ECM issues...I think...

[Pacho]

Hi All,

My 2005 PT Cruiser GT Turbo with 150k miles probably needs a new ECM.
It started dying on my for no reason and when trying to start it would be completely dead. I checked it out and AutoZone recommended a new alternator. It was under warranty so it was free just paid install.

Yesterday I started it (cold) to run some errands. Placed it in reverse and it died. Gauge needles were jumping back and forth. Jumped it with my little Cobra jump battery and after a few tries it started. After my first stop I was able to open the door with the key fob but when I tried to start it I couldn't. Got my trustee Cobra and again after some persuasion it fired up. Went to AutoZone to test it Battery was good. I actually had to shut it down to test it and it started right up.

Tried to start it this morning used key fob, door opened but wouldn't start wouldn't even turn over.

So I thinks..... Battery is good, alternator is new so what else could it be. I asked the guy at AutoZone and he thought maybe the computer.
I tend to agree because of all the strange things it does, bells dinging, panel lights flashing on and off and gauges going crazy.

I already spoke to Cindy at FWD Performance and I can get a Stage 1 from her for $250.00 shipped good price I think.

I am working on finding someone local (Dallas area) to do VIN and Mileage flash.

Question???

Am I on the right track here or should I be looking at something else???
Patiently waiting for some advise and opinions

Thanks guys

[ptcruisersteve]

Engine light on? If so what codes?

If you don't have an OBDII Scan Tool you can get an reasonable one at Harbor Freight.
https://www.harborfreight.com/catalo...BDII+Scan+Tool

[Handy_Cruiser]

This does seem a little more common on 2005 models than other years. And if reports on this forum are a good sampling group, I'd guess that 75% of the folks that report what you are reporting did indeed need a PCM. Others had bad batteries with periodic low voltage, bad TIPM's (2006 and newer), damaged wiring harness, bad or loose gauge clusters, or a bad electrical component that would usually throw a code.

Have you tried connecting an OBDII code reader to your PT? Sometimes, folks with failing PCM's will report that the code reader cannot make contact even thought the car tends to somewhat function like yours. While not definitive, it would be one more thing that might help confirm it is truly the PCM.

[ptcruisersteve]

Before we jump to conclusions if the OBDII Scan Tool does not read the codes we still need to do a proper diagnosis before looking at the PCM.

[rob302]

i would never replace a computer for a charging issue based on a recommendation from autozone.

battery light on the dash on? touch the starter recently? age of the battery? any recent work besides the alternator?

[Pacho]

Well first of all thanks for the responses.

Jumped it a little while ago started but as soon as I took the cables off it would die. So I started taking out the battery to get it tested. When I removed the air box, as I was lifting the filter cover off....the whole thing pulled up hoses and all from the TURBO up WTF

https://scontent-dft4-3.xx.fbcdn.net...83&oe=5A2D3519


https://scontent-dft4-3.xx.fbcdn.net...49&oe=5A1EFCE7

So there's my problem...LOL

Now to find this part and continue trouble shooting.

Again please chime in and help me out. It looks like the rubber connectors have some type of "C" clamp how can I take these off????

Thanks again guys

[Pacho]

Found the part and ordered it online...about 50 bux delivered

[myckee]

While it is good you found the broken hose on your car and ordered a replacement, it would appear that it is a secondary problem to your main problem, which seems to be electrical.

If your battery tested good, make sure your battery terminals are clean and in good condition and making a proper connection to the battery. As well, check and clean the ground connections on the inside of the driver fender. You probably have to remove the air box to get to it. Clean all of those connections. Check the connections on the starter. Remove them and clean the eyelets and then reinstall.

That is not to say that your PCM is not the problem, but it could very well be poor connections on the battery or on the ground wires, or on the starter. Hopefully it is just a simple case of poor electrical connections.

[Pacho]

ptcruiser steve....No lights on at all...

[Pacho]

I have not since I've had no lights or codes...which I thought was REALY strange.