Where is the Dodge Caravan PCM location?

By Elaine Knight
Page last updated: 07/09/2022 | Next review date: 07/09/2024
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Elaine Knight
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In this article, we will answer the following question: Where is the Dodge Caravan PCM location? We will also explain what is vehicle’s PCM is and review six symptoms that it may be failing. 

Where is the Dodge Caravan PCM location?

The Dodge Caravan PCM location is on the driver side, in the engine bay, behind the front headlight and next to the radiator and the fuse box. Depending on the vehicle’s year of manufacture, the PCM can have a slightly different location – this is why it is best to consult the vehicle manual for precise location. 

Many vehicle manufacturers prefer to locate the PCM in the engine compartment. This device, it does not look like something special, refers to a metal box from which several cables come out. If you find out that the car’s PCM is not in the engine compartment, it may be located in the passenger area. It is not a common location, it is usually found under the dash on the passenger side, behind some plastic covers.

It may not be located in any of these parts, so the PCM could be in the trunk of the car. It is not common because the motor cables must be at the rear of the car to link to the PCM.

What is the Dodge Caravan PCM?

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is a control unit that is combined with the ECM (Engine Control module) and the TCM (Transmission Control Module).

The PCM has primary inputs which come from many sensors, which vary in type and are distributed throughout the vehicle. The sensors help the proper operation of the vehicle and that the performance of the engine is the most effective.

The automotive PCM “Powertrain Control Module” is responsible for controlling many components of the engine and the vehicle, among which we can mention the position of the accelerator pedal, the position of the crankshaft, the air pressure in the manifold. , oxygen sensors, automatic transmission functions, automatic shifting when the car accelerates, slows or brakes.

It is concluded that the PCM is the brain of the car, it has primary inputs from many sensors, being different according to the car model. When the check engine light or “check engine” is evident, it is possible to be facing a PCM in malfunction, because the PCM module has faults.

Some signs that your Dodge Caravan PCM may be failing are:

  • Engine light fault
  • Low performance
  • Failure to start
  • Increase in emissions
  • Faulty fuel economy
  • Shift failures.

Symptoms of a failing Dodge Caravan PCM

The PCM propulsion system or powertrain runs your Dodge Caravan’s engine, gearbox, axles, and transmission bar. Depending on the make and model of the vehicle, the automotive PCM may be connected to the ECM. For the most part, when the car has any fault the “check engine” light comes on, the fault will be discovered using a scanner throwing up the diagnosis. We are going to know the symptoms that indicate when it is failing.

The powertrain control module has the task of controlling the vast majority of the electronic elements of the engine. However, car computers can present problems, but they are not common.

  1. Check the engine light: When the Check Engine Light comes on, it is the first indication that the PCM is failing. However, the light could be linked to any other component of the powertrain, it could be a sensor, wiring or something else.

In the event that the car’s check engine light illuminates, another fault must be ruled out first, prior to looking for the PCM. For this, it is best to look for the fault by applying an OBD2 scanner.

  1. Low performance: The PCM monitors the performance of the car, in case it malfunctions, the performance is faulty. If the PCM is damaged, various conduction faults start especially weak performance. But if a part of the PCM is not responding correctly, it is likely to only perform at times, such as idle or throttle.
  1. Failure to start: Observing that the faults with the automotive PCM, become more serious over time, it is very likely that the car will not work. In this case, it is difficult to start, especially if the engine is cold. If you notice that the car has failures to start and you consider that it is linked to the PCM, it is a serious failure to take into account as soon as possible, before totalizing the engine.
  1.  Increase in emissions: If everything is working perfectly, the PCM reduces the car’s emissions by making performance efficient. When it doesn’t work, performance will be affected, and emissions will increase. But, if the car is taken to an emissions test, then it will not show anything different in terms of emissions.
  1. Faulty fuel economy: In case it does not work as it should, one of the faults presented is the loss of fuel, causing excessive fuel consumption. This is all because you have to accelerate more than normal because the automotive PCM does not develop the necessary momentum. Many cases at this point claim a faulty PCM.
  1. Shift failures: When noticing that the car has difficulties changing the speed such as that the gear lever does not move from parking, it means that the PCM could have faults. The PCM controls the entire process that develops the engine and transmission. In case you have problems with the powertrain, proceed to check the PCM.

This fault must be taken care of immediately, it can be something serious. In the opposite case, the car will run incorrectly, generating up to an accident. Do not leave it for later, it is better to be safe.

PCM function on a Dodge Caravan

The PCM is the brain of the unit that provides power to the motor. It is responsible for controlling various functions, including ignition timing, fuel delivery, emissions, turbo boost pressure, idle speed, throttle control among many others.

The transmission control module (TCM) or the engine control module (ECM), both functions are controlled by the PCM. In case the car has a PCM, it wraps the two components in a single unit, or the computer is in charge of controlling both functions. The PCM is tasked with controlling all functions by many sensors that are related to it. Starts the process of sending control to an actuator, then calculates the actual results using a sensor.

The PCM is configured to instruct each actuator how to act when certain commands are fulfilled, such as when the accelerator is depressed and is programmed to know acceptable readings in response.

When a component is not working properly, a check engine warning light appears, telling the driver that something is wrong. It is a complicated component to understand, as long as you have the proprietary software, it may not be a component that accepts repairs.

PCM replacement pricing on a Dodge Caravan

The automotive PCM is a computer and as such, it is not inexpensive to replace. The average price to replace the PCM ranges from $ 800 to $ 1,500, depending on the model of the car, as well as the price for labour. Labour is generally around $ 75 to $ 100. However, if you think you can do it yourself, now is the time to think about it.

This is all because it requires configuring the PCM to be placed in the car, it will help if you have the proprietary software to do it, otherwise, it is best to take the car to a specialized establishment. Luckily, if these places cannot program the PCM prior to replacing it. They will offer an update and programming for only $ 75 or $ 150 depending on the case.

FAQ on Where is the Dodge Caravan PCM location?

Where is the 2008 Dodge Caravan starter relay location?

The location of the starter relay on a 2008 Dodge Caravan is in the fuse box of the vehicle, below the engine, mounted on the transmission housing. If your 2008 Dodge Caravan starter has been causing problems (or it doesn’t seem like working at all), you can change it yourself or you can take your car to an authorized mechanic. 

Where is the 2008 Dodge Caravan starter relay location?

The location of the starter relay on a 2008 Dodge Caravan is in the fuse box of the vehicle, below the engine, mounted on the transmission housing. If your 2008 Dodge Caravan starter has been causing problems (or it doesn’t seem like working at all), you can change it yourself or you can take your car to an authorized mechanic. 

The recommended 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan oil change interval varies depending on the type of oil used:

  • Synthetic oil: every 7,500 – 10,000 miles
  • Conventional oil: every 3,000 – 5,000 miles. 

References

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