PCM diagnosis

[tcagle]

Hi all,
2001 RT/10 39k miles. Took in to dealer for a clutch slave cylinder leak and check engine light came on driving to the dealership. Dealer runs the codes and it's not sensing any O2 sensor activity. Dealer checked the O2 sensors in isolation and they were working fine. Dealer jumped straight to "you need a new PCM". I suppose that could be correct, but wanted to check with the brain trust here to see if anyone else had similar experience/ideas. Dealer wants $1100 to replace PCM. Reasonable or not?

Thanks in advance all.

[99RT10]

That's about right, but if the new PCM does not correct the issue, the dealership should pay said PCM.

[GTS Dean]

Standard dealership disclaimer: "No refunds on electronic parts."

How about asking them if they bothered to check for wire continuity before coming up with an $800 diagnosis?

[1BADV10]

I would try erasing the code and see what happens, may just be a fluke. I had a similar situation last summer, engine light on, went to O'reillys where they lend you the computer that coded up nonfunctioning o2 sensors. I erased the code and never had a problem after that. Worth a try...

[tcagle]

I would try erasing the code and see what happens, may just be a fluke. I had a similar situation last summer, engine light on, went to O'reillys where they lend you the computer that coded up nonfunctioning o2 sensors. I erased the code and never had a problem after that. Worth a try...

I am going to give this a try. Dealer said he couldn't see it hurting anything to try it.

Thanks for you guys' responses.

[AviP]

Might be the O2 sensor going bad and the stealer's really just changing it but billing for a PCM. I had a bad O2 sensor many years ago that I changed and all is well. If you do go the PCM route, ask for the old part.

[ellowviper]

As strange as this sounds...check the tightness on the rear AC compressor mount bolts (can reach them past the steering knuckle). Reason being is that the single 02 sensor ground wire is there...and for whatever reason, my rear ac mounting bolt came loose where that ground strap shares that bolt. I have since extended that 02 sensor ground wire for a more appropriate ground. Just something to easily verify. If it is indeed loose, it will trigger that CEL.

[tcagle]

As strange as this sounds...check the tightness on the rear AC compressor mount bolts (can reach them past the steering knuckle). Reason being is that the single 02 sensor ground wire is there...and for whatever reason, my rear ac mounting bolt came loose where that ground strap shares that bolt. I have since extended that 02 sensor ground wire for a more appropriate ground. Just something to easily verify. If it is indeed loose, it will trigger that CEL.

Interesting...I'll check it when I get it back from the dealer. Thanks.

[plumcrazy]

there are VERY few dealers id ever bring a viper to have any kind of work done

[1BADV10]

there are VERY few dealers id ever bring a viper to have any kind of work done

You are right on that plumcrazy, more so with an older Viper. I try to do most repairs myself along with help from this club but when I get over my head Fortunately for me Woodhouse Dodge is within 100 miles and I would take any gen Viper there. Nation wide there are just a hand full of expert shops like Woodhouse, such a rare car has very small number of expert mechanics.

[plumcrazy]

i bet there isnt even a handful. you named one of the best in woodhouse. 99.999% of dealers i wouldnt let change my oil

[ellowviper]

i bet there isnt even a handful. you named one of the best in woodhouse. 99.999% of dealers i wouldnt let change my oil
True story...I needed to take my 01 GTS in for an oil change once since my garage was full of moving boxes and so forth. Brandon Dodge here in the Tampa suburbs. I looked at the receipt when I picked it up and noticed (1) filter and "8" quarts of oil....I knowingly asked "why only 8 quarts?". Answer: That's what it calls for. Lesson learned there.

[tcagle]

Yikes...I hear ya...but I am no where near Woodhouse and have limited mechanic skills. So hopefully just resetting the codes will take care of it.

[Dan Cragin]

I have seen the O2 sensors cause a PCM failure. I do have a PCM if you want one to test with, or outright at a discount.

[tcagle]

Hi Dan...very kind offer, thank you. Unfortunately they cleared the codes and the CEL came back on. I'm going to go ahead and have them replace the PCM.

[lmn]

Dan, should then O2 sensors be replaced as preventative maintenance to avoid a PCM issue? If so, how often, OEM or other? Thx.