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Car's in shop, needs new computer?

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Old Mar 18, 2009 | 10:12 PM
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Default Car's in shop, needs new computer?

Well, I finally took my car in for the P0401 code and they had to order a relay for the secondary air pump or something like that. When they installed the new relay, they said the ground wasn't working correctly and this relay failed also and they had to order a new computer which is the culprit??? This P0401 occurred as soon as I put in the ecu after having it re-tuned again. Is there any way a tune can affect something like this? Sounds weird to me...... In the meantime the car has been in the shop a few days and they supplied me with a Dodge Avenger rental. So far the warranty is covering all of this unless they detect that the ecu was reprogrammed which may cause me mucho bucks.... Has anyone experienced something like this before?
 
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Old Mar 18, 2009 | 11:39 PM
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Default Re: Car's in shop, needs new computer?

Wow sorry to hear that. Sorry can't help with an answer. I assume you already called LET?
 
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Old Mar 18, 2009 | 11:52 PM
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Default Re: Car's in shop, needs new computer?

I've already sent Jerry an e-mail and awaiting his reply. I don't think it's really a software problem, and if it is, this is the first I've ever heard of causing this type of problem to happen. And if I do indeed get a new ecu, I'll have to get the software re-installed locally without removing it. I've always been hesitant about removing and installing ECU's because who knows what may happen between the harnesses and the ecu and reconnecting the battery. Sounds more like hardware instead of software to me. But then again, this is a Chrysler dealership working on an AMG motor and if the tech isn't up to par with this type of engine, who knows what the real problem is. I've got my fingers crossed.
 
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Old Mar 19, 2009 | 04:40 AM
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Default Re: Car's in shop, needs new computer?

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Re: Left stranded by the Crossfire... - 03-09-2009 , 04:43 PM

Hi Hangman,

I hate to say this, but that's the exact same way that all the troubles started with Bat's car.

They said that the overall issue was caused by a loose connection in the fuse block on the driver's side of the car that feeds power to the group of computers on the passenger side of the car that contains the PCM, BCM, Fuel Pump Relay Module, Home Link Tranceiver, and whatever else is in there.

They replaced the PCM once, the BCM 3 times, and the module that controls the Central Locking Unit twice before the overall problems subsided enough to consider driving it again.

You might want to be sure that the cable that feeds those computers is also properly secured before going much further, otherwise there might be a never ending string of trips to the shop.

B.C.

Been hearing more and more wiring problems lately. The above post was Bladecutters answer. sounds as though a loose connection is a culprit.
 
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Old Mar 19, 2009 | 07:27 AM
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Default Re: Car's in shop, needs new computer?

MIMI i wouldn't worry about them detecting your tune they most likely won't ask for it back anyway. our chrysler DRB computer just does basic functions i'm surprised it comunicates with it at all....since i've had mine all of my warranty work and those that we have done for other owners they have never asked for anything back kinda odd but thats the nature of our cars stuck between two families....
 
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Old Mar 19, 2009 | 08:37 AM
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Default Re: Car's in shop, needs new computer?

Originally Posted by Mimi05SRT6
Well, I finally took my car in for the P0401 code and they had to order a relay for the secondary air pump or something like that. When they installed the new relay, they said the ground wasn't working correctly and this relay failed also and they had to order a new computer which is the culprit??? This P0401 occurred as soon as I put in the ecu after having it re-tuned again. Is there any way a tune can affect something like this? Sounds weird to me...... In the meantime the car has been in the shop a few days and they supplied me with a Dodge Avenger rental. So far the warranty is covering all of this unless they detect that the ecu was reprogrammed which may cause me mucho bucks.... Has anyone experienced something like this before?
I believe code P0401 is Insuffecient EGR flow. Did they find a problem with the air pump or the diaphrams, or did they just testing after the new relay and order the ECU?
 
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Old Mar 19, 2009 | 11:38 AM
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Default Re: Car's in shop, needs new computer?

They said that the air pump relay would fail, because the ground portion wasn't grounding properly, getting power from the ecu. They told me today the computer costs $3000! Hopefully they don't say I'm stuck with the cost or I may be without a car for many months. Thanks for all your feedback. It's getting more and more interesting and I only have 13k miles on the car. Keep your responses coming...Thanks!
 

Last edited by Mimi05SRT6; Mar 19, 2009 at 11:46 AM.
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Old Mar 19, 2009 | 11:48 AM
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Default Re: Car's in shop, needs new computer?

I wouldn't think the ECU would have anything to do with the relay not seeing a ground !

Just my Dos Centavos
 
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Old Mar 19, 2009 | 01:19 PM
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Default Re: Car's in shop, needs new computer?

Originally Posted by Mimi05SRT6
They said that the air pump relay would fail, because the ground portion wasn't grounding properly, getting power from the ecu. They told me today the computer costs $3000! Hopefully they don't say I'm stuck with the cost or I may be without a car for many months. Thanks for all your feedback. It's getting more and more interesting and I only have 13k miles on the car. Keep your responses coming...Thanks!
DO NOT spend $3000 on the ECU, if push comes to shove buy one used. Is the CEL hurting performance in any way?..it shouldnt be...worse case scenario ya drive with it on. An ugly orange light comes on anyway when traction control is turned off.
 
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Old Mar 19, 2009 | 01:26 PM
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Default Re: Car's in shop, needs new computer?

Try unplugging all the harnesses on the ecu then plugging them back in. It may just be one of them are not seated properly.
 
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Old Mar 19, 2009 | 02:28 PM
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Default Re: Car's in shop, needs new computer?

Check for bent pins on the ECU, and make sure all the ground connections are tight, also check the negative cable on the battery make sure it is tight clean of corrosion and not frayed or damaged in any way. If the car runs I would take it out of that dealer and try to fix it at home.
 
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Old Mar 19, 2009 | 04:45 PM
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Default Re: Car's in shop, needs new computer?

Originally Posted by Mimi05SRT6
...they supplied me with a Dodge Avenger rental.
Ouch, adding insult to injury right there. I hope you get it fixed quickly.
 
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Old Mar 19, 2009 | 10:32 PM
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Default Re: Car's in shop, needs new computer?

Originally Posted by mrphotoman
Try unplugging all the harnesses on the ecu then plugging them back in. It may just be one of them are not seated properly.
That's what I thought originally and they seem to be plugged in correctly.

Originally Posted by 240M3SRT
DO NOT spend $3000 on the ECU, if push comes to shove buy one used. Is the CEL hurting performance in any way?..it shouldnt be...worse case scenario ya drive with it on. An ugly orange light comes on anyway when traction control is turned off.
The car was running pig rich which affected the top end...
 
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Old Mar 20, 2009 | 12:48 PM
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Default Re: Car's in shop, needs new computer?

Originally Posted by bigbengt67
Ouch, adding insult to injury right there. I hope you get it fixed quickly.
LOL! Yes...You and me both!
 
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Old Mar 25, 2009 | 12:03 AM
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Default Re: Car's in shop, needs new computer?

Wow, they actually replaced the computer and I get to pick her up sometime this morning. Sure am glad the warranty covered it. They had to have someone talk with the tech over the phone to get it reprogrammed due to all the security and what not. I will definitely extend my warranty when it expires this July...Oh baby!
 
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Old Mar 25, 2009 | 12:52 AM
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Default Re: Car's in shop, needs new computer?

There was a big recall from MB according to the Secondary Air-Pump- Problem.They changed the relay and some other parts with a new software but NOT the whole ECU!!! Everything was done under Warranty. Don't know if Chrysler also had a recall for the SRT6. Good luck!
 

Last edited by SLK32Germany; Mar 25, 2009 at 01:04 AM.
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Old Mar 25, 2009 | 01:45 AM
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Default Re: Car's in shop, needs new computer?

Well they replaced my whole ecu this time and hopefully the problem doesn't come back.
 
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Old Mar 25, 2009 | 10:09 AM
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Default Re: Car's in shop, needs new computer?

Actually, I think the problem that Bat's car is having appears to be limited to only '08's as far as I can tell.

Last week, our Chrysler shop asked is we could bring in her Roadster to the shop on Thursday, as their dealer just got another car in the shop that was having the exact same issues, and they wanted to use Bat's car as a template in order to make sure that everything was going to be in working order on the other car.

They also flew in a Chrysler rep to compare the two cars, and install the needed parts on the other car, and test that car before giving it a clean bill of health, and handing it back to the owner.

The cause?

A loose connection on the group of wires that you can see in the driver's side of the engine bay, that are all tied down by one bolt. The other car had that bolt stripped, and damaged. Bat's was loose from the factory, according to the shop, but because of the loose connection, and the arcing, damage was done already, and it took a while to clean up the gremlins.

Hopefully the OP has their issues resolved on the first try.

BC.
 
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Old Mar 26, 2009 | 11:43 AM
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Default Re: Car's in shop, needs new computer?

Well, it's been a couple of days and the car is running without any codes. Not even the P2098 I've had every week for awhile. From now on I'm not touching the ECU and will just have it flashed locally next time without removing it. Like I said before, I've had it out of the car 3 times and also resetting the codes every week by disconnecting the battery. So it did take it's toll on the computer for sure. I'll give it another week to be absolutely sure that the codes don't re-appear.
 
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Old Mar 26, 2009 | 12:10 PM
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Thumbs up Re: Car's in shop, needs new computer?

Glad to hear everything seems to be working now. Hopefully this will fix the problems you were having at the track.
 
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