In chasing a no-start problem on my '96 T&C LXI 3.8 (covered in another thread), I'm thinking of sourcing a PCM from a wrecking yard for testing purposes. I've read in these forums where some people have swapped 3.3 PCM's into 3.8 vans, or from different years with no problems at all. Then others say that the PCM has to be programmed for that specific vehicle in order to work.

It would seem that a PCM on vehicles prior to using transponder keys would be at least generally swappable with another vehicle of similar make and model and engine configuration.

Does anyone out there actually know what's interchangeable and what isn't?

 

I asked this (a similiar) question recently concerning my '95 T&C with the 3.8.

I had noticed that I have a 3.3 PCM unit installed but it seems to work OK. No problems that I noticed, but I have only had a T&C van for 2 months...
Was considering swapping it out for a correct one for a 3.8.

In my research I ran across something suggesting that one might have a problem just swapping units if for some reason you got one that did not have provisions for the same things that you have on your vehicle.
Security systems,, door locks, ?/ etc. etc.
and I was lead to believe that the odometer reading is stored in the thing, so that might be a problem.
but I don't know what the real story is.

But... in my mind I think the 95 units can be swapped.

Looking for more info...





suyssswaping 3

 

After diagnosing a failed PCM, I decided to forgo the trip to a wrecking yard in favor of a rebuilt PCM from Auto Computer Exchange. It's $100 and carries a lifetime warranty. That's pretty tough to beat.

 

Mileage is stored the the BCM memory, not the PCM.

 

Thanks for the clarification..

I knew that the odo reading was in some module.
poor memory

Also I have a 96, not a 95. Poor memory twice.

It really is a 3.8

XXX