no bus Message on 99 Durango

TowDurango · Jul 21, 2008

It looks like I have a bad PCM. The D stopped dead while towing up a steep hill. After waiting 30 mins, I was able to continue. One in 10 times it stalls, I'll get a no buss in the odometer readout, I also get an EVAP code which a TSB states is a programming bug.

The D will stall reliably after 15-20 min of idle time. So I did the ice bag test and sure enough, it'll run fine as long as I keep ice on the PCM. So I'm 90% sure the PCM is bad.

My questions:
Does Mopar Performance make a PCM for a 99 Durango 4X4 5.9L?
My Durango had to be flashed for pinging on the stuff california calls fuel, so is this a bad idea considering that I tow a lot?
If the above aren't a good idea, then do we have a favorite vendor for sending *good* reman PCMs out?
Do I still pay Dodge to program them, or can I just send the old computer and specs to the exchange company?

-- Bob

FSTDANGO3 · Jul 21, 2008

Definitely the PCM is trashed there are several places online that'll sell you a new PCM and flash in whatever you need
Steve
DOC Pres

IndyDurango · Jul 21, 2008

Never heard of an ice bag test.

Yes there's a Mopar Performance PCM for a 5.9 4x4 1999 if you can find one.

There's a PCM reseller on eBay that's worth looking in to.

Whatever you do next time? don't allow the dealer to do a flash on the PCM for pinging. There are other methods that are way less destructive.

and oh BTW? welcome to the DOC!

IndyDurango

FSTDANGO3 · Jul 21, 2008

Indy most PCM's fail due to excess heat build up due to a malfunction internally.
If you suddenly get a no bus feel PCM if it's red hot apply something to cool it and sometimes it resets
Steve
DOC Pres

RobDA · Jul 21, 2008

I also had never heard of the ice bag trick? But it does make sense.
Kind of like the ol' hard-drive-in-the-freezer trick.

TowDurango · Jul 21, 2008

I just read that the Mopar Perf. part isn't meant for towing, so it probably has too much advance.

Does anyone make a tuner that allows me to adjust the tables, scalars, and functions in the ECM?

IndyDurango · Jul 21, 2008

Once you get a working PCM, the SuperChips tuner has a towing setting. Also the stock PCM should be fine for towing.

IndyD

TowDurango · Jul 21, 2008

So, looking at the archives, if I have pinging again I should:
1) Install cooler plugs (NGKZFR7F-11 or Autolite 3923)
2) Clean the TB/runners/chambers. Seafoam or water.
3) Possibly install a 180 deg thermostat, although that would reduce the thermal capacity of the system

I do recall thinking that Dodge backed the advance out way too much after that PCM flash, but it did fix the pinging problem. I think I had already tried cooler plugs, but I don't exactly recall.

FSTDANGO3 · Jul 21, 2008

TowDurango said:
So, looking at the archives, if I have pinging again I should:
1) Install cooler plugs (NGKZFR7F-11 or Autolite 3923)
2) Clean the TB/runners/chambers. Seafoam or water.
3) Possibly install a 180 deg thermostat, although that would reduce the thermal capacity of the system

I do recall thinking that Dodge backed the advance out way too much after that PCM flash, but it did fix the pinging problem. I think I had already tried cooler plugs, but I don't exactly recall.

Get a new PCM and try it before letting Dealer do :furious: DEATH FLASH :furious:
The DEATH FLASH will take the life out of that D
Steve
DOC Pres

Neil · Jul 21, 2008

Another 99! It really appears that this issue is a 99 problem.

dizzyD · Jul 21, 2008

I have the death flash on my 99. I think the best thing is to find a standard Cali PCM. Install it, Might have to go to dealer to have a couple things done to make it run, security stuff. then buy a super chip or second a hypertech programmer. Both of these on the 5.x motors work great, both have tow program capable. (and works) It also seems to have decent performace benefits and if you keep your foot off gas, better than stock MPg's.
Welcome! Enjoy the wealth of info here!

Neil · Jul 21, 2008

There are no settings the dealer needs to change to make a PCM run. The security settings can't be changed by the dealer.

If you don't have the factory security system, A USED PCM MUST COME FROM A VEHICLE THAT DOES NOT HAVE THE SECURITY SYSTEM. If you have the system, you're ok with whatever PCM. (Note if you don't have the security system, be aware that the rebuild companies may not know about the security issue. There was a guy on another board without a security system who ordered a rebuilt one and it didn't work. We told him what the issue more than likely was. In spite of what the company said, the PCM did come from a security vehicle)

Yes Mopar made 99, 4x4, 5.9 Calif PCM but the Mopar PCMs are out of production and difficult to find.

I can't speak if any of these places are any good. This list was on another forum

ECUsdirect.com
www.car-part.com
http://www.cardone.com
http://www.ecmtogo.com
http://www.autoecms.com
http://www.foreignecurepair.com
http://www.autoecu.com
http://www.avproecm.com
http://www.autocomputerexchange.com

skitzo.d · Jul 21, 2008

TowDurango said:
So, looking at the archives, if I have pinging again I should:
1) Install cooler plugs (NGKZFR7F-11 or Autolite 3923)
2) Clean the TB/runners/chambers. Seafoam or water.
3) Possibly install a 180 deg thermostat, although that would reduce the thermal capacity of the system

I do recall thinking that Dodge backed the advance out way too much after that PCM flash, but it did fix the pinging problem. I think I had already tried cooler plugs, but I don't exactly recall.

Mopar PCM can tow. I had one on my '99 and towed my 26' camping trailer. I now have a more aggressive flash on my stock PCM and tow as well. I just have to run 92 octane when I tow.

IndyDurango · Jul 21, 2008

X2

1) Install cooler plugs (Autolite 3923)

3) Install a 180 deg thermostat

Also, make sure you're getting as much cool air into the engine area as possible. There are many many ways to do this. CAI, additional ducting, vents, hoods, etc.

In the end? it all ads up.

Final note, some fuel will ping regardless. It's bad gas. Try a different octane (higher the better for pinging) and even different brands at different stations.

HTH,

IndyDurango

BangkokD · Jul 21, 2008

I just had my bad 99 PCM repaired by SIA Electronics in Illinois "www.siaelec.com" after it was doing the same thing. They said they didn't have to do anything to the B&G flash that was in it. I haven't yet installed it to see if it works, but they warranty their work, so we'll soon see.

Dave

TowDurango · Jul 23, 2008

I ordered a PCM from AutoExchange and gave all of the details in an email, so there shouldn't be as many problems. They responded back the same day that the PCM was shipping. I forgot to mention CA emissions. Since they asked for the Part Number, that aspect of it should be obvious. Who knows, maybe it wasn't a CA car to begin with. It was a former rental when I bought it in 2000 at 35k mi from Enterprise IIRC.

1999 DODGE DURANGO SLT 4WD
5.9L V8 SFI OHV 16V
no security
VIN 1B4HS28Z3XFxxxxxx
Mileage 122,172
PCM Part: P56040148AD

It has had some typical '99 D work:
Diff Speed Sensor
Leaky Water Outlet Housing Gasket
Leaky tranny input shaft seal ($$$$)
MAP Sensor (x3)
Plug wire reroute (TSB)
Upper and Lower Ball joints, idler arm, pitman arm

The MAP sensor seems to die after the engine gets wet, like when I clean it. So now, I'm more careful about spraying it off.

It now has an oil leak at the bellhousing that could be coming from as high as the dist. My neighbor is a Dodge mechanic and he said that some Ds will suck an inatke gasket, which can also cause a lean running condition from unmetered air getting in. That could also be the source of my pinging.

BTW, the neighbor also said no bus is fairly common on Dodge and Jeep vehicles in general, but is often a grounded VREF sensor lead. In my case, that didn't appear to be the problem.

-- Bob

RobDA · Jul 23, 2008

Take off the air hat and look into the throttle body. If you see oil, that confirms the intake plenum gasket is bad and that definitely causes pinging? Been there, done that. You can either replace the gasket OR use this as an excuse to get an M1 intake - They don't eat their gaskets, look better, and add some performance too!

Neil · Jul 23, 2008

Since you don't have the security system, keep your fingers crossed. When you get the PCM, if it starts and shuts right pack off, the replacement was from a security enabled vehicle. Did you you emphasise that point with AutoExchange?

MWeed · Jul 23, 2008

It won't make any difference for the PCM. If the part number called for a specific PCM it'll meet the requirements for the D as it was manufactured. When smogged, it'll only have to meet those specs, not the specs for the state it now resides in. The inspection station will know what it's supposed to meet. If you're wondering, there's usually a white sticker under the hood that tells you what it was programmed to, Federal or CA. The vin will also tell you and the smog machine.

Oldtin · Jul 23, 2008

I have a 99 MP PCM for Calif. emissions!! got it by mistake,had to by a federal one to put out the CEL.

no bus Message on 99 Durango

TowDurango

FSTDANGO3

IndyDurango

FSTDANGO3

RobDA

TowDurango

IndyDurango

TowDurango

FSTDANGO3

Neil

dizzyD

Neil

skitzo.d

IndyDurango

BangkokD

TowDurango

RobDA

Neil

MWeed

Oldtin

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