The PCM on my 98 Dodge 1500 fried a couple weeks ago, so I'm looking for a new one. Has anyone had any luck with the places online that are selling them? The reviews seems to be more bad than good. I already paid the stealership $200 to tell me that it was fried, and they want $800 for a new one.
My other option is to try and find one from a salvage yard. If I do that, do I HAVE to get it reflashed with my VIN and Mileage, or can I run it as is?

 

I don't remember any online places off hand, but like you said, most of them are not good. Lots of PCMs being sent are DOA.

As far as the junkyard unit, it's worth a try, just make sure the new PCM matches your engine/trans configuration. There is a company that reflashes PCMs for a fee, but I don't know any more about them.

 

In the long run, you'd be better off with a PCM from the dealership than hunting for a "bargain".

 

PCM will be an issue with regards to Federal or Komifornia vehicle. From what I remember on this topic it does need to get reflashed for your vehicle.

Places to get pricing and checking for availability:

1) Napa

2) Wrecking Yards

3) This online site that I have no idea on reputation: http://www.solopcms.com/catalogsearc...1500&year=1998

Call and talk to someone either way for clarity.

Please come back and let us know how this all works out for you as others have encountered the same need.

At the dealership, you should talk them down on that "diagnostic" fee....

 

Need to reflash the PCM to the correct VIN, else the ABS lite tends to stay on..... aside from that, it will run the truck just fine.

Getting one from a local parts store isn't a bad bet, they can get them flashed correctly, and if there is a problem, you can go an visit them.... Dealership is way to proud of their parts....

 

What is the part number on the one the dealer quoted you?


They range from $334 - $654

http://www.factorychryslerparts.com/

 

I did some looking around, and there are 2 local salvage yards that have one. they want $100 for it, and will give me a 30 day warranty. I think what I will do it try going that route first.
I'm not too concerned at this point if there is an ABS light on. I'd like to verify that the PCM works before I shell out more money to get it reflashed.

 

Yeah, I wouldn't worry about the ABS liught on either....and they guy doing your vehcile inspection, when he fails it, he won't worry......

Try it and see if it works, then get it reflashed after everything else works.

What caused it to fry? Might wasnt to make sure that is corrected before plugging another one in there!

 

It was an aftermarket tuner. It was setup from a different dodge(2001) and the tuner tried to overwrite my PCM. In doing so it fried it.

 

Well I hooked up the replacement PCM I bought from the salvage yard and it fired right up. No weird dash lights on or nothing.
So I guess the question I have is, do I NEED to get it re-flashed with my vin and mileage?