philwarner

Looking on eBay for a PCM for my 96 Grand Cherokee Limited 5.2 V8, I see this disclaimer from one of the sellers:

Parts from 1998 and up vehicles are complicated and anti-theft systems have further complicated installation of used or new modules. Replacing an ECM in most cases require re-programming by a qualified Technician or high tech automotive locksmith. In most makes and models dealerships tools are locked by the manufacturer to prevent installation of used modules into a vehicle. Please verify installation procedures before purchase. We are not able to answer any questions related to installation. Buyers need to qualify the reprogrammers of the ECM to make sure they have the required tools or knowledge for each vehicle applications. If they are unable to program they will condemn the ECM as defective. Buyer hereby acknowledges that the sellers' liability is limited to the price of the item sold. We will not be liable for any damage or injury that results from any use of used auto parts or any other item sold on ebay.

Does this mean that a replacement PCM for my 96 would NOT have to be reprogrammed? Is a matching part number (P56041266 in my case) the only requirement to be compatible? Are any of the other numbers required to match? EG: JBD0BJRR, T0526, ZBYAB. Does anyone know what these other numbers designate?

dave1123

You should call All Computer Resources and ask them. They have that part number for $235 I think. I've already deleted the page, but I think that was the price. If you buy from them, they want your VIN and mileage to program in so IDK what is actually necessary to be done.

philwarner

I decided to order a used PCM on eBay. I had looked at/watched one on which all the numbers matched except the top JBD0BJRR and the seller sent me an offer of 5% off that said it was good for 48 hours, but when I saw it 12 hours later in the morning and clicked to accept the offer, the listing said it had been sold and the guy never answered a message I sent asking about it, so I ended up buying another one for $140 with the same P56041 and 266 main part number(s)but it has T0536 vsT0526 and JDB0BMXZ vs JBD0BJRR . Both have ZBYAB.on the sticker.

I am hoping the other numbers are date codes or other manufacturing codes and do not represent specific VIN programming, but I've not found any discussion of what the other numbers mean anywhere on the web so far.. Time will tell, but Nick C said he bought a used PCM for his 97 from eBay (much better price BTW) and it made his 97 with similar no-start symptoms fire right up, so fingers crossed. My OEM PCM is not putting out 5 Volts to the sensors, doesn't run the fuel pump (it is OK if I jump the relay socket), doesn't fire the plugs or injectors, and two different OBDII scanners were unable to communicate with it or find a OBDII system, same as Nick's symptoms.