Hi,

I am new to the forum. I just purchased a 2005 Limited 1 month ago. I just left me stranded last week as it lost power and wouldn't start back up. Actually, it would start back up by it would run very rough and then die out so I had no choice but to tow it to the stealership. They just called me and said it needs a new RCM for $700 and more than likely a new PCM for $2,400. I just go *** a month ago and it only has 9,000 miles on it!!! Please help!!!

I have read some posts about re-sodering some connections on the RCM. Does that sound like my problem? I hate to spend $3,000 on a repair after i just bought it!!!

 

Running rough and idle die out are not usually associated with a RCM, more like a CPS on it's way out.
Where in Georgia are you located ?
You might want to try Buckhead Imports if you are in the Atlanta area.
( at any rate, a NEW RCM module runs around $230, NOT $700 - I think I smell a stealership rip-off in progress )

It could be as simple as a vacuum leak. ( that would cause rough running and quitting at idle. )

Where did you purchase it from ? Did it come with a warranty, like 90 day etc .... ?

 

rbutler's symptoms sound just like I had a few weeks ago. I changed the CPS to no avail then sent my RCM out for repair and that solved my problem. Mine had 13,000 mi. at the time. So from my recent experience I would go RCM. I spent a total of less than $100 for both repairs.

 

Yes, I just got a MB RCM ( old part number, but works fine ) off eBay for $25, pop'd the cover off to inspect and found it was BRAND NEW ! - no contact burns and the 3 solder joints were solid.
Installed in the car to test and it worked finer than frog hair.

I know, no picture or it didn't happen :

 

Maybe throttle body reset??

 

Well, the first thing that I am doing tomorrow is getting it back from the stealership.

When I was driving it, it simply lost power so I pulled off the road and it stalled. When I tried to restart it, it started back up every time, but would just sputter and die. I would touch the gas pedal but it would not do anything to change the issue. It would just sputter and run very rough like it was misfiring and then die. I will get it back tomorrow and pull the RCM. How can I tell that it is bad?

 

Ala_xfire - I am in the Atlanta area about 20 miles north of buckhead. I bought it from an individual so no warranty on it. I will post some pics once I get it back home. 05 limited - black

 

Most likely NOT the RCM ( K40 ) it's just a module with 5 relays and a bunch of fuses. ( but I've been wrong on that before. )
I would be inclined to think the CPS ( Crankshaft Position Sensor ) is the issue, either the thing itself or the connector to it has corrosion.

( The CPS is at the rear of the engine on the drivers side )

( The RCM is the one in the black box next to the battery closest to the engine with the big orange 40 amp fuse and 5 wiring harnesses running to it. )

Pull the engine cover/air cleaner off and check all the vacuum hoses.

 

I agree with ala_xfire: sounds more like CPS.

In either case get away from that dealer.

New OEM RCM from Rockauto is $134 and takes 2 minutes to install.
AIRTEX / WELLS1R2032Fuel Pump / Circuit Opening Relay$ 133.79

CPS is only about $43 and takes maybe 30 mins to install (see here)
0031532828 - Crankshaft Position Sensor - ES#2593181

 

Just picked up the xfire yesterday. It was the RCM K40 module. When it went out, it shut down the fuel pump so that was why it would start but then die out. It was surviving with leftover fuel in the lines...enough to start but not run.

 

Does the RCM need to be programmed if it's replaced? Thanks.

 

No, it is just a bunch of relays soldered to a printed circuit board.

 

Thanks for sharing the outcome.