Hello,

Just picked up a 2001 Cruiser for $1,200 bucks with some issues.

I bought it because it was cheap and in super good shape for its age.

The main one being previous owner states her mechanic told her
the car needs a new PCM.

I bought the car without being able to start it but have since gotten it to run after
turning the ignition key from run to stop a few times until I saw the odometer briefly say "done".
Then it started. Seems like it runs good.
But previous owner claims it will stall at any moment and that's why she dumped it.

Any suggestions? I'd like to have it reliable for work and don't have a bunch of money to throw at it.

Car has 80,502 miles.

Thanks
Steven Dean

 

When the engine does not start, listen for the fuel pump activating when the key is first turned to 'run'. Turning the key to run will acitvate the fuel pump in the tank for a few seconds to pressurize the system. You should be able to hear the pump. It is possible the fuel pump is beginning to fail and a fuel pressure test may be necessary.

There are 2 ground points on the driver side strut tower that have a tendency to corrode. Remove them, clean/brush and reinstall to insure a solid ground as one is the ground for the PCM.

Check the battery cables at both ends to be certain they are corrosion-free and secure. What is the age/condition of the battery? Chryslers do not tolerate low voltage conditions which can result from a weak/failing battery. Suggest having the battery and charging system tested to rule out this being an issue.

If you still suspect there is an issue with the PCM, suggest visiting 'allpar.com' There is a contributor there, Myckee, that specializes in PT pcms.

 

Today the engine started again and I made one lap around my block before it stalled
and luckily I coasted back to my driveway.

It will not start since. The battery and connections look good and the battery is date coded
1/24 (January 2024).

I work afternoons and all day tomorrow so I'm taking my motorcycle to work
and will continue with the car tomorrow evening.

I wish I could access a test meter to see what codes are being thrown.

Thanks

 

**** Also - there is no sound of the fuel pump kicking on, nor sound of starter clicking... besides the key "chimes", absolutely nothing... ****

 

get the code in the engine computer

 

I borrowed a scanner from O'Reilly's but nothing showed up on it...