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    BIGROB's Avatar
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    Default P0601 PCM death code

    Hi guys,

    The 2003 Dakota R/T I picked up two weeks ago has the infamous P0601 death code that returns every time it's cleared. Running fine but don't want to push my luck very long.
    Where is a good source for a PCM other than the stealership that wants $750 for the PCM and fash?

    Any one dealt with some of these cheap online rebuilt units?
    http://carcomputerexchange.com
    http://store.allcomputerresources.com
    https://www.autocomputerexchange.com

    Or should I just get some anal lube ready and go to the dealership?

    Project Maverick. I feel the need, the need for speed

  2. #2

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    How about local junk yards, eBay or hit up Chas and Jim. They have a nack for finding junk yard parts.
    2000 CC
    11.37@122


  3. #3

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    I've had this on my eBay watch list for a while: http://www.ebay.com/itm/331748260941...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

    2003 CC
    360 Swapped, FRP Tuned, 2.02 EQ Heads, 210XP cam, HS 1.7 RR's, Fastman 52mm TB, Mopar 2bbl M1, Mopar/PPH Headers, 2.5" True Dual, X-Pipe, Hooker AeroChambers, Hi Flow Cats, MSD Coil, Cloyes Double Roller Chain, JGC fan, 180F T-stat, Mopar Valve covers, K&N FIPK, PATC 2800 Stall, Martin Saine VB, Mildly built trans, 4.10 gears.
    249 HP/322 TQ FRP Tune (Old build. New build TBD)
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    99dart's Avatar
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    OR... Have the current one SCT tuned. That of course will get rid of the "Death flash".
    99 DA CC R/T
    13.97@100 w/modded kegger & ported TB
    12.96 @103
    10:8-1 .30 over forged bottom end
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    FlyinRyan's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by 99dart View Post
    OR... Have the current one SCT tuned. That of course will get rid of the "Death flash".
    WRONG, Sorry Pat but I have to correct you on this one.

    P0601 as has been implied in the other posts is an internal controller failure, a tune will absolutely not fix this (I've seen this a few times after flashing PCMs, usually it goes away after re-flashing again, go figure) , and in many cases can be a precursor to total PCM failure.

    I have used Solo PCM in the past with good results.
    RYAN/TUNED

    Got questions?!? Get the answers ->>> http://www.dakotart.com/forum/showth...estions-thread
    For fastest response please text or email at ryan@frptuning.com ,please no PM's!!!

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    99dart's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by FlyinRyan View Post
    WRONG, Sorry Pat but I have to correct you on this one.

    P0601 as has been implied in the other posts is an internal controller failure, a tune will absolutely not fix this (I've seen this a few times after flashing PCMs, usually it goes away after re-flashing again, go figure) , and in many cases can be a precursor to total PCM failure.

    I have used Solo PCM in the past with good results.
    My Bad! I didn't take into acct the 0601 code! DOH
    99 DA CC R/T
    13.97@100 w/modded kegger & ported TB
    12.96 @103
    10:8-1 .30 over forged bottom end
    R/T ported heads
    Detroit locker 4:56 gears
    Built 46RE MSaine 3500 stall Ultra Billet
    http://imgur.com/a/lOVuZ

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    99dart's Avatar
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    You can also search car-part.com I have had good luck finding some of the items I needed there.
    99 DA CC R/T
    13.97@100 w/modded kegger & ported TB
    12.96 @103
    10:8-1 .30 over forged bottom end
    R/T ported heads
    Detroit locker 4:56 gears
    Built 46RE MSaine 3500 stall Ultra Billet
    http://imgur.com/a/lOVuZ

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    BIGROB's Avatar
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    Junk yard & used PCM still need to be flashed with mileage and vin correct?
    Those online places claim they will ship them flashed and ready to plug in for $200.00 but their websites look a little shady.
    Local dealer ship is retarded, they want $200.00 just to flash it and I doubt they do it if I bring them a salvage unit. I'll have to call around, maybe I can find an out of town dealership that isn't so crazy.
    We have a huge Pull-A-Part yard in New Orleans, I'll go check them out soon.
    Anyone need something? I'll be glad to look for it while I'm there.

    Project Maverick. I feel the need, the need for speed

  9. #9

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    Quote Originally Posted by BIGROB View Post
    Junk yard & used PCM still need to be flashed with mileage and vin correct?
    Those online places claim they will ship them flashed and ready to plug in for $200.00 but their websites look a little shady.
    Local dealer ship is retarded, they want $200.00 just to flash it and I doubt they do it if I bring them a salvage unit. I'll have to call around, maybe I can find an out of town dealership that isn't so crazy.
    We have a huge Pull-A-Part yard in New Orleans, I'll go check them out soon.
    Anyone need something? I'll be glad to look for it while I'm there.
    There's a member here that can flash your VIN. He's nevr2fast01

    2003 CC
    360 Swapped, FRP Tuned, 2.02 EQ Heads, 210XP cam, HS 1.7 RR's, Fastman 52mm TB, Mopar 2bbl M1, Mopar/PPH Headers, 2.5" True Dual, X-Pipe, Hooker AeroChambers, Hi Flow Cats, MSD Coil, Cloyes Double Roller Chain, JGC fan, 180F T-stat, Mopar Valve covers, K&N FIPK, PATC 2800 Stall, Martin Saine VB, Mildly built trans, 4.10 gears.
    249 HP/322 TQ FRP Tune (Old build. New build TBD)
    12.35 @ 109 (150 Shot)
    #1222

    r/DodgeDakota

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    BIGROB's Avatar
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    wait a minute....... i just realized what 99dart said.
    An SCT will clear the death flash, but it won't clear the P0601 code right?
    That code is normally for an internal short or something in the hardware.

    I plan on getting an SCT anyway. Should i get it first and try it? Anyone have the P0601 go away like that?

    Project Maverick. I feel the need, the need for speed

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    I like free kittens

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    What Ryan said. death flash is a power killing band-aid that the factory came out with to cover up the effects of a blown plenum gasket.
    SCT fixes this.

    P0600/0601 etc are internal fault/failures of the PCM
    SCT does not fix this.


    Try car-part.com I've purchased a PCM from them before for about $100 shipped.
    --Tom
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    BIGROB's Avatar
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    Bumping this back up.

    Have been unable to locate anyone that actually have a PCM and been told that with the P0601 code mine probably cannot be rebuilt.

    I also posted in wanted section if anyone has one they are willing to sell.

    Project Maverick. I feel the need, the need for speed

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    www.car-part.com search for your part. call them or email them, send payment. Done.

    shouldn't cost you more than $100 or so. No need to reflash anything unless you get a security mis-match (security PCM looking for security on the truck but not seeing it)
    --Tom
    **Photobucket can suck my nut**

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    Hugh Jassole's Avatar
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    what he said ^^^^^
    "the vast majority of the people on this website are such tight asses that they could probably squeeze out diamonds - but they'd never spend the money to buy the coal' - Steve F. 2012

    "Don't be obsessed with your desires Danny. The Zen philosopher Basho once wrote, "A flute with no holes is not a flute, and a doughnut with no hole is a Danish" - Ty Webb, 1980

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    BIGROB's Avatar
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    I wish it was that easy. Every place listed on Car-Part doesn't actually have the PCM when I call them.
    They have a listing for it but not the actual PCM for a 2003 model. Or "it's for a V8 engine it should work"
    I know in 03 the 4.7 was the standard and the PCMs are not interchangeable.

    Every place wants to send mine off for repair but I'm reluctant to do so since it's proving difficult to find one.
    At least it still runs, don't want it to get fried or lost without a replacement.

    Project Maverick. I feel the need, the need for speed

  16. #16

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    Quote Originally Posted by BIGROB View Post
    I wish it was that easy. Every place listed on Car-Part doesn't actually have the PCM when I call them.
    They have a listing for it but not the actual PCM for a 2003 model. Or "it's for a V8 engine it should work"
    I know in 03 the 4.7 was the standard and the PCMs are not interchangeable.

    Every place wants to send mine off for repair but I'm reluctant to do so since it's proving difficult to find one.
    At least it still runs, don't want it to get fried or lost without a replacement.
    Verify that the part number matches. 56040481AB

    2003 CC
    360 Swapped, FRP Tuned, 2.02 EQ Heads, 210XP cam, HS 1.7 RR's, Fastman 52mm TB, Mopar 2bbl M1, Mopar/PPH Headers, 2.5" True Dual, X-Pipe, Hooker AeroChambers, Hi Flow Cats, MSD Coil, Cloyes Double Roller Chain, JGC fan, 180F T-stat, Mopar Valve covers, K&N FIPK, PATC 2800 Stall, Martin Saine VB, Mildly built trans, 4.10 gears.
    249 HP/322 TQ FRP Tune (Old build. New build TBD)
    12.35 @ 109 (150 Shot)
    #1222

    r/DodgeDakota

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    BIGROB's Avatar
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    Well I found a used PCM (Thanks for the correct part number SynRG, my PCM tag was unreadable so that was a big help).
    Now, I see conflicting information as to flashing the PCM for my VIN number and mileage.
    Some say you have to, some say as long as the PCM has a valid VIN in it your good. Doesn't have to match, and mileage is stored in the cluster.

    Anyone care to comment on that? This thing was tough to track down so I don't want jack around with it but don't want to pay for a flash if it isn't necessary.

    Project Maverick. I feel the need, the need for speed

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    BIGROB's Avatar
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    Well I swapped the PCMs and I get code P1686 so I must have gotten a security PCM and my truck is none security. Am I screwed or can it be reprogrammed?

    Project Maverick. I feel the need, the need for speed

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    madboy's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by BIGROB View Post
    Well I swapped the PCMs and I get code P1686 so I must have gotten a security PCM and my truck is none security. Am I screwed or can it be reprogrammed?
    So it starts and dies? Never2fast has fixed this for others. Look him up on here! Also sadly my buddy totaled his 03 last night so will likely be having a part out soon


    Josh - 98 BLK RC - Mad Milkshake Maker
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    X_HAWAII RT's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by madboy View Post
    So it starts and dies? Never2fast has fixed this for others. Look him up on here! Also sadly my buddy totaled his 03 last night so will likely be having a part out soon
    Don't tell me, Raymond???


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    madboy's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by X_HAWAII RT View Post
    Don't tell me, Raymond???
    Yup - drunk driver ran him off the road.


    Josh - 98 BLK RC - Mad Milkshake Maker
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    99 BLK RC - Mad Trash Hauler - sold
    99 DA RC - mad dak - Danno Stole it
    01 SLVR RC - mad sexy - retired - then died
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    Former Certified member of the 11 Second NA RT Club

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    BIGROB's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by madboy View Post
    So it starts and dies? Never2fast has fixed this for others. Look him up on here! Also sadly my buddy totaled his 03 last night so will likely be having a part out soon
    Yea. Starts and dies after a second. I'm waiting on a reply pm from Never2fast. He said he could flash it but I didn't know about the security issue at the time so I pm'd again. I hope he can help.
    Sorry to hear about your buddy. Is he ok?

    Project Maverick. I feel the need, the need for speed

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    BIGROB's Avatar
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    Just to come back and update this.
    I got my PCM security issue resolved by Solo Auto Electronics in Miami. They flashed out the security and had it back to me in two days. (Thanks for mentioning them Flying Ryan, I felt better hearing their name from you)

    Also, thanks to Nevr2fast for offering to help. I understand your a busy guy, no problem brother. I truly do appreciate that you were willing to help a new guy out.

    Thanks everyone!

    Project Maverick. I feel the need, the need for speed

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    madboy's Avatar
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    Great news!


    Josh - 98 BLK RC - Mad Milkshake Maker
    Previous
    99 BLK RC - Mad Trash Hauler - sold
    99 DA RC - mad dak - Danno Stole it
    01 SLVR RC - mad sexy - retired - then died
    99 IB RC - mad RT - gone to heaven..



    Former Certified member of the 11 Second NA RT Club

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