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The PCM is for whaich engine?

If you've replaced your PCM for stalling...

14K views 44 replies 16 participants last post by  ZeeJay1997 
#1 ·
and you know the PCM solved your problem, what engine do you have? This is for the 96-98 ZJ.
 
#3 ·
The WJ's have many PCM issues as well, but that's not what you asked.
Until I went and researched it, I was under the impression that this form/fit PCM stopped with the ZJ. Come to find out, it wasn't. Since this is the ZJ forum, I think it will be okay.
 
#7 ·
It seems odd that so far the poll results show only the 4.0 is effected. ??
Like Meangreen stated, the PCM's are basically the same.

A few years back there was a recall for the PCM's in late model JGC. The potting compound used in the case was so dense that fluctuations in temperature was causing the circuit boards to actually crack. Jeep was forced to replace them.

Since there are just so many manufactured for each model series, what good does it do to make them un-repairable. Anyone interestested in keeping one of these, as a collectable, better stock up PCMs.
 
#8 ·
Gotta fix mine first before I vote, but the recent purchase has a reman module in it, and that module just had its first birthday.
Reeaally hoping the hose clamp trick brings her on line!

Meanwhile, the wife's daily is on the original, so that will be my first surgical foray.....

oh, and the kid's 96 just started to throw funny misfire codes.....

Yep, 3 gc's, 96, 96, and 97, all 4.0, lots of ntsb inputs. Got work to do for sure!
 
#10 ·
Update: My "new" 97 had a reman pcm installed 1 year ago. At that time, the 'technician' broke 5 of the 6 clips for the harness, and loose harness plugs apparently cause stalling issues... whoda thunk? The hose clamp fix worked like a charm, runs great, wife happy.
My 'old' 96 finally just refused to start, and when it would, idled like a flat cam. Threw a clamp on that one, and it runs great now- so much better, Im willing to actually tune it up and work on it again!!

So, Im adding 2 to the above count, and my kid's 96 will be getting a clamp job for some mystery misfire codes asap!
 
#13 · (Edited)
Replaced it on two different 4.0 vehicles.

My 1996 4.0 Laredo 4WD (230K miles) at 210K miles. Replaced with a junkyard unit and still working great.

My 1997 4.0 Limited 2WD (205K miles) just this week. Replaced with a Cardone remanufactured unit from Advance Auto. Two days later, it's still going strong. <EDIT> Update...just over 7 months and just under 3,000 miles later and had to get it replaced under warranty. Working again for now.

My 1997 4.0 Limited 4WD (240K miles) - still working great with the original. Go figure.
 
#14 ·
I have the 97 4.0 and I was getting the common random stalling and jumping rpms, only code I could drag out of itk was the a random misfire. Replaced the ignition coil, random stalling and bucking still there, so I zip tied my pcm and the jeep now idles smooth and runs strong. Guess I will have to keep zip tying and tightening those suckers till that doesn't work anymore. (zj voodoo gods don't strike me down for saying) zip ties have restored my jeep to its proper self. :)
 
#16 ·
96 Laredo 4WD 4.0: replaced 12/2010 with re-mfg PCM at about 189,000 miles. Stopped the stalling/engine cut-out problems.

Lasted about a year and same problems resurfaced. Just cleaned all engine grounds, ground on body next to battery, and wire-tied PCM connectors tight. Solved the problems and only time will tell if permanent fix.

Threw my 4.0 vote in a few days ago.
 
#19 ·
Just for an update, I spoke with a former quality engineer at the Chrysler electronics plant in Huntsville AL where the ZJ electronics were assembled. They had two vendors for the PCM mother boards, Motorola and some outfit from Texas.

He told some stories of process audits he had performed and quality problem on the production lines during the manufacturing of the PCM, ABS modules, VICs, and BCMs. No wonder our jeeps want to die after 15 years :(
 
#20 ·
Still factory in my 96 5.2L tho i do have a stall every now and then didn't have none during the summer but as soon as the cold hit it has stalled atleast once every time i drove it the past 2 weeks 99% of the time right after i started to back up.. And my Voltage reg won't put out more than 12.5V last checked afew months ago.
 
#23 ·
Get some Koolaid to go with the popcorn and I'll tell you a story :D

As you probably know Chrysler had vendors for all the bit and pieces to include circuit boards. They had problems with their suppliers sending them nonconforming material (AKA bad parts). The bulk of the conversation was about Chrysler's plight to bring their suppliers up to speed so that the parts they sent them would work when assembled into the modules at the plant.

One particular problem was that they had to rework a lot of the ABS boards because the supplier soldering process wasn't up to spec and they were leaving voids in the thru board connections.... imagine that :rolleyes:
I let him know that despite their effort to turn out a reliable product, the effort wasn't 100% successful and told him about all the problems with the ABS board that are cropping up now, as well as the PCM problems.

At that time, the EPA was requiring manufactures to lower the lead content in solder and reliable processes were not well implemented among their suppliers. I can only guess that the same process/material problem affected the other sub assemblies as well. We know the VIC is involved. I didn't get all the details I wanted. I didn't get into which PCMs came from where and the manufacturing quality problems. That's for another day, we both were at work at the time and had to move on.

If i can glean any other pertinent info I'll post it up.:cheers2:
 
#22 ·
96 4.0L. First Cardone Replacement lasted 8 months and started giving me problems. Exchanged under warranty and this one is giving me same problems after 1 month. I wonder if when Cardone gets these exchanges if they don't just plug it in and if it passes a quick test they re-flash it and resell it without even opening it up.
 
#24 ·
I'll stayed tuned, to "as the solder burns" lol. You just have to wonder if the epa actually had "solder batch testers".
 
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