UPDATE: local Jeep dealer said check battery, try another battery! Did that and got same overcharging off my meter of 16..... and to bring it in for diagnostic look---dont weant to drive the jeep as it might burn up! Checked out links to get remanufactured PCM (plug and play)....one company in FL said cant do it do to its an made for export vehilce and another company said yes we have this part in stock (Auto Computer Exchange)---has anyone ever herad of them and are they OK, they told me no money back but you have a 1 year warranty ($199.00)! Hate to go this route and have it not work! But I believe it is the PCM, had similiar problem years ago in a mazda 323, but then I replaced PCM/ECM with a used one and it worked fine? Is it better to buy a external regulator ($60), or a used PCM ($80).....hate to gamble but it seems I have no choice...will call Auot Computer today to see what they say! Thanks for all the help--keep the advice coming!

 

WJman, I really cannot comment on that external voltage regulator. Where did you find it? Can you post a link to it? Did you try an electronics repair guy to look over yours? If it is a bad solder trace as I suspect it is or bad caps, they can fix that easily. I would definitely exhaust all my other possibilities before I get a used one.

 

Ok, tried 2 batteries and still got the overcharge at 17 volts, talked to local jeep vender and they are researching the problem as they never heard of this.??? Found a company in fl auto computer exchange and say they have my PCU for $199 with warranty but no refund policy- has anyone have any good things to say about them? They also say to leave the battery connected when removing the PCM due to code p0601 (does that make any sense) as my jeep repair book says disconnect battery. Will think a few days and wait for replies here on the forum before I gamble with the purchase.

 

Links:



http://store.alternatorparts.com/hd-...rsion-kit.aspx

Let me know what you all think of this, cheaper than gambling on a rebuilt PCM from dealers that only give warrantries of 1 year to lifetime but not your money back!

I cant even find a used PCM!!

 

Well WJman, I have to admit, I've never heard of this kit before. Thanks for posting it. It does look like a viable option for the "overcharging" issue. Pretty slick and at a descent price. I would certainly make sure everything else has been checked out prior to purchasing this kit just to be extra sure you simply don't have a bad ground somewhere but otherwise, if I were in you shoes, I would certainly give it a try.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

Great thread.

 

Ok, ordered the external voltage regulator and FRM, after talking with company, they said this should cure the problem. Best star with $65 fix and go from there. 99% sure now it's PCM as I traced all ground wires and cleaned them put everything back together, started it and took a while for PCM to reboot, but it came back, turned everthing on lights a/c and voltage came down to norm then stepped on gas an right back up to 16+ volts. Dash warning lights went wacko ....will wait for part put it in and hope for the best. Hate to get a rebuilt PCM from these so called experts at remaufacturing them....have seen more negative feedback than positive, on their refund policy (none) exchange from one year to lifetime, but would gave to pay for shipping every time I need to exchange. jeep here in Sweden has no answers.....does anyone know of a jeep hotline for advice? Though I am sure this is the best forum and advice available.....

 

ARGHHHHH! put in external volt regulator: Ran OK for 5 minutes, then check gauge light came on (though this could happen if PCM is worse than expected).....now charges OK, with rev of egine it bounces btwn 14-16, and then stalls as soon as you let go of the gas pedal, and hard to start....Does anyone know where I can get a PCM with lifetime warranty with reputable business? My PCM P/N #: P56041 869AB

 

Arghhhhh! Put in external voltage Regulator...ran fine for 5 minutes, dash normal, but check guages light was on. Put on the stereo, put in gear drove 5 feet and stalled. Votls started to fluxuate 14-16, no idle now and hard tto start! Looks like PCM replacement. Does anyone know a reputable businesss wherer I can get a good qulaity PCM at a good price.

 

Hi WJman, i'm from Venezuela and have the same problem. I've already service the PCM and they change the regulator but still the same intermitent overcharging and esitation when the volts jump to 16. I've a theory that must be an battery (+) going to ground so i'm checking one by one all the + feed.

 

I am a retired military man who lives in Europe and has a European made Jeep. Problem was many over the last year, CD player died, charging system not working properly (Bad pulley at first), charging system overcharging to 17+ volts, stalling, gauge lights going beserk, odometer flashing on and off, loud noised coming from speaker system...yes typical Jeep electrical problems! Spent numerous hours on Jeep forums (international and US) getting good advice from many jeep enthusiasts, troubleshooting my electrical system, grounds, door wiring, installed external voltage regulator(then removed it), etc etc. Came to conclusion that I might need a new/used Power Control Unit (PCU)/(computer) as the nothing else was fixing the problem. After researching PCU's through European channels, Sweden Jeep (said it would cost $1600 for new PCU plus programming and installation and towing), $600 in Germany and Spain for used PCU, but need to have Jeep towed to dealership to program VIN and other specific motor/miles/km info (another $300), then talking to Jeep in USA to find out my model 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4.7 (was a Export model) and PCU was not found on their parts system as it was discontinued and they only made PCU P56041 869AB for that year model/make, SO I was at the conclusion that it was a lost cause.
Then I found add on EBAY about Auto Computer Exchange in Davie Fl, sent them a email and was impressed with price and that they even had my European PCU in stock! Though skeptical I was, after dealing with numerous contracts/purchases/suppliers with my job in Military/US Gov for many years, knowing lowest priced items might not be what is best-----then to find "bad words" about Auto Computer Exchange on internet, no guarantees, no money back, troubled stories from other purchasers....I was nervous to say the least until I talked to Jim at ACE, he knew about the bad press, but assured me that he would do his best to earn my business.....Well he guaranteed me my PCU would work in my European Jeep, if I have did all the other troubleshooting and he agreed it must be the PCU. He said mail your old one to me, we will try to repair it 1st at a cost of $149, if cant be repaired you get one off the shelf, programmed and ready for your Jeep at $199, I even told him I am very nervous, since I live overseas, he assured me and offered me a money back guarantee and a lifetime warranty (I must pay for postage to return .they pay to postage back (USA only). He even sent the old PCU back as it wasn't repairable....... Well I received my PCU, very skeptical, I called Jim with my concerns, he said, it will work, hook up the battery first (new battery is better), plug in the PCU connectors, start engine, let it run for 25 minutes then take it for a test drive! Get back to me if it doesn't work/run as expected but we stand behind our product!


My skepticism and nervousness went away and a chestful of relief and happiness followed as the Jeep sounded and ran great! I have driven it for over a week now and glad that I chose Auto Computer Exchange and happy with the advice and comfort Jim showed me!

However buyers out there, do your research and troubleshooting 1st, dont blame the PCU for everything, but you can trust ACE and Jim to give you a good product at a great price!



Thanks Jim.....you won me over!