Well... I'm learning a lot, and very painfully I might add. But after almost two weeks, discussions with many folks, and endless Web research I'm starting to understand the mystery and hurdles involved with swapping a PCM in our cars... At least the 2005-2007 LX models... Here is what I think I know (of which not a single one person could explain to me...)
http://www.aa1car.com/library/2004/chrysler_pcm_initialization.pdf
Here is the instructions for installing a high perfomance PCM from Mopar. Information to DTC P0633 is relevent...
http://www.mopar-super-center.com/pdfs/P5153331.pdf
*You need to remove these dashes for the link to work... mopar-super-center
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So in my case... Going on two weeks now messing with this vendor who refurbishes PCMs... It appears I might have been able to buy a $99 salvage ECU with the same part number and proper Mfg date after all.
And then...
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A lot of info a bit to late for me... Not sure if this should be in the KB or left here... But It might help others down the road...
- You cannot simply take a salvage PCM, with the same part number, plug it in your car and expect it to run. *This may not be the case if your car is not equiped with sentry keys / Theft deterrent system.
- 2005 LX PCMs have a... To 6/27/04 PCM and a From 6/28/04 PCM version of the same part number. So you need to know the part number and the Mfg date of your car.
- Used PCM's CAN be reflashed to operate in your car, who does the flash and what tool they use will affect how well the new PCM "Fits" your car.
- The critical information that needs to be updated in the PCM is related to information that the SKIM (Sentry Key Imobilization Module) needs to allow your car to run.
- If Chrysler (using a star scan tool ) were to reset the VIN, Mileage, and SKIM PIN number in the new PCM the unit would be considered a perfect fit to your car.
- Aftermarket scan tools that have "VIN writeable" features allow for the PCM to have The VIN & Mileage updated, but not the SKIM PIN.
- If the PCM has the correct VIN in the unit the car should run, but with the SKIM PIN not being correct you will have DTC code P0633 persistent in your PCM.
- The existance of DTC P0633 will not illuminate your MIL and will not affect vehicle performance or operation in any way. It just tells you your SKIM PIN is not set...
- A locksmith is supposed to have the means to update your VIN, and disable the SKIM PIN if necessary...
http://www.aa1car.com/library/2004/chrysler_pcm_initialization.pdf
Here is the instructions for installing a high perfomance PCM from Mopar. Information to DTC P0633 is relevent...
http://www.mopar-super-center.com/pdfs/P5153331.pdf
*You need to remove these dashes for the link to work... mopar-super-center
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So in my case... Going on two weeks now messing with this vendor who refurbishes PCMs... It appears I might have been able to buy a $99 salvage ECU with the same part number and proper Mfg date after all.
And then...
- Called a qualified locksmith to my house and get my car running. The car would have had the "non-MIL" DTC P0633... But it appears that is common when the PCM has been replaced.
- Limped the car to someone who has a star scan or "VIN Writable" scan tool and let them swap the PCMs and set the VIN and mileage on the new (used) PCM.
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A lot of info a bit to late for me... Not sure if this should be in the KB or left here... But It might help others down the road...