jeep_dude

Was hoping someone had a little insight into whats going on with my 2002 GC Limited.

First of all, been getting the dreaded evap leak code - small and large. Truck has been smoke tested repeatedly and nothing has been found - and because I live in PA, I need it repaired for state emissions inspection.

I've basically put it off since it hasn't affected the performance of the truck. Then one morning, she's dead. Cranking no problem, not firing - code shows failed cam sensor. No problem, take it to the local shop and they change the cam AND sensor. Except code won't clear and it keeps showing failed sensor and will start sometimes, and sometimes not. They replaced another cam sensor at no charge. When it starts, smooth as glass. When it won't, it attempts to catch, sputters, and will rumble then either stall or smooth out.

Mechanic tells me its the PCM, and this is also causing the false evap codes as well as the false failed cam sensor error. They can score used PCM and will replace - if it works, great, if not, no charge.

Anyone have any ideas?

MUDRUNNER AZ

If the shop is willing to try the pcm at not charge if it does not work then i would go that route. nothing to loose. most electrical is no return once plugged in. Good luck

jeep_dude

Problem is: what if its NOT the PCM?

Where do I go from here?

Bustedback

A crank sensor may be the answer, it's a hell of a lot cheaper than the PCM. The last Chrysler PCM I had to replace needed to be sent out for repair because a new one was not available anywhere in the U.S., it was for a 2002 Dodge 2500 with a 360. The problem it had was that it would stall when the engine got warm and not restart until about 20 minutes of cool down time. No codes, but the odo display did say NO BUS when it would not start. No problems since the PCM was repaired and it cost about 200 bucks.

MUDRUNNER AZ

If its not the pcm then nothing lost but a little time to swap it if they are not charging you if it does not work. Then they can move on to the next logical item. Sometimes its trial and error sometimes you get it right off.

jeep_dude

Just a little update:

New (well, used) PCM installed. This took care of the erratic starting problem.

However, I've decided to get the Jeep worked on some more: Several issues have been with the car for a while and I'm going to have them looked at while its there.

First is the evap leak, mechanic will check to see if it was due to the PCM or its a legit problem.

Second, on startup, the engine always revs very high then settles down - has been a problem before. This could be a throttle position sensor - however, the mechanic noticed several other error codes on the PCM, which is leading him to believe its not any sensors but perhaps a wiring issue between the sensors and PCM.

At 114k miles, its too soon to give up on it. I know I got another 100k left.

jeep_dude

More updates:

I'm sad. Called tech who said car reverted back to error codes galore and won't start again. He had it the entire day and can't find the problem.

Is it time for a qualified Jeep mechanic?

He did tell me he is not charging me for any more time spent on it, but he doesn't want to leave me unhappy, either. But I'm at the point where he's had it for a week now and I'm back to square one.

jeep_dude

New update:

Gave the guy the day to work on it, I told him I'm probably taking it to the dealer at the end of the day.

I stop by around 5 and the Jeep is purring like a kitten in his garage. He said the generic cam sensors were the culprit???? He went and got one OEM from the Jeep dealer and its been running fine all day. No error codes, nothing.

He wants to keep it for tomorrow, which I agreed, since it seemed to be working good now - his tech will drive it around a few miles and get the computer rebooted.

Keeping my fingers crossed.

MUDRUNNER AZ

Cool sounds like you be able to enjoy it now.