The Dodge Grand Caravan PCM, or powertrain control module,is the computer that controls everything from the fuel mixture to the emissions regulation system. Unsurprisingly, it's a pretty important piece of equipment as without it the vehicle just isn't going to work. Whilst any significant damage is going to mean that the whole unit has to be replaced, sometimes the issue can just be a lose gas cap that needs to be tightened. Spotting any issues can just mean that it needs to be reset to confirm that none of the problems have lingered.

All in the Power

Any Dodge Grand Caravan PCM will draw all of its sustenance directly from the car battery. Once the car battery has been disconnected the module is going to shut down. The trick to resetting everything is in disconnecting the battery for long enough. After the battery's connection has been severed from the computer a ten-minute timer will be put into force. If the time elapses before the connection is repaired then all the codes that have been saved into the brain of the unit will be deleted and the whole system reset.

How to Disconnect the Battery

Disconnecting the battery can be done even if the driver is a complete and utter novice at car maintenance as all that's needed is a little knowhow and an adjustable wrench to deal with any troublesome bolts.

1. Start by opening up the hood of the vehicle and making sure that it's secured. The latch under the centre of the hood should be pushed to the left.
2. Next should be where the battery is located. The driver's side compartment just above the front wheel is where it can be found on a Dodge Grand Caravan.
3. There should be a bolt on the negative battery cable. This has to be loosened with the adjustable wrench. Don't remove it.
4. The negative battery cable itself should be detached from the terminal post. Many people have reported that it can sometimes be hard to loosen so twist the table until the end comes free.
5. It should then be reattached by locating the negative post situated on the battery. Press it in firmly to reattach it.
6. Use the adjustable wrench to make sure that the bolt has been tightened until the cable can't be removed or loosened on the battery post.
7. The bonnet can then be closed and the Dodge Grand Caravan PCMshould have been completely reset.

Problems Galore

As long as the driver is sure that the computer has been reset there should be no issues with it. If there are any further problems then repeat the process again because it's easy to make a mistake. Additional problems experienced after this operation has been carried out correctly will indicate that there's an inherent problem with the unit itself. Contact a mechanic to get this sorted out as they will be able to read the unit's inner code by using a special electronic tool to accurately diagnose the complication.

Imperial Car Computer Exchange is a full service auto repair shop based in Raleigh, NC. Book a service visit if you have a problem with your Dodge Grand Caravan PCM.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/the-tricks-to-resetting-a-dodge-grand-caravan-computer-6185393.html