[quote=HeyYou;2393388]If it is possible to reprogram a auto trans PCM, for use with a manual trans...... Trouble is, you need the wiring harness as well.

I would have a chat with the dealer about differences in manual/auto PCM's, if there are any..... one would hope they would be the ones to know...... Looking at the PCM connector pinouts in the 01 service manual....... it really doesn't appear the PCM gives a rats behind about anything having to do with the clutch being pressed in, or any other things concerning the manual trans. I suspect that you could just reflash your pcm....... and not even worry about the wiring harness.......

You will have to do something creative for a clutch/starter interlock, and backup lights.......[/quote]

When I was looking at the PCMs it was sold to fit any of the the dodges 96-98 I believe, you just gave them your VIN and they programmed it to match. I e-mailed them to see if they possibly knew what I needed to do.

Do you mean to prevent start up without the clutch being in. I could live without that I have been driving my grandpas 1990 dodge 4spd while mine has been laid up and even before I never forgot to push the clutch. I found a post on cummins forum by a guy who did a swap in his 97 3500 auto cummins with a trans from a 94 3500 manual cummins. All he did was reflash his computer. He posted a detail on how to do the wiring for the reverse lights and clutch saftey. Only problem is my computer died while I was reading and now I can't find it back.

 

I'll let you know, hopefully I can get over to check it out this week before he tears into it.

 

The PCM doesn't care about the backup lights, and I am thinkin' its fairly safe to assume that the manual trans will have a reverse lite switch on it, wiring for that should be dead easy. Just plug it in to the right spot, or, splice the right connector into your existing harness.

Clutch/Starter interlock is indeed optional. Fair number of off-roaders around here have it selectively bypassed anyway......

 

I meant all he did when he swapped his 94 manual (like the one i am getting) in his 97 auto (close to mine) all he did was reflash, so i think i should be able to get away with just that to am I right, or is the Cummins different.

I probably will do something eventually on the clutch pedal, just in case I let an idiot borrow my truck, and because I have the remote start. Would a simple pressure switch behind the clutch be enough. Have the power for the key be ran through that?

 

There are some differences in the pinouts from the PCM.... but, that's to be expected. I think the same principle applies though. It appears that the PCM just doesn't care about the trans, if it is manual, and the service manual only has one set of pinouts for gas engine PCM.... so, it appears there is indeed zero difference internally on the PCM, its all about programming.

A reflash should do it for you.

 

Thanks for all the help you have given. If I buy the truck and the seat is good enough for you, you can probably have it for the cost of shipping.

I am not an expert mechanic. I can do the physical work, but when it comes to the terminology I draw a blank. is the ECM and PCM the same thing?

 

Yeah, same thing. The terms changed over the years as the computers started doing more and more, rather than just running the engine....

"Term Creep"?? Something like that.

 

Almost there. A PCM (Short for Powertrain Control Module) controls both the engine and transmission. The whole idea behind an integrated transmission and engine control module is that the engine and automatic transmission can comunicate with each other. Or thats what the Chrysler engineers said. If you have driven a automatic transmission Dodge Ram, you know that it feels like those bastards dont even live in the same country sometimes. But its what those dumbasses at the Chrysler tech center in Auburn say, and they make good money making crappy cars (well, used to) so it must be true.

A ECM (Engine Control Module) controls just the engine. And a BCM (Body Control Module) controls all functions relating to the body of the vehicle, so like windsheild wiper delay, emotions, and bowel movements are all controlled by the BCM

 

Ya, they don't shift worth a crap. My grandpas 68 Impala shifts smoother then mine, even when you punch it and thats technology 20 years older then mine.

I am still lost on what to reflash to. Do I get it flashed for a 96 2500 360 manual? Anyone have any idea

Do you think an auto parts store could do this, or hopefully the dealer could. If I give them a call should I ask for a service tech?

Another big question is, will it run without a reflash? Now that I see the price isn't insanly high I will definatly do it, but wondering if I need to remove it or If it would be driveable to just take in after I complete the swap? I just finished reading an article on the process and if I had access to an OBDII scan tool I could do it for just the cost of about $20 for access to chryslers database.

 

Build sheet? No swap...From what I understand (limited) the 5.2 paired with the nv3500 was the standard setup, but you could get the optional 5.9 with the nv3500.