well I think my PCM just died...no start...just cranks..none of the gauges work...
No BUS grrrrrrrrrrr
and the scanner wont connect to the PCM...the cluster test work successful too.

I think all you need is the same part number, correct? Because the one I have now came with the motor I put in it. It is a 2000 motor...so programming it with my vin would have a engine/year mismatch...correct?

What year is your van?

02 with a 00 motor in it...
So I found a 403AF--in Ft Lauderdale - ack - and after 6 hours of driving
It worked!
Now though the ABS light is on after about 1 minute...
Im just happy it run and I got it home...Im going to send the other bad PCM to a rebuild shop and then I will have two

Why ABS light though?

VIN mismatch most likely. Need to have the PCM flashed to the correct VIN.

do you know of an inexpensive tablet or software in which I could do it myself...that is basically the only tool I don't have

Ive seen them - like the SnapOn tablet - 2500+100/month software subscription...any other ways?

Some of the older versions can do it, and you really only need the subscription if you want updates...... Given the age of most of these vehicles, updates are just a non-issue.

There are other tablets/scanners that can do it as well, but, they ain't exactly cheap either...... Most any shop should be able to do it for you though..... Likely an hour labor.... still, cheaper than the scanner that could do the job..

they wanted 300 the first place I called...ack!

Ya know - the light comes on at exactly 60 second after start...

On a side note...I think the computer was acting funny now for about a year...during the last year it had a miss at idle I couldn't figure out...I check a lot of things and even changed out the ...CPS and coolant sensor - nothing changed...
This PCM corrected it...it runs really well now

VIN programming is not necessary if replacing your existing PCM with a used one and the numbers match. I've done this swap and had zero issues. The "no bus" message indicates a loss of communication between the PCM and the instrument cluster. Often, this is the result of a bad cluster or PCM, and in rare cases...wiring issues, such as a mouse chewing on wires.

it was the PCM...
The one I had in there I swapped wiht Flashmasters - and all the writing wore off. So I didnt know what part number.
The PCM I found was the closes match I could find to the year and the swapped engine.
It runs very well and have stopped/started now 50 times. It was it...
I see there are scanners for about 300 that can do the VIN...I dont think there would be anything else right?
Or I can just the old one fixed...not sure which way to go...
Thanks

Personally, I would trash the old one and buy another one programmed to your VIN, if you wish to have a spare.