Dealer wants $950 for PCM replacement in 2001 Grand Caravan
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Dealer wants $950 for PCM replacement in 2001 Grand Caravan
We had the 100,000 mile service done at our local dealer on a 2001 Grand Caravan Sport with 123,xxx miles last week and we were told we needed to replace the PCM soon as it was causing the engine light to come on. The mechanic replaced two low pressure hoses just to be sure the engine light remained on and it did ... thus, he says the PCM needs replaced ASAP. They quoted us $978 I believe installed. WOW!!
After a bit of research it appears we can buy this remanufactured or new from several 3rd party places such as rockauto.com, etc. and then have the dealer flash/reprogram it for us.
A few questions for those in the know:
1. Is it advisable to purchase a Reman'd PCM in terms of its reliability, etc.? vs. a new one?
2. Does it HAVE to be flashed by the dealer or can someone else do this with the VIN and Mileage?
3. Can someone who isn't all that mechanical replace the original with the newly flashed PCM? Or, should we allow a mechanic/shop perform the install?
Any help is greatly appreciated.
After a bit of research it appears we can buy this remanufactured or new from several 3rd party places such as rockauto.com, etc. and then have the dealer flash/reprogram it for us.
A few questions for those in the know:
1. Is it advisable to purchase a Reman'd PCM in terms of its reliability, etc.? vs. a new one?
2. Does it HAVE to be flashed by the dealer or can someone else do this with the VIN and Mileage?
3. Can someone who isn't all that mechanical replace the original with the newly flashed PCM? Or, should we allow a mechanic/shop perform the install?
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
RE: Dealer wants $950 for PCM replacement in 2001 Grand Caravan
I don't know if your PCM needs to be replaced or not. But, if it does, don't you dare pay $1,000 for it. You can get a rebuilt PCM with a lifetime warranty for $225 (Total: tax, shipping, everything) and install it yourself. Yes, it has to be programmed to your car, but if you give the seller your VIN and your van's mileage, they should program it for you before they ship it. Even if you have no idea what you're doing, you could still replace it in 15 minutes.
The trouble code for the PCM is "P0601" so you might try searching that on the forum. To save you some trouble though, try looking here: https://dodgeforum.com/m_1359320/tm.htm That's a post where I told someone else how I replaced mine. It has a link to the seller (allcomputerresources) and step by step instructions on how to replace it. I promise, a trained monkey could do it. Mine looked like brand new when it arrived, and it's been working great for months. Plus, if you mail them your old one back in the postage-pre-paid envelope they provide, then they'll give you a lifetime warranty. I can't speak to their warranty service, because I haven't had any problems with the one I bought, but they claim to give you a lifetime warranty.
Hope that helps you save a few bucks, and good luck.
The trouble code for the PCM is "P0601" so you might try searching that on the forum. To save you some trouble though, try looking here: https://dodgeforum.com/m_1359320/tm.htm That's a post where I told someone else how I replaced mine. It has a link to the seller (allcomputerresources) and step by step instructions on how to replace it. I promise, a trained monkey could do it. Mine looked like brand new when it arrived, and it's been working great for months. Plus, if you mail them your old one back in the postage-pre-paid envelope they provide, then they'll give you a lifetime warranty. I can't speak to their warranty service, because I haven't had any problems with the one I bought, but they claim to give you a lifetime warranty.
Hope that helps you save a few bucks, and good luck.
