96 1500 4x4 keeps killing batteries
Legend
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 8,259
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From: Austin, TX
Yes...and No.
JK...Yes, but you need the same engine and tranny and same year if you can get it. Can't use a 99 for example (I don't think...well, maybe...someone else may know for sure.) But engine and tranny is important.
Record Breaker
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Wasn't there a diy around here about adding an external regulator? I'm pretty sure if I ever diagnose a bad regulator I'm just bypassing it if I can. That thing should have never been integrated in the first place.
BTW. Sure sounds like charging system is somehow broken...probably a bad regulator. I'd double check the connection between regulator output and battery to be sure before replacing the computer since you don't want to go through the pain and expense of tracking one down unless it's absolutely necessary.
BTW. Sure sounds like charging system is somehow broken...probably a bad regulator. I'd double check the connection between regulator output and battery to be sure before replacing the computer since you don't want to go through the pain and expense of tracking one down unless it's absolutely necessary.
Administrator
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Clayton MI
ECU and PCM are just different terms for the same thing. I think you are limited to swapping from a 96, or 97 model year truck, as too much changed before/after that year range.
Putting in an external regulator is an option, but, I think that would leave the CEL on constantly, whining about it. Might be some way to fool the PCM into thinking it's actually doing its job though. Haven't looked to far into that yet.
Yeah, integrating the regulator into the PCM was a stupid move on dodges part. But then, they do a fair few things that I just don't quite get.
Putting in an external regulator is an option, but, I think that would leave the CEL on constantly, whining about it. Might be some way to fool the PCM into thinking it's actually doing its job though. Haven't looked to far into that yet.
Yeah, integrating the regulator into the PCM was a stupid move on dodges part. But then, they do a fair few things that I just don't quite get.
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From: NH
Legend
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From: Austin, TX
Dang, zman. Just like a walking library. Do you have all of these things bookmarked! Either that or hell of a memory!
Captain
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From: San Antonio,Texas
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From: NH
Why would you not do it how the directions describe?
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after taking in all the options and the truck sitting for a few days, i started it up 3rd try yesterday ran fro 30 maybe 45 seconds then lost all battery power and died. sucked it up bought new ecu with lifetime warranty $250, should be here middle of the week and hopefully be able to drive it home..