It started when my RAM would shut off without notice, however it would start up. This became a regular problem. My mechanic troubleshot and found the Power Control Module (PCM) (Computer) faulty. Ordered Dodge PCM using Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Took truck to local dealer for PCM programing. Programed PCM against VIN. When leaving dealer lot, the check engine light came on. Diagnostic check resulted in O2 Sensor heater being faulty. Ordered Dodge O2 Sensors (2) using VIN to identify correct parts. Both Dodge Sensors had different connections than what was on the truck. Got part numbers from the Sensors on my truck, the ones that diagnosed bad. Both part numbers were different. We replaced them with the Sensor part numbers that were already on the truck. The check engine light came on just a few miles down the road. Brain stormed the problem and figured the new PCM was faulty, or the wrong one as with the O2 Sensors, or the programing from the dealer was performed incorrectly. Called the service rep at the dealer questioning their procedures for programming PCMs. He stated that the programming is performed via the VIN and his machines software recognizes it and performs the function. He directed my call to the parts department. After several questions, the parts rep told us there was a split (parts/model modification) that began 6/26/2000. A split should have been reflected in a new VIN. Mine is not. My RAM was manufactured 7/20/2000.I may have been sold a 2000 RAM pickup as a 2001 model. The dealers mechanic has verified the problem with the VIN not matching the post split part numbers. The Service Manager is working the issue with Dodge. However, his first contact with Dodge Engineers resulted in denial of the problem. Maybe the Engineers are just ignorant or lack experience. I am hopeful this problem will be resolved through the integrity of the dealer I purchased the RAM from. They took my money with integrity. They kept my truck for over a week to investigate and verify the problem, however they did not register my RAM in their vehicle service system. My Ram and its problems were kept private from their standard operating proceedures when servicing customer vehicles. Not sure if they have my interest or their own at heart. Should I trust them to do the right thing or will they let the mighty dollar $$ guide their efforts.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
It started when my RAM would shut off without notice, however it would start up. This became a regular problem. My mechanic troubleshot and found the Power Control Module (PCM) (Computer) faulty. Ordered Dodge PCM using Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Took truck to local dealer for PCM programing. Programed PCM against VIN. When leaving dealer lot, the check engine light came on. Diagnostic check resulted in O2 Sensor heater being faulty. Ordered Dodge O2 Sensors (2) using VIN to identify correct parts. Both Dodge Sensors had different connections than what was on the truck. Got part numbers from the Sensors on my truck, the ones that diagnosed bad. Both part numbers were different. We replaced them with the Sensor part numbers that were already on the truck. The check engine light came on just a few miles down the road. Brain stormed the problem and figured the new PCM was faulty, or the wrong one as with the O2 Sensors, or the programing from the dealer was performed incorrectly. Called the service rep at the dealer questioning their procedures for programming PCMs. He stated that the programming is performed via the VIN and his machines software recognizes it and performs the function. He directed my call to the parts department. After several questions, the parts rep told us there was a split (parts/model modification) that began 6/26/2000. A split should have been reflected in a new VIN. Mine is not. My RAM was manufactured 7/20/2000.I may have been sold a 2000 RAM pickup as a 2001 model. The dealers mechanic has verified the problem with the VIN not matching the post split part numbers. The Service Manager is working the issue with Dodge. However, his first contact with Dodge Engineers resulted in denial of the problem. Maybe the Engineers are just ignorant or lack experience. I am hopeful this problem will be resolved through the integrity of the dealer I purchased the RAM from. They took my money with integrity. They kept my truck for over a week to investigate and verify the problem, however they did not register my RAM in their vehicle service system. My Ram and its problems were kept private from their standard operating proceedures when servicing customer vehicles. Not sure if they have my interest or their own at heart. Should I trust them to do the right thing or will they let the mighty dollar $$ guide their efforts.
- Steve W., Mooresville, NC, US