Posted By: Fat_Mike
P0601 Code, 2001 Ram, 1500, 5.2, 4X4 - 07/19/13 03:26 PM
ECU failure, right? Well, I've swapped out computers twice now, and the code keeps coming back. Anyone know of another cause for this code? Time to have it scanned? I just hate shelling out $100+ for someone to tell me what I might already know. By the way, the truck runs flawlessly...
Posted By: stumpy
Re: P0601 Code, 2001 Ram, 1500, 5.2, 4X4 - 07/19/13 05:21 PM
Any decent parts store will read the codes for free.
Posted By: Fat_Mike
Re: P0601 Code, 2001 Ram, 1500, 5.2, 4X4 - 07/19/13 07:02 PM
I reckon I could try that. I quit using the parts store scanners they told me that my mini van (Mazda) had a misfire on the #5 cylinder, and multiple misfires. I threw a bunch of parts at it thinking it was an electrical problem. Almost $400 later, I finally broke down and took it to the Mazda dealer. Turned out to be bad injector seals. I guess that was just an ignorance factor. Nonetheless, that's a good idea. Maybe it'll point me in the right direction. Thanks!
Posted By: gtx6970
Re: P0601 Code, 2001 Ram, 1500, 5.2, 4X4 - 07/19/13 07:18 PM
P0601 is an internal ECU fault. Usually no problems . I've had a friend driving his caravan with this same code for nearly 3 years , with never a hickup. runs like new, just the ck engine light is on all the time.
but a customer of mine had the same code on his ram truck a few years back , his ecu died deader than a doornail about 2 weeks later. we put a new one on it and I haven't seen it since.
and yes, you can set some erroneus codes by plugging the computers in while the battery is connected
Posted By: stumpy
Re: P0601 Code, 2001 Ram, 1500, 5.2, 4X4 - 07/19/13 07:26 PM
Just get the codes numbers, not what the parts store guy says they mean, and let us know what they are.
Posted By: stumpy
Re: P0601 Code, 2001 Ram, 1500, 5.2, 4X4 - 07/19/13 09:20 PM
Plus any more P0 codes the reader shows.
Posted By: Fat_Mike
Re: P0601 Code, 2001 Ram, 1500, 5.2, 4X4 - 07/20/13 02:48 AM
P0601 is the only code that it's throwing. The history is this: Almost a year ago this code popped up. When it did (or at least when I first noticed it), I also had a situation where my truck kicked out of overdrive, and wouldn't go back into it. I swapped the computer thinking that the P0601 code and the transmission problem were related. The transmission got progressively worse and had to be rebuilt. However, when that situation came about, my check engine light was already on for a faulty oxygen sensor, and that's why I didn't notice the other code...or never checked for it. I have no idea how long it had been throwing that P0601 code before the transmission went bad. Anyway, as of now I've fixed all the other issues. I was hoping this code would go away with them, but it continues to come back.
Posted By: Grizzly
Re: P0601 Code, 2001 Ram, 1500, 5.2, 4X4 - 07/20/13 03:55 PM
Great description
here Fat Mike.
Don't lose any sleep over it if your truck is running fine. Mine has had the same code for 2 years now and runs perfect.
I'm not about to fuss with it and change out computers because I don't want to wind up with the "death flash". Have read that the death flash can't be reversed. Right now my truck doesn't have it, gets great fuel mileage, and that's how it's going to stay.