Need new computer system? for 249.00 or 1000??
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From: Oakland, CA
Need new computer system? for 249.00 or 1000??
Hi All,
I am the proud owner of a 1999 Dodge Ram van 3500 with a about 70,000 miles on it. I got it primarily for storage of Mobility equipment about 5 years ago. Haven't put hardly any miles on it, maybe five thousand. Last week it stalled on me. Then after waiting a few minutes it came back to life and then stalled again, well permanently. My mechanic came out to check on it and the diagnosis was based on the odometer saying nobus which he said meant I needed a new computer system. When the van got to the shop it started up and still said nobus but was running again. He said it would cost 6 to $800 to repair and replace the computer and after we talked the number kept getting bigger like $1,000.he also said it might run for 3 minutes or a year, he didn't know
This is a smog and repair shop And although the owner is a genius and nice person he is not a Dodge specialist. Some background information;, 3 weeks ago my check engine light came on and I took it to him and it said that the there was something going on with the fuel system. He checked the gas cap which was loose and he said that that was it. Eventually the check engine light went off. I wasn't surprised there were fuel issues as my van was vandalized twice for its beloved fuel in the Fall of 2019. The first time a fuel hose system had to be replaced as they cut the fuel line and siphoned gas out of the tank. The second time they just drilled holes in the gas tank and I had to get a new gas tank. OK, enough about gas woes, but I think this piece acould be important as the plot thickens! Back to the mechanic shop. Mechanic tells me that there is gas in the oil chamber and that this is a common mistake that happens when the computer system goes awry. ( I guess this is not one of those I've got chocolate in my peanut butter situations. ) So, I do online research and find a place called Protech auto systems in Oakland Park Florida that says they can sell me a new PCM for $249 with a one year warranty + this $ includes shipping and taxes. I had given them the VIN number and I think he have them the mileage. He thought it was too good to be true and has been burned on other new computer systems not working. So, I did research on the company online they had 500 reviews which 89% of them were excellent.
I educated myself on the threads on Dodge forum which gave me instructions on how to make sure the connections were good and also that a fuse is frequently to blame for this malfunction. However it did seem that most folks iwith my issues needed a new PCM. Then I went to "YouTubeaversity". And watched a guy who replaced a Dodge Ram Van's computer system in about 3 minutes. he got his parts from a guy in Miami (I guess Florida is where Didges go to uh.. reincarnate) for about 380 bucks about a year ago and his online name is "the two gypsies". He also said that the dealer quoted him over $1,000 to replace the PCM and also made similar statements as my mechanic did about needing to reprogram the PCM. I would greatly appreciate any and all helpful information about how to proceed. And how you weigh in on whether it is a goo iidea 2 get the part from Florida or is it better for the mechanic to use his computer guy locally? I wish I was able to do this myself but I don't have the mechanical know-how or tools and I have severe physical limitations. You might have figured out by now that I am also of the female species. My funds are limited and the price of $1,000 is going to be really hard on the pocketbook. So I appreciate anybody guidance on this decision. Thanks so much!
Camille
I am the proud owner of a 1999 Dodge Ram van 3500 with a about 70,000 miles on it. I got it primarily for storage of Mobility equipment about 5 years ago. Haven't put hardly any miles on it, maybe five thousand. Last week it stalled on me. Then after waiting a few minutes it came back to life and then stalled again, well permanently. My mechanic came out to check on it and the diagnosis was based on the odometer saying nobus which he said meant I needed a new computer system. When the van got to the shop it started up and still said nobus but was running again. He said it would cost 6 to $800 to repair and replace the computer and after we talked the number kept getting bigger like $1,000.he also said it might run for 3 minutes or a year, he didn't know
This is a smog and repair shop And although the owner is a genius and nice person he is not a Dodge specialist. Some background information;, 3 weeks ago my check engine light came on and I took it to him and it said that the there was something going on with the fuel system. He checked the gas cap which was loose and he said that that was it. Eventually the check engine light went off. I wasn't surprised there were fuel issues as my van was vandalized twice for its beloved fuel in the Fall of 2019. The first time a fuel hose system had to be replaced as they cut the fuel line and siphoned gas out of the tank. The second time they just drilled holes in the gas tank and I had to get a new gas tank. OK, enough about gas woes, but I think this piece acould be important as the plot thickens! Back to the mechanic shop. Mechanic tells me that there is gas in the oil chamber and that this is a common mistake that happens when the computer system goes awry. ( I guess this is not one of those I've got chocolate in my peanut butter situations. ) So, I do online research and find a place called Protech auto systems in Oakland Park Florida that says they can sell me a new PCM for $249 with a one year warranty + this $ includes shipping and taxes. I had given them the VIN number and I think he have them the mileage. He thought it was too good to be true and has been burned on other new computer systems not working. So, I did research on the company online they had 500 reviews which 89% of them were excellent.
I educated myself on the threads on Dodge forum which gave me instructions on how to make sure the connections were good and also that a fuse is frequently to blame for this malfunction. However it did seem that most folks iwith my issues needed a new PCM. Then I went to "YouTubeaversity". And watched a guy who replaced a Dodge Ram Van's computer system in about 3 minutes. he got his parts from a guy in Miami (I guess Florida is where Didges go to uh.. reincarnate) for about 380 bucks about a year ago and his online name is "the two gypsies". He also said that the dealer quoted him over $1,000 to replace the PCM and also made similar statements as my mechanic did about needing to reprogram the PCM. I would greatly appreciate any and all helpful information about how to proceed. And how you weigh in on whether it is a goo iidea 2 get the part from Florida or is it better for the mechanic to use his computer guy locally? I wish I was able to do this myself but I don't have the mechanical know-how or tools and I have severe physical limitations. You might have figured out by now that I am also of the female species. My funds are limited and the price of $1,000 is going to be really hard on the pocketbook. So I appreciate anybody guidance on this decision. Thanks so much!
Camille
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From: Clayton MI
Welcome to DF! 
No Bus does not necessarily imply the computer is the issue. Knowing what other codes you were getting would help. No bus is usually just a failed sensor somewhere on the 5 volt circuit. Rear O2 sensors are famous for this. Being intermittent makes it even more fun though..... Trick is, when the error is up, start disconnecting sensors, and see if the odometer comes back. When it does, the last sensor you unplugged is the problem.
No Bus does not necessarily imply the computer is the issue. Knowing what other codes you were getting would help. No bus is usually just a failed sensor somewhere on the 5 volt circuit. Rear O2 sensors are famous for this. Being intermittent makes it even more fun though..... Trick is, when the error is up, start disconnecting sensors, and see if the odometer comes back. When it does, the last sensor you unplugged is the problem.
