[Magnum_guy]

I just picked up a 2006 Magnum R/T with the same issue. Really surprised this is so hard to figure out given the age of these cars, frequency of the issue, and the fact that there is a forum community out there. ( If there was a definitive post on this / FAQ etc I missed it)

I am planning on trying to get a 2007 PCM/ECM core i purchased to get reworked for my 2006. Some say this wont work but I don't see why it would not work....Seems like they changed the design for the PCM without changing the rest of the car..... and I'm guessing it was due to all the trouble they were experiencing since the car was not redesigned until 2008.

From what I have read I think Solo in FL might be a good place to try for a refurb.

Solo PCMS PCM ECM ECU Engine Auto Computers
Solo PCMS is a provider of PCM, ECM, ECU, and Engine Auto Computers

www.solopcms.com

Unless I learn something else that's where I plan to go with mine next week after the holiday.

Any advice on if Solo is the right reburbish place? Also wondering if there is any way for we to configure this my self or go to an independent shop to have that done. Seems like a real scam that these are locked to the vin with no way to do it your self on a car that is more than 15 years old with an active hobby community,

If there is a good definitive thread on stalling / cutting out while driving on the highway etc please point me there. I have an OBD2 code reader and its pointing to lost communications so I think this is the proper next step...

 

[ImperialCrown]

Welcome to Allpar. Always diagnose first. 'Loss of communication' fault codes aren't necessarily because of a failing PCM. Comm codes usually begin with the letter 'U'.
What code(s) are you getting?
Examples:

U0001-CAN C BUS
U0101-LOST COMMUNICATION WITH TCM
U0103-LOST COMMUNICATION WITH ELECTRIC GEAR SHIFT MODULE
U0121-LOST COMMUNICATION WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKE MODULE
U0141-LOST COMMUNICATION WITH FCM
U0155-LOST COMMUNICATION WITH CLUSTER/CCN
U0168-LOST COMMUNICATION WITH VEHICLE SECURITY CONTROL MODULE (SKREEM/WCM)
U110A-LOST COMMUNICATION WITH SCM - CAN-C
U110C-LOST FUEL LEVEL MESSAGE
U110E-LOST AMBIENT TEMPERATURE MESSAGE
U110F-LOST FUEL VOLUME MESSAGE
U1110-LOST VEHICLE SPEED MESSAGE
U1113-LOST A/C PRESSURE MESSAGE
U1120-LOST WHEEL DISTANCE MESSAGE
U1403-IMPLAUSIBLE FUEL LEVEL SIGNAL RECEIVED
U1411-IMPLAUSIBLE FUEL VOLUME SIGNAL RECEIVED
U1412-IMPLAUSIBLE VEHICLE SPEED SIGNAL RECEIVED
U1417-IMPLAUSIBLE LEFT WHEEL DISTANCE SIGNAL RECEIVED
U1418-IMPLAUSIBLE RIGHT WHEEL DISTANCE SIGNAL RECEIVED

I have no experience with Solo.

 

[AHBGuru]

My understanding is that 06 and 07 are very much the same. The electrical systems did change significantly in 2008.

The most common reason for the stalling was a defective throttle body, if memory serves.

As IC notes, take the time to figure out what is actually wrong. Everyone wants to blame the computer, when that's rarely - if ever - the actual cause of a problem.

Whether it's the old Lean Burn system, or today's ultra-sophisticated engine and body control management, you will never be able to fix a problem until you figure out what's actually wrong.

 

[valiant67]

I had a bad computer in my 2007 Magnum. Car ran great, but had random battery drain and random no starts. Never threw a code. I finally found out if it was a no start, I could wiggle the connector to the PCM and it started. Reman computer fixed it. I used ACE on eBay.

 

[Magnum_guy]

'Loss of communication' fault codes aren't necessarily because of a failing PCM. Comm codes usually begin with the letter 'U'.
What code(s) are you getting?

Really appreciate the prompt reply. I left the car at my folks since it was running poorly I reached out to get the codes and will post back when I have them. If it helps with common causes the car cut out over a dozen times over a relatively short hour drive....The car is very clean ( was stored in doors so the electrical connections I have inspected thus far look really good and the car shows about 80K on the odometer).

PS- I like your profile picture. My grandmother used to have a 4 door imperial from around that time frame.

 

[Magnum_guy]

Welcome to Allpar. Always diagnose first. 'Loss of communication' fault codes aren't necessarily because of a failing PCM. Comm codes usually begin with the letter 'U'.
What code(s) are you getting?

Codes are as follows filed under "Transmission Control Module Codes":

U0100 Lost Communication with ECM/PCM ( My OBD2 App implies this is frequently harness or ECM/PCM thus my plan to refurb a 2007 Core I picked up for the car).
U1408 Implausible Brake Signal

Also for HVAC I am getting:
B10A5 Blend Door Control Circuit Open
B10AC Right Blend Door Control Circuit Open

 

[ImperialCrown]

Any FCM (front control module) or CAN C faults?
The TCM is separate module on a NAG1 transmission?

The 'possible cause' that is shared by the HVAC codes is the ATC head.

 

[Magnum_guy]

Any FCM (front control module) or CAN C faults?
The TCM is separate module on a NAG1 transmission?

Just those 4 faults. I'm using a bluedriver OBD2 reader I got off of amazon. Pretty slick unit but I'm still figuring it out. I think I can monitor traffic there if I knew what signals were of interest and what they should be reporting.

This is a new car to me but I know the ECM/PCM is not populated for the transmission control port. These AWD Magnum cars ran a Mercedes 4matic transmission /transfer case with their own control unit as I understand it.

 

[AHBGuru]

Just those 4 faults. I'm using a bluedriver OBD2 reader I got off of amazon. Pretty slick unit but I'm still figuring it out. I think I can monitor traffic there if I knew what signals were of interest and what they should be reporting.

This is a new car to me but I know the ECM/PCM is not populated for the transmission control port. These AWD Magnum cars ran a Mercedes 4matic transmission /transfer case with their own control unit as I understand it.

Magna-Steyr transfer case was used through 2008, then the Borg Warner 44-40, which is still in use today.

Chrysler A580 uses a stand-alone TCU. No idea why people still think this is a Mercedes transmission, probably the same people who think the cars were simply re-skinned E Class sedans.

 

[ImperialCrown]

The NAG1 was originally a Daimler-Benz design. Chrysler bought the rights to it and built it at Kokomo. By that time it was a 14 year-old transmission. It was a robust, old-school 5-speed that could handle the torque of the Hemi.

Mercedes NAG1 / WA580 / W5A580 automatic transmission

Mercedes NAG1 / WA580 / W5A580 automatic transmission by Michael Dickens The NAG1 (WA580 or W5A580) automatic transmission found in many Chrysler products is an electronically controlled 5-speed transmission system with a lock-up clutch in the torque converter. The fifth gear is designed to...

www.allpar.com

It had that very thorough & expensive German engineering. Parts were pricy, but durable.
Change the fluid (ATF+4).

 

[AHBGuru]

The NAG1 was originally a Daimler-Benz design. Chrysler bought the rights to it and built it at Kokomo. By that time it was a 14 year-old transmission. It was a robust, old-school 5-speed that could handle the torque of the Hemi.

Mercedes NAG1 / WA580 / W5A580 automatic transmission

Mercedes NAG1 / WA580 / W5A580 automatic transmission by Michael Dickens The NAG1 (WA580 or W5A580) automatic transmission found in many Chrysler products is an electronically controlled 5-speed transmission system with a lock-up clutch in the torque converter. The fifth gear is designed to...

www.allpar.com

It had that very thorough & expensive German engineering. Parts were pricy, but durable.
Change the fluid (ATF+4).

The Mercedes 5-spd autos were based on the ZF 5HP30, which was used in a lot of European vehicles at the time. Mercedes added the 2-spd reverse. By the time Chrysler got ahold of it, the overall design was closer to the original 5HP (we could probably refer to it as a "5HP80"), with plenty of durability enhancements that allowed it to hold up under the 6.1 and 6.4 SRT models through 2014, and all Charger Pursuit models through 2020. It was an excellent transmission.

 

[Magnum_guy]

No idea why people still think this is a Mercedes transmission, probably the same people who think the cars were simply re-skinned E Class sedans.

I think many including myself misread Car and Driver
"The system dealing out the power in the Magnum is similar to the latest 4MATIC system available in most Mercedes sedans and wagons. A transfer case near the passenger's footwell next to the transmission sends 38 percent of the power to the front wheels and the remaining 62 percent to the rear. Unlike many active all-wheel-drive systems that can send power back and forth depending on the need, the Dodge doesn't vary the torque split in the driveline. But it does employ traction control at both ends to limit wheelspin."

The transmission is a common design with Mercedes but not a common P/N Right? If that is true do you know what is different other than SW? ( IE Bellhousing etc)



Was the Magna-Steyr transfer case derived from the Jeep technology?

PS-Thanks for setting me straight. I am new to these cars and still learning a lot.

 

[AHBGuru]

I think many including myself misread Car and Driver
"The system dealing out the power in the Magnum is similar to the latest 4MATIC system available in most Mercedes sedans and wagons. A transfer case near the passenger's footwell next to the transmission sends 38 percent of the power to the front wheels and the remaining 62 percent to the rear. Unlike many active all-wheel-drive systems that can send power back and forth depending on the need, the Dodge doesn't vary the torque split in the driveline. But it does employ traction control at both ends to limit wheelspin."

The transmission is a common design with Mercedes but not a common P/N Right? If that is true do you know what is different other than SW? ( IE Bellhousing etc)



Was the Magna-Steyr transfer case derived from the Jeep technology?

PS-Thanks for setting me straight. I am new to these cars and still learning a lot.

C&D was one of the media outlets that claimed the original LX was based on E-Class bones. Unfortunately, they still do, as does Mopar Action. Both rags should definitely know better. I would search for the Burke Brown interview here on Allpar, to learn more about the design of the LX, and the decision to "synergize" certain parts assemblies with/from Mercedes. I believe he covered - at some level of detail - the development of the A580 transmission and MS140 transfer case. For sure, the MS140 was replaced with the BW44-40 after 2008. The A580 went out of production in August of 2018 at Kokomo 2, and the remaining inventory was used in the Charger Pursuit models through 2020.
I have no direct knowledge as to all of the changes Chrysler made to the A580 over the years. Some of the wearable items (seals, gaskets, etc) were shared with the 722.6, but also cross-reference to the 5HP. Obviously, Chrysler re-engineered the assembly to the extent that it required ATF+4, which is not something the Mercedes or ZF assemblies called for. The devil is in the details, there.

 

[CLEC]

I just picked up a 2006 Magnum R/T with the same issue. Really surprised this is so hard to figure out given the age of these cars, frequency of the issue, and the fact that there is a forum community out there. ( If there was a definitive post on this / FAQ etc I missed it)

I am planning on trying to get a 2007 PCM/ECM core i purchased to get reworked for my 2006. Some say this wont work but I don't see why it would not work....Seems like they changed the design for the PCM without changing the rest of the car..... and I'm guessing it was due to all the trouble they were experiencing since the car was not redesigned until 2008.

From what I have read I think Solo in FL might be a good place to try for a refurb.

Solo PCMS PCM ECM ECU Engine Auto Computers
Solo PCMS is a provider of PCM, ECM, ECU, and Engine Auto Computers

www.solopcms.com

Unless I learn something else that's where I plan to go with mine next week after the holiday.

I had this problem for years.
I had exact same car and LOVED it for my dogs. Had to relegate it to secondary use when this became an issue at about 90k miles.

There is a box under the cowl on passenger side, when I removed connector, cleaned it and added dielectric grease the situation became rare.
In emergency (at highway speed, you CAN reset computer... CAREFULLY and in this EXACT order. push shifter to neutral, crack driver door, QUICKLY cycle key off then back to RUN (regain steering), start car then shut door.

The PCM doesn't restart unless key is briefly off and a door opened.

 

[geoff.gariepy]

We had a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan which developed similar, seemingly random communication issues. After a lot of troubleshooting, they would always come back to one of the 22GA communication wires breaking near a point where the cable would flex. I fixed two such issues, one in the driver's door flex area (replaced the door harness with new) and one at the ABS computer (patched it up with a new piece of wire.) The car had about 100,000 miles and lived in Michigan. What was happening was the wiring harnesses were getting brittle and conductors were starting to fail in different places around the car.

I have to admit that this spelled the end of the car for us. Replacing all of the wiring harnesses in a modern car is not a feasible project for most people, and it certainly looked like that's what this vehicle would eventually need. I couldn't consider the car to be reliable anymore with electrical issues likely to pop up at any given time. So we sold it. It seemed like the only reasonable thing to do.

Hope your luck with your Magnum is better.

 

[valiant67]

Unless I learn something else that's where I plan to go with mine next week after the holiday.

I had this problem for years.
I had exact same car and LOVED it for my dogs. Had to relegate it to secondary use when this became an issue at about 90k miles.

There is a box under the cowl on passenger side, when I removed connector, cleaned it and added dielectric grease the situation became rare.
In emergency (at highway speed, you CAN reset computer... CAREFULLY and in this EXACT order. push shifter to neutral, crack driver door, QUICKLY cycle key off then back to RUN (regain steering), start car then shut door.

The PCM doesn't restart unless key is briefly off and a door opened.

The box on the cowl is the PCM. That was where my problem was. I thought it was the connector, but my fault was on the PCM (either its part of the connector or internally) rather than wiring to the PCM.

 

[Magnum_guy]

I got my new to me 2007 ECM today and I plan to ship it off to solo as a good core for rebuild / refurb. Fingers crossed that is my issue....

 

[Magnum_guy]

So I called Solo today and they:
1) Wanted to know what the codes were on ECM for refurb
2) Told me they didnt want to work with an 07 ECM for a 06
3) Told me their repair warranty is only good for 1 year.

Called the local dodge dealer and its $155 to attempt to reconfigure my new to me 2007 Magnum ECM for this 2006 car . The Tech went on to stress grounds and electrical connections under the dash ( Power distribution box) are frequently culprits for stalling / not starting.

So now I am leaning towards cleaning grounds and electrical connectors followed by a trip to the dodge dealer to see if this new to me 2007 ECM just works ok out of the box. Thoughts on this plan?

The tech also mentioned that the connectors could be tightened (This sounded risky and involved trying to adjust pins in the harness end) . Are there any good posts on what connections to clean and how to check harness connectors? Anything on youtube? Just looking to see what I can learn before I reinvent the wheel.

PS- From what I could find on the forum I think my car has the following grounds:


G100 Left Front of Engine Compartment 4
G101 Right Front of Engine Compartment 7
G102 Right of Engine Compartment 6
G104 Right of Engine Compartment 14, 17, 22
G105 (2.7L/3.5L) On Engine Near T/O for Ignition Coil No. 5 N/S
G105 (5.7L) Rear of Engine 22
G106 (2.7L/3.5L) Left Side of Engine 18
G106 (5.7L) Rear of Engine 22
G107 (3.5L) Right Side of Engine Near Generator N/S
G108 Left Side of Engine 18
G200 Left Instrument Panel Near T/O for Ignition Switch 30
G201 Right Instrument Panel 30, 38
G202 Left Instrument Panel Near T/O for Cluster C3 30
G300 Below Left B-Pillar 40
G301 Below Right B-Pillar 41
G302 Right Front of Cargo Pan 52
G303 Right Rear Cargo Pan 65

It would be amazing if there was a video or post with pictures of all these locations....

 

[ImperialCrown]

It would be illegal Federal emissions tampering for a company to knowingly 'convert' a ECM into an application that it was not intended for (if it could be done at all). The core identity of the ECM ROM chip knows that it is for a 2006. That is burned in and can't be changed.

You are going to buy a 2007 ECM at a dealer to see if it runs? Once installed on a car, the dealer isn't obligated to take an electrical part return. Especially if a VIN is learned.

The tech was trying to stress that it is usually the little, stupid & simple things that can cause stalling. The ECM can cause this, but it is a rarity. Blaming the 'little aluminum box' is all too common.
Valiant was able to get a reaction by manipulating a connector on his that pretty-much concluded that there was an internal, intermittent circuit 'break'.

If you are in Michigan, that may be considered 'salt' belt. Corrosion can be an issue after a few years. I can compile your ground locations, but it may be later today. The engine compartment electrical system is subject to the most brutal 'weather'.

 

[ImperialCrown]

I can fit 10 attachments per post, so this will be continued below.
C1 to the ECM shows slight wiring differences between 2006 & 2007. They aren't exactly the same according to the pinouts.
Most interior grounds should be OK as long as the carpet has stayed dry. I have seen loose grounds and grounds compromised by a layer of paint.
Splices can be a weak spot as well. Has the car seen salt?