That could definitely work, but in my personal experience not all of the 2002 Dodge Rams have an ignition immobilizer... some do and some don't, not sure why.

Either way If I was the OP, I'd go ahead and purchase a new key from the dealer and have it programmed just to be safe.

And I'd also have the PCM re-flashed with the VIN... downside is, I've seen a lot of dealers that have NO IDEA what to do to program a PCM/ECU that isn't installed in a vehicle... which makes me laugh.

 

Does anybody have a wiring diagram that gives a rough idea to how many grounds and/or where they may be located?

 

Okay so last night i checked what i believe to be all the grounds. Made sure they were good and clean and made sure there was continuity thru them. All checked out good. Checked out the wiring from the pcm to the back of the truck and under the dash. All seems to be good. Still can't figure out what the burning smell and smoke were from. Picked up a pcm from lkq a local junk yard and plugged that in. Its doing the exact same thing the original was doing. Both out of 2002 dodge 1500 4x4 5.9l quad cab. I know all of you have given me great advice but now after these test where do i go from here??

 

Go buy a new programmed key... That might be the problem... you might actually have an immobilizer that is locking you out b/c you've exceeded the # of cycles without the correct key fob...

 

Okay so i went to the dealer to get a new key and he said mine is not coded. Gray keys are coded black are not. So i know its not the key.

 

uhg unless he pulls your build sheet he can't just tell by looking at the key...

Tell him to make you a damn key and code it to your VIN#.... then try it.

It's worth a try at this point b/c you can't seem to prove it is your PCM.... so my bet is it is the anti-theft system.

Personally after the 500 mile change I like to step into it a little bit to give the piston rings a final seat... then I change the oil at 1000 to synthetic and call it good for 3000-4000 miles

 

Did you check all your relays?

 

Okay so I found the problem and fixed it. Truck is running and moving on its own four wheels. The main plug going into the transmission melted and shorted out frying the computer. The plug seal dry rotted letting some water and a small amount of transmission fluid that was leaking into it. Unplugged it and still nothing. Installed the new computer with it unplugged and it fired right up. Got a new plug end so all is well now. Thank you all for your help.

 

No problem.

Glad it's fixed now.