Hi gang,

I recently acquired 96 Town & Country and as I have been doing my new owner checks and inspections, I have just found that the thing has an incorrect ECM computer installed.

My research indicates that it should have computer #4727178, since I have the 3.8 engine, made after 11/95.
The car has installed computer #4727146, which I find should be in a 3.3 engine car.

This incorrect unit is marked with the usual paint markings from some Used Car Parts place, so I assume that the prior owner had a problem and snagged a replacement from a used parts place and got the wrong part.
But,,
The vehicle seems to run OK, but I think I ought to get the correct ECM from my U Pull It place, just to set things right.

My question are these

1 Is the computer in this year vehicle (96) a "plug and play" item? Can I just get one from the U Pull It place and use it as is?
I know some ECM's now have to be "programed" for your car, but I have seen no indication that this year needs that.

2 What problems does using the incorrect computer cause, if any, to the car?
It drives OK now, and I cannot see any issues so far.

Please give me your thoughts.

John

(4727178 rather than the 4727146 which is currently in the car)

 

If it aint broke don't fix it.

Now with that said,

if it's your PCM you can find one easy enough and may not need to be programmed since only the BCM or body control modules are vin specific and NEED to be programmed at the dealer IF it has a factory security system ( don't ask me how i know !).

Granted you can find one at local salvage yards and may get lucky so it may be worth a shot.

 

Hi,
Just a follow up to let you know what I have done.
,
I checked for a correct ECM at my upullit place, None available at this time.

I took a resonably long trip to check milage.
Over 180 some odd miles the van mpg computer told me 24.5 mpg. (This was mainly on back roads about 55 to 60 mph and maybe a little slower on the return trip which was in the dark.)
I did some very accurate recording of gas used and total miles, and calcualted 24.2 mpg. (This is with the 3.3 engine computer rather than the 3.8 computer it should have). I like it!! 24+ seems pretty good to me!.
So
How does this stack up to you guys? What do the things normally get as far as milage?

And

Does anyone have any Comuter comments? Surly someone has done things with or had problems with computers in these vehicles..

John

 

On rare occasion I get 24 and change mpgs on a trip. Usually 23+. 96/3.8. I'd say skip it and move on.