Front Control Module is it VIN coded?
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From: New Jersey
Front Control Module is it VIN coded?
Hi all,
Usually post in the Dak forum, but its pretty quiet since they discontinued it, and this is a generic Dodge problem anyway.
I have an 08, that has the oddball left rear signal not working problem. Checked everything, replaced relay and bulbs, still not fixed, so must be either the PDC or the Front Control Module. I also have flaky high speed wiper problems, so I'm figuring it is actually the FCM
I've read a gazillion threads on this issue, but still can't figure out if I can:
No one can agree on it. Some Dodge/Chrysler dealer mechanics say you need to code it with the Starscan tool, while others say you can just plug it in and it configures itself.
Some people have bought used ones and they work, while others say nothing works.
Any help would be appreciated.
Usually post in the Dak forum, but its pretty quiet since they discontinued it, and this is a generic Dodge problem anyway.
I have an 08, that has the oddball left rear signal not working problem. Checked everything, replaced relay and bulbs, still not fixed, so must be either the PDC or the Front Control Module. I also have flaky high speed wiper problems, so I'm figuring it is actually the FCM
I've read a gazillion threads on this issue, but still can't figure out if I can:
- Get a used one from the same year
- OR get a new one and install it myself
- OR does a new one need to be programmed with a Starscan tool
No one can agree on it. Some Dodge/Chrysler dealer mechanics say you need to code it with the Starscan tool, while others say you can just plug it in and it configures itself.
Some people have bought used ones and they work, while others say nothing works.
Any help would be appreciated.
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From: New Jersey
Thanks. I'm trying to figure out if "VIN Coding" means that the module is programmed for correct options by using the Chrysler VIN database via the Starscan tool, or if there's some actual VIN that is needed to activate the FCM itself.
It actually looks like the only real thing that's done with Starscan is to set certain features to on or off, based on the VIN build options.
Some people have bought used FCMs from similarly options vehicles and simply plug and play replaced them. While others report odd behavior.
It actually looks like the only real thing that's done with Starscan is to set certain features to on or off, based on the VIN build options.
Some people have bought used FCMs from similarly options vehicles and simply plug and play replaced them. While others report odd behavior.
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Thanks. I'm trying to figure out if "VIN Coding" means that the module is programmed for correct options by using the Chrysler VIN database via the Starscan tool, or if there's some actual VIN that is needed to activate the FCM itself.
It actually looks like the only real thing that's done with Starscan is to set certain features to on or off, based on the VIN build options.
Some people have bought used FCMs from similarly options vehicles and simply plug and play replaced them. While others report odd behavior.
It actually looks like the only real thing that's done with Starscan is to set certain features to on or off, based on the VIN build options.
Some people have bought used FCMs from similarly options vehicles and simply plug and play replaced them. While others report odd behavior.
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Professional
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: New Jersey
Thanks again. I actually found the factory manual, and here are the actual instructions for installing the FCM. Makes no mention of doing any configs.
INSTALLATION
1. Connect the Power Distribution Center (PDC) (3) to
the Front Control Module (FCM) by lining up the
electrical connector and pushing the two together.
2. Install the four fasteners (2) securing the FCM (1)
to the PDC (3).
3. Install the Integrated Power Module (IPM), (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER DISTRIBUTION/INTEGRATED
POWER MODULE - INSTALLATION).
4. Connect the battery negative cable.
I also called the Auto Enginuity guys, who's Mopar module does a decent amount of what the Starscan tool does, and they actually do allow for certain options to be set in the FCM if you add the Mopar module.
So I'm actually beginning to think that the only real purpose to putting the scanner on the car when replacing the FCM is to make sure that the correct options are set to on/off depending on what the VIN database thinks the car has installed. Other than that, I don't think there's any other purpose. I suspect this is why people have had success with simply replacing a bad part with a used part from a similar year and optioned car.
INSTALLATION
1. Connect the Power Distribution Center (PDC) (3) to
the Front Control Module (FCM) by lining up the
electrical connector and pushing the two together.
2. Install the four fasteners (2) securing the FCM (1)
to the PDC (3).
3. Install the Integrated Power Module (IPM), (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER DISTRIBUTION/INTEGRATED
POWER MODULE - INSTALLATION).
4. Connect the battery negative cable.
I also called the Auto Enginuity guys, who's Mopar module does a decent amount of what the Starscan tool does, and they actually do allow for certain options to be set in the FCM if you add the Mopar module.
So I'm actually beginning to think that the only real purpose to putting the scanner on the car when replacing the FCM is to make sure that the correct options are set to on/off depending on what the VIN database thinks the car has installed. Other than that, I don't think there's any other purpose. I suspect this is why people have had success with simply replacing a bad part with a used part from a similar year and optioned car.