My 95 Dakota has been diagnosed with a bad ECM computer. It was replaced about 7 yrs. ago, and is bad again. Dealer wants 700.00 for a new one, and the re-flash...

What's my options. Can I get a used one. Does it need to be re-flashed with VIN and mileage, and who could do it?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I got one for my '93 for $250 IIRC from O'Reilly's about 3 years ago.
Ron

I've never personally used this place, but heard good things about it.
http://autocomputerexchange.net/

Junkyard search tool

Just be sure it was diagnosed right. I have had alot of the 90's Dakota's that many thought the PCM was bad but it was a broken (corroded) wire in the harness that is a hot feed to the PCM. Ron

Whats the truck doing or not doing? What eng etc?

http://www.rockauto.com has some of the best prices, sometimes if cardone can ship it direct for Rockauto they will program it for about $25 more

Truck wouldn't start at all. It finally did, but would run for a few minutes then die. After re-starting it a few few times, it would run OK. After doing this on a fishing trip, I got it started and made it home. Would not start at all after that.

Had it towed to a trusted shop. He's says he's 90% sure it's the ECM. His computer won't communicate at all with the truck computer.

Depending on the system a bad componant can kill communication with the PCM

I just had a similar issue, I took the computer to someone who flashes them for us at work. When he could not retrieve the VIN or mileage this further confirmed my suspicion. If your vehicle still displays mileage the cluster may have a memory in it, the one I just did showed mileage. Your local Napa main store should have the capability to flash the computer. I wasn't charged when it failed to communicate for him.

Simply unplug some of the main potential causes to see if communication returns

Potential Causes
Grounded Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor (in the distributor)
Grounded Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor (behind the pass head into the bellhousing)
Grounded Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS)
Not listed but TPS, MAP if you have them.

Defective Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Ground
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Power
Grounded Wiring
Wiring Harness

Also found this for you....
A14 Splice Check the A14 splice in the main harness near the Power Distribution Center (PDC).
2. Remove the Automatic Shut Down (ASD) relay and the fuel pump relay.
3. Jumper terminal 30 to 87 of the fuel pump relay. Terminal 87 goes to the fuel pump.
4. Check the voltage on terminal 30.
5. If the voltage is dropping from B+, locate the A14 splice in the main harness near the PDC.
6. It is advisable to add an electrical load to each circuit by powering the fuel pump from pin 3 of the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and from terminal 30 of the ASD relay.
7. If the voltage drops, check the A14 splice.

The grounding point for circuit Z12 is the rear of the right cylinder head.
Circuit Z12 also supplies a ground for the PCM high current drivers and the heated oxygen sensor.
If the system loses ground for the Z12 circuits at the right rear of the cylinder head, the vehicle will not operate. Check the connection at the ganged ground circuit eyelet.

Update?

what is the number on the ECM in the dakota.

I have one from a V6 with auto..