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PCM replacement – need some insight/help

3K views 3 replies 4 participants last post by  JasperCountyNative 
#1 ·
The PCM on my 2004 wj died and I’ve been considering options. One suggestion is to get the Cardone remanned unit from Azone. I can do that for about $200 and they send a programmed unit.


I called two dealerships and got the same story. A PCM from them is $750 (out of the Detroit Chrysler warehouse) plus between $110-150 to program it. Both dealerships were emphatic: has to be programmed with PCM installed on the vehicle.


The Autozone (and other similar places that sell the cardone) they say it is plug in and drive (pray?). I read similar comments in this forum.

I understand electronics, computers and engine control. What I don’t understand, what is the difference/tradeoff between the two methods? It the PCM better tuned to the car? Will I lose some functionality? Will my gas mileage decrease because the PCM is not set at the optimum setting for my specific vehicle?



Last general question (should have asked the stealerships) will they program a PCM that I installed?


Thanks for any insight - $200 vs $900 is a big difference.
J
 
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#2 · (Edited)
The remand from local parts store or even a pick & pull should be model specific. I had a PCM sent from parts_.com for a Picifica and had a buddy of mine flash it with his Autel. If the PCM is guaranteed from a local auto parts store to be compatible to your vehicle then why spend hundreds more thru a dealership? As far as a performance and mpg issues, if it weren't compatible to run your vehicle, then it wouldn't probably even start. Just my opinion, from experience.

As far as reprogramming a unit you install, sure, but be prepared to open your wallet. In my area, the minimum to just flash/enable is $90 and up. Good luck.
 
#3 ·
The PCM from Azone should work well on your jeep, however i do think that you loose the security option from the SKIM key. Normally the secret code from the SKIS should be loaded into the PCM. I presume that this option is deactivated in the Azone PCM, so that it will work with whichever key that fits in the key cylinder.
 
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