I've been having this intermittent code pop up on my 2000 Dakota, daily driver. I'll drive it for days and no code. Start it one day and code light is on. Drive it for another day and it goes off for more days.

Checked it with the self check system with the ignition key. Says the P601 code is a "Internal computer error!" Great.

Anyone dealt with this one before? It is of course at the local shop and failed inspection because the code popped up while it was there.

Anyone remember when there were like 4 things that could go wrong with an engine and you could tell what it was when you looked at it! Grrrrrr

http://www.motoralldata.com/alldata/MOTOR~V87434567~C34066~R0~OB0~P2R0X~N/0/77993956/78219382/78219403/78219405/34853741/34857029/34857030/34857663/122915129/132110050/106814240/128598250/128598251

can other people see that image or do you hve to be logged into my All Data Acount tto see it?

POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST VER-1

Applicability - All



Inspect the vehicle to ensure that all engine components are properly installed and connected. Reassemble and reconnect components as necessary.
Inspect the engine oil for contamination. If it is contaminated, change the oil and filter.
Perform the steps 1 through 6 if the PCM has been replaced. Then proceed with the verification. If the PCM has not been replaced skip those steps and continue verification.
If PCM has been changed and correct VIN and mileage have not been programmed a DTC will be set in ABS and Airbag modules. In addition, if vehicle is equipped with a Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) , Secret Key data must be updated to enable start.
For ABS and Airbag systems: Enter correct VIN and Mileage in PCM. Erase codes in ABS and Airbag modules.
For SKIM theft alarm: Connect DRB III to Data Link Connector. Go to Theft Alarm, SKIM, Misc. and place SKIM in secured access mode, by using the appropriate PIN code for this vehicle. Select Update Secret Key data. Data will be transferred from SKIM to PCM.
Attempt to start the engine.
If the engine is unable to start, look for any Technical Service Bulletins that may relate to this condition. Return to Symptom List if necessary.
If the engine starts and stays running, the repair is now complete. NOTE: Repair is not complete. Return to appropriate symptom.



Hope this Helps!!

POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST VER-1

Applicability - All



Inspect the vehicle to ensure that all engine components are properly installed and connected. Reassemble and reconnect components as necessary.
Inspect the engine oil for contamination. If it is contaminated, change the oil and filter.
Perform the steps 1 through 6 if the PCM has been replaced. Then proceed with the verification. If the PCM has not been replaced skip those steps and continue verification.
If PCM has been changed and correct VIN and mileage have not been programmed a DTC will be set in ABS and Airbag modules. In addition, if vehicle is equipped with a Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) , Secret Key data must be updated to enable start.
For ABS and Airbag systems: Enter correct VIN and Mileage in PCM. Erase codes in ABS and Airbag modules.
For SKIM theft alarm: Connect DRB III to Data Link Connector. Go to Theft Alarm, SKIM, Misc. and place SKIM in secured access mode, by using the appropriate PIN code for this vehicle. Select Update Secret Key data. Data will be transferred from SKIM to PCM.
Attempt to start the engine.
If the engine is unable to start, look for any Technical Service Bulletins that may relate to this condition. Return to Symptom List if necessary.
If the engine starts and stays running, the repair is now complete. NOTE: Repair is not complete. Return to appropriate symptom.



Hope this Helps!!

Thanks for your help HC!

The image you posted did not show up so it must be protected somehow.

I'm assuming you are an auto mechanic. Have you done this swap before?
What are steps 1-6 ? Looks like they did not come with the text cut and paste.

Is the PCM swap as simple a pulling the plugs and bolting in a new one? I am either going to get a new one or possible one from the junk yard.
Do you know how to program in the VIN and mileage?

I'd love to avoid the dealer if possible. They want $900 for the work! I can get a reman installed for $499 if I have to. I'd really like to solve this myself

You'll need access to a DRB to set the VIN, mileage and SKIM. I don't think your 2000 will start without activating the keys, but I don't recall for sure when the chipped keys started. My '98 has a dumb key, so I could theoretically swap PCMs and start it up - with idiot lights from ABS and SRS due to VIN mismatch.

Caveat: I'm a shadetree fawk, I just wrench on my own junk and pretend I know what I'm talking about on the Internets.

You'll need access to a DRB to set the VIN, mileage and SKIM. I don't think your 2000 will start without activating the keys, but I don't recall for sure when the chipped keys started. My '98 has a dumb key, so I could theoretically swap PCMs and start it up - with idiot lights from ABS and SRS due to VIN mismatch.

It's easy to tell if you have chipped keys or not on a Chrysler product of that vintage. If the head of the key is gray, then it has a chip and the key will need to be programmed. If the head of the key is black then it is not chipped.

There doesn't seem to be a rhyme or reason to what cars did or did not come with the anti-theft features, but I know it seems to be more common on some product lines than others.

Hey guys,

The Keys are black so I am pretty sure I do not have the chip. Heck I do not even have electric door locks or windows!

So I could do the swap and have it drive. The problem then is getting vin and mileage input so that I can pass inspection. That's what started this mess to begin with. The truck drives fine but the check engine light is on. Can't pass with that. Can't pull the bulb either:flipoff2:

Mindless, what is a DRB? Is this a machine that a dealer/repair place would have? and SKIM? I don't recognize the abreviations. Hoping to do this myself if possible but I do have a friend that works at a repair shop that may have access to the right computer/machine.

Thanks for the help guys!

Mindless, what is a DRB? Is this a machine that a dealer/repair place would have? and SKIM? I don't recognize the abreviations. Hoping to do this myself if possible but I do have a friend that works at a repair shop that may have access to the right computer/machine.



In addition, if vehicle is equipped with a Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) , Secret Key data must be updated to enable start.
For ABS and Airbag systems: Enter correct VIN and Mileage in PCM. Erase codes in ABS and Airbag modules.
For SKIM theft alarm: Connect DRB III to Data Link Connector. Go to Theft Alarm, SKIM, Misc. and place SKIM in secured access mode, by using the appropriate PIN code for this vehicle. Select Update Secret Key data. Data will be transferred from SKIM to PCM.

DRB is Chrysler's diagnostic computer. As far as I know the functions you need to set the data in the PCM are only in the real DRB, which only a Chrysler dealer will have. I do not believe they are available for sale to general mechanics but don't quote me on that.

ha ha sorry, for some reason there is no 1-6 on AllData. Hum? Yes I am a Mechanic, No I have neverperformed this procedure. I just looked up you Code.