Here's what Dodge service dept had to say, "OD sel circ had failed wiring/repaired & load tested from PCM, found no concern, ACT OD sel & found no concern, rec further diagnostic test drove * found no attempt to shift into OD or TCC lockup, rec replacing SBEC controller & retest. Other conditions may still be present. Can not confirm speed sensor a problem, problem more complicated than sensor. Will call with estimate on module." Sounding like a parts replacement adventure

 

WOW are they running you around too. Doesn't anyone actually know how to fix things?

The test for no OD is connect scanner, drive vehicle on lift monitor vehicle speed signal and OD ON and TCC ON. if the PCM is showing this happening, you put a pressure gauge on the OD port and see if you get any application. a very faint flutter shows bad seals.

I mean jeepers cripes, the scanner shows live data for the speed sensor. Their DRBII, DRBIII and the latest generations can read VSS and show the value the PCM is seeing.

Sounds like you need to get a copy of the factory service manual and make them show you how they are randomly diagnosing this problem.

The OD solenoid can be actuated manually by back probing at the pcm. I did it on several trucks to verify seal problems. I have only had 1 solenoid actually go bad. Never had a PCM go bad causing this problem.

 

What they're telling you is that they repaired the wires going to the OD solenoid and then tested the wiring from the PCM connector to make sure their repair was good. They also tested the OD solenoid directly and it was good. They then took it for a test drive while monitoring the PCM and found that the PCM never sent out a "time to shift into OD" signal or for the torque converter to lock-up. They seem to think the problem is with the PCM and recommend replacing it, then retesting the OD and lock-up functions. Because of existing problems whether it be in the wiring, a sensor, or the PCM...they have not been able to read the VSS with confidence. This is why they cannot confirm if the VSS is good or not.

It doesn't sound like they've given up or are about to start throwing parts at it. It sounds like they've diagnosed the problem as a bad PCM and will wait for it's replacement to retest and confirm.

 

That didn't answer my question.

 

You're not worth my time! figure it out yourself. You come across as the SMARTEST dude on here.

 

My mistake, I made the assumption that like the rest of us, you're here to offer suggestions, advice, information, and answers to questions asked and problems posed. Telling someone to go look elsewhere or figure it out for themselves defeats the whole purpose of forums like this one.

Naturally this raises the question of why you're really here, since you're more intent on disruption and don't seem to want to contribute in a positive way?

 

gee I've had over 20 private messages from people that appreciate my positve contributions.

 

Okay,
I would like to call a truce & thank everyone for their help. I did try to get error codes from the key dance. I tried it twice & got zip, no mil light whatsoever. When I turn on the ignition key one click, everything is still dark, once more I get the check enging light & the oil pressure red light on the cluster. One more notch would be the start up. This van has numerous issues & everyone has excellent input. The PCM label has no numbers left, all worn off. How much time should I expect the Dodge service to take to change out the PCM? To me it looks like less than 1 hour. Thanks everyone.

 

For the key dance to work, you must turn the key to the spot where the check engine light goes on. then off,on,off,on,off then on and leave it on.

The CEL will go out, then you begin counting the flashes.

Swapping out the PCM on my '89 takes under 2 minutes. Remove a cable from the battery first.

If you have a torx/ star bit you can open up the SMEC/PCM and lift off the top circuit board. The serial/model numbers are on the bottom circuit board.

Rockauto sells remanufactured units from Cardone. Mine's going on 4 years.

 

I think you have an extra on and off in there. I fairly certain it's on, off, on, off, on, then the CEL starts flashing.