Power Control Module stuffed?

[BlackCaprice]

Well I just got a call from the dealer as to why my car (WL Caprice)is playing up (some gauges not working (fuel and temp), power button and parking sensors also not working) and he tells me one of the computers has lunched itself...

He says it's the power control module or PCM? Is this powercontrol module the same as the body control module?

Nice and expensive to replace of course ($1700 for GM and $1100 for aftermarket).

Is this the going rate or is there another avenue I should know about for fixing this issue. Is there somewhere in Perth I should be going to if it can be fixed, or is it simply a matter of getting it replaced (and reprogrammed apparently)??



Looking for advice!!
Cheers

[andyman]

power train control module, id get a second opinion first, go see a reputable auto-electrical shop first

[BlackCaprice]

Yeah I think you're right. I just talked to a couple of people (a gen3 tuner over here in WA aswell as AMCAP/Holden parts distributor) and they reckon it sounds more like the BCM is stuffed. And by the way, AMCAP tells me the price quoted by the dealer for the PCM is a lot more than what they have them listed at.

Something fishy going on me thinks. Hopefully I'll get to the bottom of it soon..

[BlackCaprice]

While I'm at it, can any WA members suggest a good auto electrician in Perth I can take it to to check these issues out?

[BlackCaprice]

Well just an update..

Friday night I was changing my rotors and discs on the Caprice and remembered what another forum member had said about his car playing up in a similar way and it turned out to be a knackered negative terminal on the battery.

So I undid my negative terminal and gave it a jiggle left and right, tightened it up again and then turned the car on.

Would you believe - all my problems were gone! Fuel gauge/DTE and temp gauge were back, as were my power button and parking sensors!!!! So two days later and so far so good - like nothing was ever wrong!

Darn fool eejit dealer - just about had me for a PCM when it looks like I probably never needed one! even tried to tell me my parking sensors weren't working because one is slightly damaged on the outside, which caused them to all not work. The one had been damaged since I bought the car but all the rest still beeped and worked, but he wouldn't listen that the parking sensors had stopped working at EXACTLY the same time as the other 3 things...

So, I know that everyone here knows to stay away from dealers but this is just another story to add to the growing list of dealer incompetence...

[Doctor Bob]

the poor terminal will give very similar symptos to a faulty PIM, Powertrain Interface Module.
the PCM has nothing to do with the park sensors etc.
glad you sorted it.

Rob

[BlackCaprice]

INteresting about the PIM Doctor Bob as a few people have also mentioned that module. What symptons are common to a 'faulty PIM'??

[v8golfer]

Blackcaprice, just had the pim replaced in my ssz ute. when this goes, nothing goes. call a tow truck. cost me $500. $100 for the part and $400 for the labor. mechanic mate of mine told me it would have taken them 1hour at the most.

[BullittSV6]

So, I know that everyone here knows to stay away from dealers but this is just another story to add to the growing list of dealer incompetence...

I said this last year and I'll say it again, find a dealer who treats who well and stick with them. Some are questionable but some will have staff that know what they are doing. Dealers, particularly in rural areas where dealers aren't as common as metro areas, think they hold the monopoly but the truth is that there is another dealer, whether that be in the next suburb or next town who will gladly take your business.

[BlackCaprice]

Thanks for the info fellas.. Even though the problem seems to have gone as quick as it came, I'm half expecting it to come back so I'm on alert!

[wetwork65]

Without mentioning the dealers name - who were they?

[BlackCaprice]

Starts with a North and ends with a City Holden

[wetwork65]

Thanks - thought it may have been my local. Who I don't use.

[baracuda]

i try and avoid mine here on the coast.(name start with something squatters live in along the coastline)was going to see what the one in Mandurah is like

[wetwork65]

Won't mention their service level - (I have been warned by the moderator regarding my comments on another dealer's sales techniques).
Suffice to say I have chosen to go to Harvey Holden, which fortunately is close to my workplace. They are good and fairly priced.