I have a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 with a 5.9l. The other day I was driving and stopped for fuel. Shut the truck off, pumped my fuel and got back in. I could smell a slight burning smell when I re-fired the truck up so i quickly turned it off check to see if something had fallen on the exhaust and nothing. got back in and the truck, wont start. All the Idiot lights on the dash come on but none of the gauges work. Tried starting fluid and still nothing so obviously no spark. Checked all the fuses and relays and all are good. Hooked my buddy's snap-on scan tool up to it and it keeps saying no communication. Checked the coil with a test light to the two wire plug. No power. What could cause this?

 

No Comm generally indicates that the ecu is dead (computer). I would try checking all the wiring to see if there is any obvious signs of burning etc. before you lay out cash for a rebuilt one (they're around $200)

 

Would a computer from a 98 quad cab 5.2l work??

 

Should work for you, iv taken an ecm out of a 1998 dodge ram 5.9 and put it in a 2001 ram 5.2 it should definetly get you running again. a few sensor readings may be off but all in all they are mostly the same from the 5.2L to the 5.9L

 

the only thing I wonder about is the fact that the 2002 1500 is the new body style. Didn't know if that would effect anything??

 

as long as tranny is the same you should be ok and who ever it is that your getting it from will let you try before you by just to be 100% sure its ganna work id get ahold of it

 

I wouldn't ever run an PCM from a smaller engine on a larger engine vehicle... Fuel Trims will be VERY WRONG and could damage things.

Here are your steps:

Check PCM Connections - If the harness is fried then a new PCM won't do you any good right off the bat.

Check all Grounds - remove and reinstall them to make sure they are making good contact.

Replace Current PCM with 5.9L PCM from same year

 

Izero is right, however... The 5.2 makes up for displacement with a more aggressive cam.. the two engines have just a tiny difference in trim.. the 5.2 pcm will work, but there are likely other hints that will cause you grief and keep you from running.. for instance, the main fuse block is different between 01 and 02.. the pcm is firing a circuit for a function that operates something else.. bad juju..

Buy the 5.2 if you must.. take it to a dealer or order a tuner such as an SCT and reflash the thing in its entirety..

 

Okay so i had a buddy with the same exact truck as mine come over and took my computer and hooked it up to his truck and it its doing the exact same thing. So definitely the computer???? I ordered a computer from LKQ. They said it came out of the same truck with 54000 miles on it. Will I have to take it to the dealer and get it flashed or will it be plug and play?

I really do thank you all for your help!!!

 

It should plug and play, because you do not have any type of ignition immobilizer (coded key fob).

You need to start checking all of your grounds, and your electrical system.

Is the truck even attempting to crank? Or is it just turning the gauges on and nothing else?

Do you have any modifications done to the truck?

And how many miles?

Any History on the truck? (flood, accident, etc.?)