PCM replacement and SKIM - 2001 Intrepid
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PCM replacement and SKIM - 2001 Intrepid
Greetings.
I have a 2001 Intrepid that has a bad PCM. The MIL is illuminated and the code I pulled was P0601, which from what I understand, means that the PCM has an internal failure with its Random Access Memory. The car runs fine though, no problems.
The last couple of days I've been researching a way to get the PCM replaced. I think I may have hit a snag, though.
My car is equipped with a Sentry Key system (SKIM) and from what I was reading in the service manual, the new computer needs to have the SKIM PIN programmed into the replacement PCM with a DRB-III. I do not have the SKIM PIN, and I dont think the dealer in this area is going to let me bring a PCM to program.
One of the service bulletins I was reading (08-030-06A) seems to reference aftermarket tools that can program the VIN into the new PCM without the SKIM keys.
Some places claim they can disable SKIM on the new PCM when they program it. They insist it will be plug and play but after reading the service manuals I am unsure. I've researched several companies and it all seems like its going to be a crap shoot whether I get a good PCM or not. (Anyone know any reputable places while I'm at it?)
What will happen when I swap the units? Will the new PCM notice the SKIM system and prevent the engine from running because the keys aren't programmed or will the PCM work fine?
If anyone who has been in this situation who can lend me some insight on this, I would deeply appreciate it.
Sorry for the wall of text.
I have a 2001 Intrepid that has a bad PCM. The MIL is illuminated and the code I pulled was P0601, which from what I understand, means that the PCM has an internal failure with its Random Access Memory. The car runs fine though, no problems.
The last couple of days I've been researching a way to get the PCM replaced. I think I may have hit a snag, though.
My car is equipped with a Sentry Key system (SKIM) and from what I was reading in the service manual, the new computer needs to have the SKIM PIN programmed into the replacement PCM with a DRB-III. I do not have the SKIM PIN, and I dont think the dealer in this area is going to let me bring a PCM to program.
One of the service bulletins I was reading (08-030-06A) seems to reference aftermarket tools that can program the VIN into the new PCM without the SKIM keys.
Some places claim they can disable SKIM on the new PCM when they program it. They insist it will be plug and play but after reading the service manuals I am unsure. I've researched several companies and it all seems like its going to be a crap shoot whether I get a good PCM or not. (Anyone know any reputable places while I'm at it?)
What will happen when I swap the units? Will the new PCM notice the SKIM system and prevent the engine from running because the keys aren't programmed or will the PCM work fine?
If anyone who has been in this situation who can lend me some insight on this, I would deeply appreciate it.
Sorry for the wall of text.
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Joined: Aug 2012
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Even though no one replied to the thread, I wanted to provide some follow up in case someone else has to go through the hell I did.
I called All Computer Resources and set up an order for a re-manufactured computer. When I asked them about the Sentry Keys, the SKIM, and the lack of a PIN, they assured me there would not be any problems and the unit would plug-and-play with no issues. Needless to say, I was on pins and needles the entire time. The replacement arrived today.
The replacement computer had a slightly different part number, and the cover that was protecting the internal electronics was entirely different than the one that was currently installed on my car, but everything else was the same, so I was able to swap out the covers successfully after much cursing.
After I got everything hooked back up, I was able to start the car and drive normally with no issue at all. MIL is out, and the computer doesn't have any trouble codes. I was really surprised. I'm not sure what they did at their shop, but it seems to have worked. All my keys work and they still disarm the alarm and start the vehicle.
So glad that mess is sorted out!
I called All Computer Resources and set up an order for a re-manufactured computer. When I asked them about the Sentry Keys, the SKIM, and the lack of a PIN, they assured me there would not be any problems and the unit would plug-and-play with no issues. Needless to say, I was on pins and needles the entire time. The replacement arrived today.
The replacement computer had a slightly different part number, and the cover that was protecting the internal electronics was entirely different than the one that was currently installed on my car, but everything else was the same, so I was able to swap out the covers successfully after much cursing.
After I got everything hooked back up, I was able to start the car and drive normally with no issue at all. MIL is out, and the computer doesn't have any trouble codes. I was really surprised. I'm not sure what they did at their shop, but it seems to have worked. All my keys work and they still disarm the alarm and start the vehicle.
So glad that mess is sorted out!
