Dodge Magnum PCM Reset: Here's When and How You Should Do It

Is your Dodge Magnum suddenly stalling, driving sluggish or simply not performing as expected? Well, if so, there is a chance that your vehicle's PCM is malfunctioning and may need to be reset. Your Dodge Magnum, along with most other modern automobiles, are complex vehicles with several systems that coincide harmoniously together to maintain their smooth performance.

PCM problems highlights

• Module's importance:Extremely high
• Prone to failure:Yes
• Reasons for failure:Water, damage, ECM problems, TCM problems
• Ways to reset:Disconnecting, scanner tool diagnostics
• Sphere of control:Powertrain (engine, transmission, AWD systems)
• Symptoms of failing:Powertrain anomalies, powertrain codes
• Price to repair:$180 - $300
• Price to replace:$750 - $1,650

What is a PCM in your Dodge Magnum?

The PCM is your Dodge Magnum's central computer that oversees most of the essential functions of your vehicle. It collects data through signals from various sensors and other related components and then uses it to make decisions based on the information.

The PCM is responsible for monitoring numerous parameters including the engine speed, throttle position, coolant temperature, and even outputs including the fuel injectors and ignition coils.    

The PCM needs to make vital decisions relative to the current and changing conditions of your vehicle in a way that is suitable to the particular circumstances. As a result, the PCM is able to efficiently support and help operate the engine and the transmission, enhancing the overall performance of the Magnum.

Injecting the right amount of fuel into each cylinder or enabling the transmission to shift/change gears accordingly are just some examples of the many functional decisions that are made by the PCM. 

Furthermore, the PCM also provides data and information needed to help diagnose any malfunctions or issues with the engine, transmission, and other major components. Therefore, it can be somewhat complicated and extra challenging when it comes to diagnosing something that actually provides diagnostic data itself to help repair other parts.

Luckily, the Magnum is able to run self-diagnostic checks and so you may find error codes stored related to the issues with the PCM.           

When Should You Reset Your PCM?

The Dodge Magnum is able to perform efficiently and smoothly as long as the information that flows between the vehicle's PCM and other related components and sensors are not disrupted. However, a faulty part or simply a glitch in the software can interrupt the flow of data/information and cause your vehicle to lack performance.

Since the PCM is also in charge of the check engine light along with so many other functions, issues with the PCM or other related sensors will cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate.    

Also, it is very common for the Check Engine Light to remain on the dashboard even after the actual issue is fixed. In that case, it may be necessary to reset your PCM in order to refresh the previous fault codes from the memory of your PCM.

Also, installing certain aftermarket components or even after updating the computer system can require you to reset your PCM to help make a full adjustment and adapt to the new module.    

Symptoms of a Bad PCM

The PCM of your Dodge Magnum monitors a range of various functions and activities to ensure that your vehicle is performing at an optimal level. In addition, the PCM also stores error codes which are used to diagnose various issues and problems with the engine and transmission.

Therefore, you will be able to notice some common tell-tale signs and symptoms as listed below if the PCM of your Magnum begins to struggle or goes bad.    

• Check Engine Light

As soon as you start the engine in your Dodge Magnum, your PCM/ECM will automatically proceed to do a self-diagnostic cycle. If there are any issues, they will get picked up and the Check Engine Light will illuminate to inform you that an issue has been detected. You can check for the trouble code to figure out the exact culprit and can take the appropriate action to fix the issue.   

• Rough Running/Misfire

It is very common for a vehicle with a faulty or bad PCM to run rough, as well as a misfire at times. If the PCM is not able to receive data correctly and cannot send out the proper signals at the right time to the engine and the transmission, your vehicle will experience rough runnings.

Depending on the condition and the exact issue with the PCM, misfiring will occur along with your vehicle stalling from time to time.    

• Poor Fuel Economy/Performance

As the PCM oversees the engine and the transmission, issues with the PCM can really throw a monkey wrench in the overall performance of your Magnum. With the engine timing and air/fuel ratio being controlled by the PCM, a faulty PCM system can disrupt your vehicle's air-fuel ratio, leading to very poor fuel economy.

Also, it can affect the functions of the transmission and cause difficulties in shifting and changing gears.    

Resetting Your Dodge Magnum PCM

The PCM in your vehicle collects and stores important data and information from other systems, components, and sensors in your vehicle so that it can send out the correct signals at the right time to make the necessary adjustments. The only way to make the PCM deviate from its programming and start from scratch is to reset its memory. Also, you may need to reset the PCM in order for it to learn the new parts/updates and store the new data.  

One of the easiest ways to reset your PCM is to disconnect the battery cable for a while and wait to see if the check engine light comes on when you start your Magnum after reconnecting the battery.

Once you drive around for about 10 miles, the PCM will begin to learn your driving style and can proceed to store new information in the memory. If there happen to be any issues with your vehicle, then the engine check light will come back on and you will be able to identify the issue by analyzing the fault codes.

Resetting the PCM of your Dodge Magnum can be very useful after making new modifications or when new replacements are installed in your vehicle. Without resetting your PCM, your new modifications can easily conflict with the way the engine previously performed and may not adjust properly.

This is one of the reasons many times the check engine light will come on after new installments are placed and even after a problem is fixed.       

Easy steps to reset your PCM on your Dodge Magnum:

• Open the hood of your Magnum, locate the battery and disconnect the negative terminal.
• Then put the key in the ignition and turn it to the "ON" position for about 30 seconds and then back to the "OFF" position.
• Once you turn your vehicle back on, let the engine run for no less than 10 minutes without using any accessories such as your headlights, heater, A/C, etc.
• After letting the engine run, turn off the vehicle and then you can restart it again after about 5 minutes.

The PCM is both a vital and a sensitive piece of hardware in our Dodge Magnum. If there are new software updates, you need to solve certain issues with the function/glitches, and also in case your vehicle is flashing false trouble codes, you may need to reflash your PCM by replacing the existing software with newer software from the company.

Since the dealership has access to the actual factory software and diagnostic equipment necessary for the process, it is always better to take your Magnum to them for a reflash instead of an independent mechanic.         

Conclusion

When you are driving your vehicle, the PCM is continuously receiving vital data and information from other components and sensors that are placed in your vehicle. It uses the collected data to control the entire drivetrain and signals other modules to adjust their functions for efficient performance.

Therefore, issues with your Magnum's PCM can jeopardize your safety and put you in very risky driving conditions on the road.     

Along with adjusting your driving habits, the PCM also stores your Magnum's trouble codes which can guide you to getting to the root of any problems or malfunctions with your vehicle. If you suspect or detect any symptoms mentioned above indicating a bad PCM, it is better to try to reset your PCM before tearing up your engine or the transmission.

Since the PCM adapts to your driving and stores the data for future support, you can reset the PCM and clear the memory for a fresh start.