2000 Dodge Van PCM or not

Tiny
SENORJEFF
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 DODGE VAN
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 85,440 MILES
5.2L Ram 1500 Van will not start. Problems began with a routine start, hesitation, rough attempt to idle and immediately quit. No other leading signs of a problem. Restart attempts appeared to engage starter but only to a weak grind. After attempting to start, noticing gauges dropping or pulling power, I could hear a continuous clacking or reset to the power box where most of the relays are. Every 1-2 seconds, a click or clacking sound came from the relay power box. Removing different relays only softened the noise. Even replaced a few with no result. With all battery tests, connections, ground wire checks appearing no problems, I decided to change the starter. No change, it still appears to engage the starter but without enough power to start (seems power is being pulled elsewhere). Old starter appeared fine and teeth have no problems on wheel. I then noticed a humming sound between the clacking of the power box and traced it back to the fuel power. With just the ignition on, the fuel pump is constantly running somewhat with the clacking/reset of the relays. It has occasionally slowed down to 6-8 seconds in between but after restart attempts, back at 1-2 seconds with the fuel pump just pumping noise. I've released the belt and turned the crank, engine isn't ceased and moves with a rachet. Yesterday, I noticed a leak under the car, it was gas, coming from the seal around the crank/upside of oil pan.... I then drained about 3 gallons of old and gas from the engine. I've had a few mechanics stop by and look and all appeared uncertain. I can't get the odometer to code and all signs to me, reading what I can from the manual lead to the PCM. I found the below Q and A just googling and wanted to know if you believe it is the PCM or is there anything else I can try to know for sure. Thanks, Jeff


http://www.justanswer.com/questions/21euh-ok-fuel-pump-runs-constantly-ive
Sunday, June 14th, 2009 AT 10:42 AM

4 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,867 POSTS
Chrysler engine computers are extremely reliable. Have you measured battery voltage? It sounds like it's low. Should be around 12.6 volts with the engine off, and between 13.75 and 14.75 engine running.

Caradiodoc
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Wednesday, June 24th, 2009 AT 5:38 AM
Tiny
SENORJEFF
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Appreciate the response. It was the computer, bought one online and after a long wait due to a back log of needing chrysler computers, I got mine. Company said they are overwhelmed with need because of 800 plus dealers closing. Auto computers online did get me the rebuilt puter for 1/8 the cost of a dealer.
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Thursday, June 25th, 2009 AT 9:27 PM
Tiny
SILVERSTAR
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  • 1 POST
Where did you go to get the computer? I have the same/similar problem and thus far changed the cap and rotor, starter, tps, and tried out some relays and made sure there was enough juice. I have a fairly new battery with a decent charge. The last thing I wanted to do was get a pcm, but when I found out that the junkyard would only give enough to fill up the van twice I figured I might as well fix it.

Please let me know where you got the pcm and roughly how much. I've also been told that the pcm is vin # specific, is that true? I was going to just get the # off of the current one and search by that. Btw. Where is the pcm located on a 94 dodge fullsize van 5.2 v8?

Thanks so much!
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Tuesday, July 14th, 2009 AT 12:36 PM
Tiny
SENORJEFF
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I got mine at autocomputerexchange. Com for just about 230.00 Usually, the PCM is up on the firewall with two or three big plugs connected into it. Good luck, I haven't had a problem since the new PCM. I also heard these gas sucking big vehicles may be getting 4500-4800 in junkyard money if a bill makes it's way through the sen/house and becomes law. Something like all cars getting less than 18 MPG are eligible. Personally, I like the space on long drives with the family.
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Tuesday, July 14th, 2009 AT 9:43 PM

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