need some info on changing a PCM on PT cruiser

When I went to school for auto mechanics in the mid 70's there was no such thing as a PCM. cars had points, plugs dist., carb., and if there was something wrong it was simple to figure out.

Well my daughters 2001 PT cruiser with 156,000 miles has a PO601 code show up when I scanned it. Yeah, I own a scanner, but not sure what to do now.

The code is for internal control module fault condition detected.

She said it has been cleared before and in 10 minutes or so it comes back.

I was told it needs a new PCM. the manual I bought shows it is simple to change. But the guy I was taking to tonight said it has to be ordered with the vin off the car and options on it. Then it has to be flashed before installing or the car will not run. Said I couldn't get one from junkyard unless it had the exact same number on the unit.

So is there anyone that can clear this up for me. Do I have to take to dealer or repair shop that can flash the PCM? can I order one and install it? Lots of cruisers in junk yard, can I get one off a wreck?

She also told me the engine fan is not working, does the PCM control the engine fan?

Pcm or another module controls everything electrical in the car. You have to buy an ecm probably from chrysler and have it flashed to your car with correct VIN programed into it.

yea the new chryslers have security programs built in so that every control mod has a code in it, if one of the controllers has a different code it locks the car down...

we had a charger come in and the key broke... ended up having to send it to the dealer so they could flash the system for the new key...

sorry, but it will need to be flashed. but it has to be on the car to do it.
The junk yard controller may work, as long as the VIN isn't burned into the PCM. The only way to know is to plug it in.
The best thing to do is to buy a new one, and have it flashed at dealership. I know, it's pricey, but it's the best option. They will download latest software.

gunbunny said:

sorry, but it will need to be flashed. but it has to be on the car to do it.
The junk yard controller may work, as long as the VIN isn't burned into the PCM. The only way to know is to plug it in.
The best thing to do is to buy a new one, and have it flashed at dealership. I know, it's pricey, but it's the best option. They will download latest software.

Click to expand...

was checking on line last night and amazon shows one and states they flash it before shipping. I just provide vin & mileage before ordering, and for $249 give lifetime warranty.

So I'm still confused but think I should bite the bullit and just take it in and have fixed.

damn at 29 you would think she could take care of herself. kids sure are expensive.

If I want to ever see my mustang convertible again guess I have to get her car fixed ............................. LOL

thanks guys

Before you go and spend the money on a new one I would take the car into a dealership and have the current pcm in the car flashed with thr latest software and see what happens. I have seen on several occasions a simple reflash will fix the problem. Just a thought.

I changed the one in my 02 300m got it from Auto Computer Exchange just provide the vin# & mileage does not need to be flashed at the dealer just install & go.$249and your old core
Sal

I had to have my PCM re flashed to get the tranny back to factory defaults and it took about 10 minutes and cost $30.