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Some jobs can easily be done at home. All you need is a bit of guidance. Resetting the powertrain control module (PCM) is one such task.
So what exactly is a PCM? A PCM is basically an ECU or electronic control unit which is commonly used in a motor vehicle. Most often the PCM is a combination of an engine control unit or an ECU and the transmission control unit. The PCM controls more than five operations in a truck or car.
Let’s take the case of the PCM in a Dodge Durango. You will find the PCM on the passenger side or the right side of the engine. This is the SUV’s circuit board computer and it has been made to tolerate extreme climate changes.
The various components in the transmission, engine, powertrain and other functional areas transfer information to the PCM. If a malfunction is detected, the error indicator on the instrument panel lights up.
The point in question here is whether there is a need to reset the Dodge PCM and when, if at all.
Here’s how you reset the Dodge PCM. Once the car’s hood is opened, you will see the battery inside. You will have to disconnect the battery’s black wired negative terminal. Put the ignition onto the crank/on status for half a minute and then turn the ignition back to the off mode. Connect the negative battery terminal. Close the hood and then start the vehicle and let it idle. Now check the status of the error light on the instrument panel.
There are other methods to reset the Dodge PCM. You have to scan and clear the error codes which acted as the trigger for the malfunction light. There are some special tools for this purpose such as the scan tool or code reader-eraser. These tools are not easily available.
In addition to this, after the battery has been disconnected and the PCM has been reset, the PCM will need time to relearn. This is what Dodge mechanics and technicians have been debating about.
Whether the PCM has been reset of if it has not; the PCM has to relearn. The time taken to reset and relearn vis a vis the time taken to replace the component and relearn is about the same. So the only time the PCM should be reset is when the component which set the error code jangling has been repaired or replaced. Otherwise the same component will trigger the malfunction indicator light on the dashboard.
If you need to replace the Dodge PCM computer for van, truck or car there are a number of online stores where you could pick up what you require. Make sure that your read the fine print before you sign on for a PCM or any other part for that matter. You can get yourself a top quality re-manufactured PCM computer at rates which are much better than what dealers offer. Most stores offer a lifetime warranty on these re-manufactured PCM computer. This way, you can replace and drive off.
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