When the alternator went out, it took out the voltage regulator in the PCM, according to the multiple mechanics I talked with. Apparently, this is a common problem because the dealership had a 6 month waiting period for the $900 fix and you can only have it done at the dealership because they have to reprogram the PCM to your van after they fix it. One mechanic suggested that we just have the dealership reboot the PCM and hope that fixed it but the dealership said that they could do it for $150 but it wouldn't fix it and might destroy the PCM more.
I decided to just keep driving my "wonderful" Dodge van that keeps shutting off while I drive with the radio, interior lights, speedometer, AC/heat going on and off the whole time. It also makes a weird dinging sound when that happens like a door is open with the key in the ignition. The warning lights are check engine, battery, and ABS. It gives back all kinds of crazy codes as to what is the problem and changes them all the time. I waited around hoping Dodge would recall the TIPM and PCM or that their would be some cheap fix. I ended up getting rid of it taking a hit on it financially. I'm never buying a Dodge again.
When the alternator went out, it took out the voltage regulator in the PCM, according to the multiple mechanics I talked with. Apparently, this is a common problem because the dealership had a 6 month waiting period for the $900 fix and you can only have it done at the dealership because they have to reprogram the PCM to your van after they fix it. One mechanic suggested that we just have the dealership reboot the PCM and hope that fixed it but the dealership said that they could do it for $150 but it wouldn't fix it and might destroy the PCM more.
I decided to just keep driving my "wonderful" Dodge van that keeps shutting off while I drive with the radio, interior lights, speedometer, AC/heat going on and off the whole time. It also makes a weird dinging sound when that happens like a door is open with the key in the ignition. The warning lights are check engine, battery, and ABS. It gives back all kinds of crazy codes as to what is the problem and changes them all the time. I waited around hoping Dodge would recall the TIPM and PCM or that their would be some cheap fix. I ended up getting rid of it taking a hit on it financially. I'm never buying a Dodge again.
- kaptan, Houston, US