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I got a bunch of messages that seem to indicate the computer isn't talking with all the units it's supposed to. My truck tried to leave me sitting on a ferry yesterday. But I was able to cut the ignition off, let it sit for a moment, and then cut it back on but now it seems to think that D means 2. Just before that, I put the transmission handle over to where it ought to have been D, but it stayed as P. After the off, rest, on, it went over to D but as I said it seemed to think it was 2.
So, I checked the codes and they are mostly PCM this, TCM that, ECM the other. On this vehicle (2006 Dodge Dakota), those are all the same unit.
I've got a Superchips programmer (which is how I got the codes).
I'm going to try checking to make sure all the cables are firmly inserted and attached, maybe with a squirt of contact cleaner from my amp kit. Then once being sure they're all firmly attached, I'm going to try clearing codes and reprogramming to factory. Then back to Economy setting. If this doesn't work, then it's off to the mechanic.
Anyone who's good with engines and trucks and stuff and has some advice, I'd be grateful for it.
- Zurf
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Well - My simple-minded idea stemming from extensive Google-based training seems to have worked. For now. I fully expect a relapse.
- Zurf
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Try checking your transmission fluid. Park on level ground and put the car in Neutral, while it's running pull out the dipstick and check the fluid level. I recommend this because low fluid wouldn't build up enough pressure in the valve body to move things correctly. Something that should be checked regularly anyway.
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I'll check transmission fluid - but I do that pretty often. I use this vehicle as a tow vehicle and so I had a transmission fluid cooler installed - it also requires an extra 20% or so fluid. The thing that had me wanting to try the connections was all the error codes had to do with communication with the computer.
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Zurf,I am not too good on auto electronics, but a transmission is not cheap you should not try to shade tree an electronic signal,it may be best too take it to a transmission shop,or a trusted mechanic. My brother in law had too put out $1,200.00 awile back on trans repair. I think it is a transmission control computer chip or the module but have a pro check it.
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I always try disconnecting the battery and reconnecting it after a few minutes. If it doesn`t work. You wont be any worse off
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^ Except for the PIA chores of re-setting the clock and all your favorite radio stations that is!
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Dodge
I think I found your problem... 
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jerome.oneil wrote:
Dodge
I think I found your problem...
This truck is at 85,000 miles and is a tow vehicle and hasn't been in the shop for a repair yet. That said, the only thing I don't like about this truck is that it's not a Ford. After spending some time reading forums by people who enjoy nothing more than sitting online and talking about their Dakota trucks, The ECM/PCM appears to be a bit of a problem with this vehicle. Refurb replacements are available pretty cheaply - about 1/4 the cost of new - and intallation appears to be easy. If I get more problems, which I certainly will if the module is going bad and it wasn't just some moisture in the connection, then I'll have my mechanic put in a replacement.
- Zurf
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Interesting. This sounds more like a computer problem than a standard mechanical problem. It makes me feel a little "old". Used to be if your vehicle wouldn't go into drive you knew it had something to do with the transmission, fluid, or linkage. There really weren't any other options. Sigh... I guess this is why my teenage son has no clue how vehicle's work. I guess it's a good day and age to be a mechanic who also loves computers. Good luck Zurf!!!
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It is a computer/electrical problem the cars now are run by them.The basics are still all thereand the same as older car's/trucks. Zurf I hate too take my car too a mechanic as I have alot of expierence with vechicles,but I think you might want too do it in this case. Ya if you are towing things your better truck is a ford.
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topdown wrote:
^ Except for the PIA chores of re-setting the clock and all your favorite radio stations that is!
you can buy a thing taht you put in your cig lighter/accessory port that has a 9V on it and it saves your codes
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beamer wrote:
topdown wrote:
^ Except for the PIA chores of re-setting the clock and all your favorite radio stations that is!
you can buy a thing taht you put in your cig lighter/accessory port that has a 9V on it and it saves your codes
Radio here stinks. I wouldn't be losing NOTHING.
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beamer wrote:
topdown wrote:
^ Except for the PIA chores of re-setting the clock and all your favorite radio stations that is!
you can buy a thing taht you put in your cig lighter/accessory port that has a 9V on it and it saves your codes
Well - that's brilliant!
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Remember the days when cars were simple - you could pull them apart and do own maintenance without worrying whether you are stuffing up your electronics - there weren't any! Now you have to pay far too much money to repair guys who would have you believe only they can do it, and it ends up costing you the price of a small house for a basic service. Whew I feel better after that rant!
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topdown wrote:
beamer wrote:
topdown wrote:
^ Except for the PIA chores of re-setting the clock and all your favorite radio stations that is!
you can buy a thing taht you put in your cig lighter/accessory port that has a 9V on it and it saves your codes
Well - that's brilliant!
How long does it take to reset your radio stations and clock. I am willing to bet it is less than driving it to a garage.
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Derek, you never did say what was wrong with your truck. What happened?
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Checking and cleaning the connections and reinstalling the program have relieved the computer connection problem. There was an issue with the transmission with a damaged seal that needed repair by a mechanic. The mechanic picked up a bunch of wear on the steering and suspension, but not abnormally high for a vehicle with the miles and stress this one has had. They're all within tolerance so I'm not going to have those fixed yet.
- Zurf
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