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Rico
Dodge Dakota
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9/20/2005
15:58:28

Subject: DTC P0601
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Went for emissions test. Truck is running great. Failed test. DTC was P0601 - Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error.

Anyone know what this means? How to fix it?

Also have blower fan that only works on high setting. Saw prior traffic on resistor cards - sounds like my problem. How to confirm?

Last Issue - Cruise Control has quit. Trying to engage causes engine to cough, shudder, and then resume running normally. Anyone else have/fix this problem? Advice?



davec
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9/20/2005
16:43:23

RE: DTC P0601
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The bad news is, this is an internal failure. Sometimes you can clear the code and it won't return. But most of the time you need to replace the PCM. Something inside the logic get garbled and throws that code.

Good news...the PCM is an emissions related component. I believe it is covered under warranty for 8 years or 80,000 miles. Check with your dealer. Just like catalytic converters and such.

Dave



Rico
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9/20/2005
17:53:57

RE: DTC P0601
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Thanks Dave. I hate going to the dealer, but figured this might require it. I'll check the owners manual prior.

Any ideas on the cruise control? The check engine light is on, stays on, but the truck runs great. After trying to engage the CC, as above, the engine light goes out, to return as soon as the vehicle is restarted. I do a lot of highway driving and this drives me nuts. Other posts with different, but CC related problems, led to replacement of the TPS - what do you think?


Rick



Kowalski
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9/20/2005
18:03:41

RE: DTC P0601
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I doubt a bad TPS would make the engine light function as you say - Dave may well be right about the PCM, and is on the right track about using the federal emissions warranty if you are within the limits.
Lots of us don't like going to the dealer; but I'd be heading there myself for anything covered by the emissions warranty.

Lead, follow, or get out of the way

Rico
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9/20/2005
22:12:46

RE: DTC P0601
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Thanks for the advice. The dealer service guy looked stumped when I showed him the emissions results and above DTC description. I'll have the diagnostics fully run and see where this leads - probably right back to the dealer. In case you're interested I'll post the outcome.

I like 80,000 mile warrantees. Thanks again.

01 DakQC SLT 4.7 4X4



davec
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9/21/2005
08:15:05

RE: DTC P0601
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With the Internal Checksum fault code, basically if it doesn't clear, the PCM needs replaced. I've replaced several of them. What the diag. manual would tell you is to erase the code. Then check to see if it comes back, if it comes back replace PCM. That's the extent of it.

The blower motor problem is most likely a resistor if you've lost part of the speeds. I would just pick one up and replace it. I'd be real suprised if it didn't fix it.

The cruise control I'm not sure. It actually makes the engine shudder when you try to turn it on? I believe there is a relay for the CC. Something I'm might wonder is if the relay contacts are not staying closed when the CC is trying to be engaged. If you can find the relay, swap it with another of the same kind...like the A/C relay. Sounds like it wants to kick in but it's not holding. The cough and shudder, MAY be due to the PCM compensating IAC and fuel for cruise. That's the only thing I can think as of now and without driving it. Let us know what you find.

dave



ObieWonDakota
Dodge Dakota
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9/21/2005
14:16:22

RE: DTC P0601
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Hey Rico,

I agree with davec on the blower motor resistor. You said it only works at high speed and that is exactly what mine did. Since you've researched this site already concerning that problem, just replace it like davec said and it will solve that problem. Takes only about 20 minutes to replace and costs less that 12 bucks.


Just out of curiosity, what state do you live in that requires the emissions test? We don't have those in KY (yet) and wonder if we'll ever get them.




Rico
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9/24/2005
19:21:21

RE: DTC P0601
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In CT. Land of taxes and corruption.

Thanks for the interesting thoughts on these problems, I will attend to them next day off and post again - hopefully with the solution and not more frustration.



Rico
Dodge Dakota
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10/06/2005
20:47:56

RE: DTC P0601
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Phase one complete. The resistor card did fix the blower motor. Someone might have told me what a royal pain in the --- it is to replace. Also, it seems to be nowhere near where the idiots at Hayne's thought it would be.

Going in Monday for the upper ball joint replacement, under recall so for free. Also for the PCM looksee. Have since learned that cruise is also controlled by PCM, so I'm thinking the PCM is shot. Also under warranty (thanks Dave!). Free work on my truck is good. Hope it kills the squeak.

2001 Qc 4.7 4X4 SLT



Rico
Dodge Dakota
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10/12/2005
20:48:38

RE: DTC P0601
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End of story. Upper ball joints replaced, squeeking/popping gone.

The dealer confirmed the bad PCM, replaced it under the Federal Emissions warranty, and it cost me $ 39 for 30 minutes labor to check the trouble code. Incidentally, it fixed the cruise control problem as well.

Thanks Dave C, and everybody else who clued me in. Huge help. Maybe saved me thousands if the dealer had been unscrupulous.



davec
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10/13/2005
09:46:31

RE: DTC P0601
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That's what we're here for. Glad everything worked out.

Dave



Tucker
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11/15/2005
00:24:05

RE: DTC P0601
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Getting the same code in my 02 4.7 QC 4x4. Dealer charged $100 to diagnose and now wants $1176 to replace. Found a used one for $165. Where is this module located, and is it something that I can do myself? Just spent a load of money on tranny rebuild, and would like to save some cash. Any help would be appreciated.



Rico
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11/15/2005
20:34:56

RE: DTC P0601
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The dealer's diagnosis should be a refundable charge, unless they are really tightwads. It only takes 3 minutes to plug in and pull the codes.

Ayway, the PCM, or Powertrain Control Module, is covered under the Federal Emissions Warranty - check the book. They have to cover it, no charge. Up to 80,000 miles. Go get 'em, Tuck. While you're at it, see of there's a recall on the balljoints for the '02 - soak em for another 600 bucks or so.

Then go find another dealer. This one obviously prefers a few quick bucks over a lifelong customer relationship.



Tucker
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11/16/2005
09:36:21

RE: DTC P0601
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Unfortunately my vehicle is over 80,000 miles, it gets used for work. Where can I find a new pcm for 300-400 dollars that I have been reading about (can't find the post, what a loser I am)? When I do get a new one, will I have to take it back to the dealer for programming? Also, is the performance programming really worth it? Thanks for your time.



Rico
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11/16/2005
13:31:37

RE: DTC P0601
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Gotta find DaveC for these questions. I think its a module in the main box under the hood, easily accessible. Don't know about programming. A good mechanic is good to know!



chris
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11/17/2005
22:34:38

RE: DTC P0601
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Well damn... I wish I would have seen this when I posted my thread in General. Thanks to all for the input... as luck would have it, I am having the P0601 code.



Tucker
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11/18/2005
23:16:43

RE: DTC P0601
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Chris, found a company that will repair your computer for $259, which includes a lifetime warranty(whatever that means). Company is Autocraft direct.com PCM in my vehicle is located in engine compartment on passenger side wheel well.



Mbowens
Dodge Dakota
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9/06/2006
00:16:09

RE: DTC P0601
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I replaced the ECM in my Dakota with one from the boneyard and everything works fine but my AC light on the AC panel wont light up and the Heater mirror light continuously flashes. Do I need the computer flashed or what. It is still doing it when I put the old back in. I am getting the 0601 error.



kNIGHT
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8/26/2007
21:55:22

RE: DTC P0601
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Hey Guys I found the way to find codes without a mechanic....on here! so far code reset worked undoing the neg. cable when all else told me to dis connect the +.......hope it workd well, turned it off and on several times still no emmission light appears... next problem is my air vent controls only satys on defrost and some upper vent air, alot in floor, it wont ajust to each one imdivual?????



Knight
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8/26/2007
22:19:47

RE: DTC P0601
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Hey Guys I found the way to find codes without a mechanic....on here! so far code reset worked undoing the neg. cable when all else told me to dis connect the +.......hope it workd well, turned it off and on several times still no emmission light appears... next problem is my air vent controls only satys on defrost and some upper vent air, alot in floor, it wont ajust to each one indivual????? OH YEAH, MY PROBLEM WAS THE PO601, engine light is not on now, hope it fixed the prob. I have the 3.9 v6... and by the way does this cause fuel loss problems , my truck did fluter as first crank.



MO
Dodge Dakota
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1/01/2008
00:47:08

RE: DTC P0601
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look like the only way to get rid of 0601 is to replace pcm and program which run 600 to 700



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