything else it has to say.