I have a 1998 dodge ram 1500 that I got a #1 injector open fault. I troubleshot with NOID and identified it was not firing the #1. I tested the wiring and it was fine, so I plugged in a 2001 ram 2500 computer and tested again, the fault went away, but truck would just start and die. I assumed the computer was not assigned to the truck, so I ordered a new computer with the vin and mileage of my truck. I got it in today, and now the truck is acting exactly like it did with the 2001 computer. Any idea?

 

Will it stay running if you set your foot lightly on the gas, and crack the throttle open just a little bit?

 

Thanks for the reply. No it will just start up at less than a thousand rpm, then rev lightly to around 1500 and then shut off like the computer shut it off. I know it isn't in the vehicle side because I can plug the computer with the fault code in and the truck can be driven, only the number one injector doesn't fire. When I plug the new (as well as the old 2001) computer in the truck does the start and die thing.

 

Did the new PCM at least fix the code for #1 injector?

I would take a look at the ASD relay, maybe swap it out with another one, see what happens.

 

Thanks for the reply. The truck only started and died a couple of time before I quit trying because it was doing the same thing as the PCM I had that was out of a 2001 2500. However, yes, with the 2500 pcm the injector fault was cleared and the injectors all fired the noid light so I know that the computer is the issue. What I am wondering is if there is something with the truck I need to do to make it recognize the newly flashed pcm I just got in from the mail and was flashed for the truck VIN and specs. To add to the discussion, today I also tried plugging in another computer I had from a 1996 jeep grand cherokee that had the same plugs and ran fine on the jeep, and the truck run but poorly and of course the check engine light came on because the dodge and jeep are completely different. The point to see was if it would indeed run and it did. I then plugged the pcm with the original fault in and it ran and gave the same #1 injector fault, but would continue to run with the miss. I am baffled.

 

Lots of differences between the 96, and 98 and up PCM's, lots of things changed.....

You shouldn't have to do anything else to the PCM that hasn't already been done. Just needs to have the correct vin, and set for tire size.....

If the starts/dies is a NEW problem, that you DIDN'T have with previous PCM's, I would definitely suspect a problem with the PCM.

 

Sorry for not replying sooner, I have been really busy with other projects. Thanks for the replies thus far. I spoke to the company who sold me the new PCM and they are sending me a new one to try. I did try pressing the VTSS panic button on the fob and it set the alarm and then reset so it is working fine. I unlocked both doors with the keys and then with the button as well, no change. I reinstalled the original 98 Dodge Ram PCM that was on the truck and had the original fault, and it provided the same OBDII code for the injector so I know it is still the same. The truck runs with the PCM, just has a terrible miss due to the injector not firing. I am hoping the new PCM fixes it. I did change the engine and trans a while back out with the engine and trans from the 2001, so I am hoping that the problem with the PCM doesn't have anything to do with the engine swap. I know it shouldn't, but who knows. I wasn't offered the option to program it for tire size from the new PCM company, but never changed that either before so I don't think that pertains here. Now I can only wait and hope for the best.

 

The engine and trans are out of an 01? The engine may or may not have issues with that, but, the trans most certainly will, unless you changed the electronics to the 99 or older variety.

 

The engine and transmission (actually the entire frame, running gear and driveline all came from a 2001 2500. I bought the entire truck and did a body swap when my engine threw the outer ring off the harmonic balancer and with the noise I thought the motor was shot. It still works along with the tranny, and I still have the entire frame, I just swapped the body over and have had the problem with the code and pcm. However, both engines were the same 5.9l gas and 46RE transmission, so I can't see how there should be any problem. BTW, I actually am a professional tech and also a college automotive tech instructor, so I know a little about these things. I also am smart enough to know that there are a lot of people out there who know more than me, so if you are sure there could be a problem, I would like to know and maybe I just swap the transmission over. No problem, and BTW thanks for your advice, I really do appreciate it.

 

The only difference between the two drivetrains that I am factually aware of, is the governor pressure sensor. It seems to give a different range signal for governor pressure than the 99 and earlier sensors. Which PCM are you running?