VTJeep

99xj, 4.0, auto..
it boils down to needing a new PCM. PLEASE lets just go with that. I have had everything checked and replaced using good oem parts. yes, the fuses are good. The wiring harness has been torn down by Jeep (at 91 bucks an hour...) They have told me directly it IS the PCM.

So here's my issue: According to the Jeep dealership, this PCM is discontinued and could run upwards of 1000.00 dollars to replace. This sounds like the scam of the century to me as I have found no less than two sites offering refurbished (granted not new, but who cares) PCM's for around 160-200 dollars. So if I ordered a refurb'd one, is it plug and play or does it need to go to jeep for install?

Sorry if this has been covered to death. i searched, came up with varying info, none of it too specific to my issue. So thanks for the time and effort. this has been the biggest headache.. literally 5 years in the making... saddest.

EDIT: So for now, the issue is resolved. after dealing with the dodge dealership and having them do a continuity test on my entire wiring harness they confirmed there were no issues with it. While the jeep was running, it started acting up- sputtering and acting like it was going to stall- one of the techs tapped the PCM and it cleared up. Now they started to believe me it was the PCM. However, they still insisted it was going to be pricey. But I got the jeep out of the dealership for like 270 bucks, ordered the new PCM for about 170 bucks from this site: http://autocomputersystems.com/ They are located in Florida. I talked to a guy named Richard, he was great to deal with. The PCM arrived in about a week and was completely plug and play. As a precautionary method, I dielectric greased every fuse and wire harness in the engine bay. I did have to replace the bank 1 o2 sensor again for another 125 bucks, in order to get it to clear the codes. I guess it had fouled while in use with bad PCM, dunno. Now at almost 160k miles the CEL is still off and the jeeps running great. Hopefully it keeps this up. I will post if there are changes.

belvedere

I think you should contact the company doing the refurb and ask them. That way you'll know for sure.

VTJeep

yessir. thats on the docket for the am.. missed em by 7 min tonight

freegdr

Should be plug and play.

VTJeep

this is good. any thoughts on why i was told that if i had the PCM out for more than a couple hours the jeep wouldnt start? i had taken mine out to clean the ground points right next to it (PCM) and had no issues. granted it was out for like 20 min and not two hours.. idk, thanks man.

salad

You don't have that key sentry crap, right? That's the only complication I'm aware of. What do you think happens if the battery is removed for a day?

If you were not aware, mileage is stored in the instrument cluster.

VTJeep

haha, all good on milage, but no immobilizer issue on mine- theres no security sys that im aware of so i should be good to go. also, the shop i just talked to to get an inspection doesnt even care if the CEL is on, so good news for me there! however, i found a new, well rebur'd one anyways, for under 200 so i think im gonna go for it.

as for the issue of having the PCM out for "more than a couple hours" and then the rig not starting, im assuming the mechanic must of had one with an immobilizer.

not that im worried, but any ideas on how to confirm mine doesnt have it?

thanks!!

salad

Yeah look at the key. Flat black triangular ones are just keys. The grey sort of oval round ones have chips in 'em. I think the chip stuff started in 2000 but not sure

VTJeep

saweet! i think im in the clear, and so far its under 300 bucks at the dodge dealership.. not bad for running a couple tests and checking over the wiring.. thanks man!

VTJeep

Ok. Instead of making new thread/clogging an existing one here's an update: it's fixed! Turns out the issue was the ignition coil the whole time. After months of replacing sensors, crawling over the wiring harness and spending money at shops to look it over I noticed the housing on the ignition coil was cracked and the internals corroding. ~30 bucks later it runs perfect. No more buck/chug/backfire/hesitation.. It's been a year since I've had the jeep (or been on here :/ ) and I am so stoked to have it back! And they said sell the thing.. Ha!




Here's the busted ignition coil.. The bane of my existence!

robertj

Thanks for the update. That is one busted coil. I'm surprised it ran as good as it did.

VTJeep

Haha, it's held up well considering but as of late it was pretty damn rough... If I could get it started...