1997 Dodge Caravan

JMSMATHISS

MEMBER
1997 DODGE CARAVAN

1997 Dodge Caravan 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive

can I replace my ecu in my 1997 grand caravan with a used one?I have been told by some mechanics that a used one will not work and I can only buy a new one from the dealership and they themselves have to program it. A new one costs $900

3 Replies

CH112063

MECHANIC
1,320 POSTS

Hello. If you have the part number(7 digit) Or 8 digit you can shop for a Reman from Chrysler(Mopar) or I'm sure it can be replaced somewhere cheaper. Do not try a different part number unless it supercedes(was updated). Any Chrsler Dodge parts department will work with you with this number. What's wrong with it?
If not, try another dealership. Many on internet. If you can find another with this or the number you recieve that is the newer number, it will or will not be ok, and it usually never went bad but you would be taking a chance. Only because its used or corroded. They may be able to use this number at any good parts store.
That's the key. I wish I had them remembered. If you need help getting just let me know. Ok

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Monday, November 30th, 2009 AT 11:51 PM

JMSMATHISS

MEMBER
5 POSTS

Hello and thank you for the reply. What was happening to the van was my wife was driving it and out of the blue it began to drive really bad, no power. She took it to a mechanic we just started using. This was at 4:00 in the afternoon. They said there was no power going to cylinder 3 or 6 so they tried a new coil and that did not fix the problem, they stated they would see if maybe it was a wiring issue but not untill Monday when they had more time. Monday comes and they said the wiring was fine so it has to be the ECU which supposdely only the dealership can get a new one and a used one will not work since the ecu is VIN sensitive, and only the dealership can program the New ecu and they cant reprogram a used unit. So for $1,000 I can replace the ecu. Im no fool and know some about cars so I drove it to another mechanic we have used in the past with ok results. Imedately he sees something wrong with the coil, it has cracks all around cylinder's 3 and 6 replaces it and the car is good as new. Any thouights on how a shop could of missed something like this?
Thanks again

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Thursday, December 3rd, 2009 AT 11:19 AM

CH112063

MECHANIC
1,320 POSTS

I'm glad you did the right thing, as I read your reply, I read you talking about two cylinders, and I thought that also. Glad to help, anytime. There are 3 parts to the coil pack, each part operates 2 cylinders. I don't like to even look at a car, that unless I'm sure it can be fixed. So you made out good.

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Sunday, December 6th, 2009 AT 8:22 PM