2002 CARAVAN WITH A P0601 CODE
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2002 CARAVAN WITH A P0601 CODE
I did a manual code search and I'm getting a P0601 error. My book says it's a PCM internal fault condition detected. Is this serious and what needs to be replaced? I also have a 1684 and replaced the gas cap which should correct that (happened previously).
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RE: 2002 CARAVAN WITH A P0601 CODE
I believe your PCM (powertrain control moduler or some such thing) is shot and will have to be replaced. It's the grey computer mounted just behind the headlight on the driver's side. Your van will probably run without it by switching back to a default loop. Don't know if it will do any damage to drive it that way for a while, but I know you won't pass a safety inspection with your engine light on.
Good news is that it's an easy repalcement for around $225. As I recall, a new one costs two or three times that from the dealer. Then you have to pay them to install it because it has to be reprogrammed to your specific vehicle.
But there is an outfit called allcomputerresources that will sell you a rebuilt one for around $225 (including shipping). [Try:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/96-04...3911.m14.l1309] There may be others, but that's the one I used.
When you order it, give them your VIN and your van's mileage, and they'll even program it for you before they ship it. They include a return envelope for your core return. They don't charge a core charge, but if you send them yours back (in the provided postage-paid envelope), then they'll give you a life time warranty on the new one. I have no affiliation with them, but when I had the same problem you did and got a quote from the dealer first, I was THRILLED when I found them on e-bay.
When your new computer arrives, it's a simple swap.
1. Lift the hood and disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the three black screws that go in from the top from underneath the hood and secure the headlight. The headlight will then just slip out forward.
3. Remove the two bolts from the top that hold the PCM bracket in.
4. Remove the one bolt from behind the headlight that holds the PCM in.
5. Disconnect the wiring harness from the old PCM and slip it out.
6. Install in reverse order.
Honestly, if you have no idea what you're doing, it still won't take 15 minutes to replace it. And my new one has been working like a charm for several months now.
Good luck.
Good news is that it's an easy repalcement for around $225. As I recall, a new one costs two or three times that from the dealer. Then you have to pay them to install it because it has to be reprogrammed to your specific vehicle.
But there is an outfit called allcomputerresources that will sell you a rebuilt one for around $225 (including shipping). [Try:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/96-04...3911.m14.l1309] There may be others, but that's the one I used.
When you order it, give them your VIN and your van's mileage, and they'll even program it for you before they ship it. They include a return envelope for your core return. They don't charge a core charge, but if you send them yours back (in the provided postage-paid envelope), then they'll give you a life time warranty on the new one. I have no affiliation with them, but when I had the same problem you did and got a quote from the dealer first, I was THRILLED when I found them on e-bay.
When your new computer arrives, it's a simple swap.
1. Lift the hood and disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the three black screws that go in from the top from underneath the hood and secure the headlight. The headlight will then just slip out forward.
3. Remove the two bolts from the top that hold the PCM bracket in.
4. Remove the one bolt from behind the headlight that holds the PCM in.
5. Disconnect the wiring harness from the old PCM and slip it out.
6. Install in reverse order.
Honestly, if you have no idea what you're doing, it still won't take 15 minutes to replace it. And my new one has been working like a charm for several months now.
Good luck.