Autocomputerspecialist

[Puller810]

Are they still in business? Tried calling twice and left messages, Friday and Monday. I also emailed them, does anyone have a better number that actually goes to the business not a automated answering service?

[Mad Bomber]

I had SIA look at my PCM they said no problems and return all but 10 bucks back to me

[Puller810]

1 hour ago, Mad Bomber said:

I had SIA look at my PCM they said no problems and return all but 10 bucks back to me

 

I sent an email to them, thanks. They are much closer to me.

Finally received an email from ACS, asked for serial number (which I sent) and codes? Will a PCM throw a code for the no charge problem? It isn't supplying 12volt power to the alt or tranny relay, no beuno!

[Mad Bomber]

On ebay they had a sale going on if you look around a bit

[Mopar1973Man]

Remember there based in Florida so be aware of time zones.

[Puller810]

No time zone difference, I can't send it to a place that wants me to pay first, I mean you would have my pcm if I didn't pay. Just got an email from ACS stating they need me to trouble shoot it, send codes. I'm not sure what kind've business they run but it seems like a scam. If you run a computer repair business, I would hope you have the proper equipment to test the computers your working on, otherwise how do you know its working properly after you fix it?

 

Another huge flag is, no one will answer the phone or return a call.

[Mopar1973Man]

@Auto Computer Specialist is in Florida. I had to make sure to make my phone call before 2pm MST. 

I would call first thing in the morning. I've always gotten the receptionist in the morning hours.  

[Puller810]

Thanks, just got a call from SIA. I'm gonna send it to them as they actually take the PCM, make sure its repairable and fix it then charge you when its finished with a maximum charge of $250.

[Mopar1973Man]

Make sure you get ahold of @pepsi71ocean and give a review of this ECM/PCM provider. Need to keep a running tally of different shops and reviews. This helps other get good idea where to go.

[Dieselfuture]

7 hours ago, Puller810 said:

If you run a computer repair business, I would hope you have the proper equipment to test the computers your working on, otherwise how do you know its working properly after you fix it?

That's exact same impression I had. I have a spare ECM I got for a decent deal. Guy I got it from said truck ran fine aside from a knock, maybe bad injector/ cylinder and he was parting it out. It had180k on it. Anyway I sent ECM to be programmed to my VIN, also had them enable high idle , which they call cold idle. Got an email few days later stating that everything went well. Once I got ECM back I installed it and went for a ride, everything seemed fine high idle work fine and then oughta blue I got a code, 1698 no bus message received from PCM. And my tach quick working. I was suggested that may be a problem with PCM but I knew I had nothing to do with it, I just swapped back to my other ECM no codes and no problems. 

So I called ACS and they said that I did buy the unit from an unknown truck and unknown condition, which is true. And if I would have told them about the code when they had it, they would have fixed it for the same price they charge me to reprogram it which was 150. They had a special for 300 they would go through entire ecm and program it without knowing any codes. They said that to check for all codes it takes too long of a time and they'd have to charge extra, but if it's only one or two codes and something simple then it's 150. So basically if I want it fixed now I have to send it in and spend another 150, so It'll sit on the shelf till next time. 

My point is they can do the work and I believe they do a good job, but you have to be very specific upfront. 

Sorry for the long post.

[pepsi71ocean]

19 hours ago, Mopar1973Man said:

Remember there based in Florida so be aware of time zones.

 

14 hours ago, Puller810 said:

No time zone difference, I can't send it to a place that wants me to pay first, I mean you would have my pcm if I didn't pay. Just got an email from ACS stating they need me to trouble shoot it, send codes. I'm not sure what kind've business they run but it seems like a scam. If you run a computer repair business, I would hope you have the proper equipment to test the computers your working on, otherwise how do you know its working properly after you fix it?

 

Another huge flag is, no one will answer the phone or return a call.

 

Actually it was presidents day guys. I couldn't even get a hold of state farm bank either for that matter

 

FWIW: I just went through this with a TIPM module, where they wanted both computers to test them, since there has been allot of reports of bad computers on he resale market ie eBAY.

 

Ironically, I have seen a few cases online where people are reselling bad TIPM's and ECM's. The money is made in he shipping and restocking fees ha are made.

7 hours ago, Dieselfuture said:

That's exact same impression I had. I have a spare ECM I got for a decent deal. Guy I got it from said truck ran fine aside from a knock, maybe bad injector/ cylinder and he was parting it out. It had180k on it. Anyway I sent ECM to be programmed to my VIN, also had them enable high idle , which they call cold idle. Got an email few days later stating that everything went well. Once I got ECM back I installed it and went for a ride, everything seemed fine high idle work fine and then oughta blue I got a code, 1698 no bus message received from PCM. And my tach quick working. I was suggested that may be a problem with PCM but I knew I had nothing to do with it, I just swapped back to my other ECM no codes and no problems. 

So I called ACS and they said that I did buy the unit from an unknown truck and unknown condition, which is true. And if I would have told them about the code when they had it, they would have fixed it for the same price they charge me to reprogram it which was 150. They had a special for 300 they would go through entire ecm and program it without knowing any codes. They said that to check for all codes it takes too long of a time and they'd have to charge extra, but if it's only one or two codes and something simple then it's 150. So basically if I want it fixed now I have to send it in and spend another 150, so It'll sit on the shelf till next time. 

My point is they can do the work and I believe they do a good job, but you have to be very specific upfront. 

Sorry for the long post.

 

How long ago was this? This is I think the 4th case of failing ECMs bought online via a part out I've heard in three months.

[Dieselfuture]

8 hours ago, pepsi71ocean said:

 

How long ago was this? This is I think the 4th case of failing ECMs bought online via a part out I've heard in three months.

Beginning of June 2018. The ecm I sent them was from a donor truck. I never put it in my before I sent it out to them, I was told it wasn't a good idea. Now I wish I would have to know for a fact if that code was present before. I'm not blaming anyone for the code and the service ACS provided was what they said it would be, I just wish they communicated better some of the info, so someone like me that doesn't do this every day knows all options. 

This is their response 

 

Our records show that a Programming service was provided for a

 

2002 RAM 2500 MT D 5.9 4WD VIN (my VIN) P/N 3947412/ 313038303J

 

Unfortunately only programming service were provided. We can not assist with codes or other issues, unless unit is sent in for repair service. Please keep in mind, our records show that the unit is a spare problems could have come from previous vehicle. We would need proper diagnoses to best assist you.

 

Thank you.

 

ACS

Technical Department 

[dieseled]

I`m going thru ecm issues myself , hopefully near the end

1689 codes on 99 truck with a 01 ecm in it that worked for years fine , guys at Mads Smarty told me of the issues with 98.5 and 99 `s , so I have the files on my lap top and can flash with the SO3

Some months ago I called ACS  and RAE  and felt better about the response RAE had as far as testing my ecm- the 01-  so I sent it to them , had already been thru  the wiring and IP ,alternator is good , was sure the problem was the ecm , RAE put it on their " test machine " and said it was good , charged me 50.00 and tried to charge me 150 for flashing it , I had already went thru with them flashing it with a 99 file if they repaired it only ,was told by a tech was not necessary if they only tested it , so I refused to pay for the flash , I was disappointed they said it was good .

 

Got it back , put it in the truck and no lift pump with starter bump, was not a problem before I sent it to RAE , I didn't try to start it , I hot wired the LP relay and pump ran fine . I re-flashed the ecm and the LP ran  fine ,didn't try to start it ,was sure the ecm didn't mysteriously fix itself , At this point I was sure RAE`s testing was c**p , they said they didn't need to open it up , it was fine

 

I ordered a ecm from ACS  put it in and the truck runs again , only issue is they wont take a 01 ecm for a core. They also paint the reconditioned ecm`s black , seems like not a good idea as far as heat dissipation , also leaves me wondering if they actually only send out matching part #`s , because theres no evidence left of what it was before it got painted , unless theres a # on the inside , That could be a problem if you send a core in for a 01 02 truck and get a 98.5 99 ecm back with a limited file memory 

Also if ACS is depending on the PO`s codes as a path to fix the ecm  only ,instead of fully rebuilding ,if that's even possible ,

 It seems like it may lead to unknown future issues

 

In the meantime I could not recommend RAE , but can so far recommend ACS , knock on wood 

Hoping to somehow get my 01 ecm repaired

I use to only drive around with a spare LP under the back seat , now I feel the need to have a spare ecm there also

[pepsi71ocean]

6 hours ago, Dieselfuture said:

Beginning of June 2018. The ecm I sent them was from a donor truck. I never put it in my before I sent it out to them, I was told it wasn't a good idea. Now I wish I would have to know for a fact if that code was present before. I'm not blaming anyone for the code and the service ACS provided was what they said it would be, I just wish they communicated better some of the info, so someone like me that doesn't do this every day knows all options. 

This is their response 

 

Our records show that a Programming service was provided for a

 

2002 RAM 2500 MT D 5.9 4WD VIN (my VIN) P/N 3947412/ 313038303J

 

Unfortunately only programming service were provided. We can not assist with codes or other issues, unless unit is sent in for repair service. Please keep in mind, our records show that the unit is a spare problems could have come from previous vehicle. We would need proper diagnoses to best assist you.

 

Thank you.

 

ACS

Technical Department 

 

This is interesting.

 

1 hour ago, dieseled said:

I`m going thru ecm issues myself , hopefully near the end

1689 codes on 99 truck with a 01 ecm in it that worked for years fine , guys at Mads Smarty told me of the issues with 98.5 and 99 `s , so I have the files on my lap top and can flash with the SO3

Some months ago I called ACS  and RAE  and felt better about the response RAE had as far as testing my ecm- the 01-  so I sent it to them , had already been thru  the wiring and IP ,alternator is good , was sure the problem was the ecm , RAE put it on their " test machine " and said it was good , charged me 50.00 and tried to charge me 150 for flashing it , I had already went thru with them flashing it with a 99 file if they repaired it only ,was told by a tech was not necessary if they only tested it , so I refused to pay for the flash , I was disappointed they said it was good .

 

Got it back , put it in the truck and no lift pump with starter bump, was not a problem before I sent it to RAE , I didn't try to start it , I hot wired the LP relay and pump ran fine . I re-flashed the ecm and the LP ran  fine ,didn't try to start it ,was sure the ecm didn't mysteriously fix itself , At this point I was sure RAE`s testing was c**p , they said they didn't need to open it up , it was fine

 

I ordered a ecm from ACS  put it in and the truck runs again , only issue is they wont take a 01 ecm for a core. They also paint the reconditioned ecm`s black , seems like not a good idea as far as heat dissipation , also leaves me wondering if they actually only send out matching part #`s , because theres no evidence left of what it was before it got painted , unless theres a # on the inside , That could be a problem if you send a core in for a 01 02 truck and get a 98.5 99 ecm back with a limited file memory 

Also if ACS is depending on the PO`s codes as a path to fix the ecm  only ,instead of fully rebuilding ,if that's even possible ,

 It seems like it may lead to unknown future issues

 

In the meantime I could not recommend RAE , but can so far recommend ACS , knock on wood 

Hoping to somehow get my 01 ecm repaired

 

I use to only drive around with a spare LP under the back seat , now I feel the need to have a spare ecm there also

 

Is RAE #3 on this list?

 

[dieseled]

Yes

RAE = reman auto elec

ACS=auto computer spec

[dripley]

After going thru all of this back 2010 and 2011, I am surprised that there still seems to be a lot of issues with repairing these things.

[Dieselfuture]

So far my final conclusion, ACS are more than able to fix/program things, it's just you better be sure to what you want and be as specific as possible when you get things repaired. Otherwise they will only do what you fill paperwork for. So first make sure you get as much info as possible from how truck acts, any codes and so on. Then include all that info when you send ecm in. As long as everyone is on the same page and it's all documented, there shouldn't be any problems. Their price is reasonable too imo, considering you cold spend thousands like @dripley unfortunately had to.

Now that we know most probable cause of fried electronics is ac noise/excessive vac, poor grounds, unprotected alternator field wires, probably forgetting something 

So if we do preventive maintenance and take steps that we now know, really these things should last a long time.  

[dripley]

The bulk of the money I spent was on a rental car. Down time for diagnosing and then 6 weeks down time when the first one they sent did not work. Then a little more down time when the second one went about 13 months later.

 

The ECM repair was $500. I was never asked for any info other than my VIN number. But with the results of the first and second rebuild I can't help but to believe they did not know any more than floks know today them. 

 

Hopefully the new Cummins ECM I got in 2011 never craps out. I want no part of that fun ever again.

 

 

[dieseled]

2 hours ago, dripley said:

The bulk of the money I spent was on a rental car. Down time for diagnosing and then 6 weeks down time when the first one they sent did not work. Then a little more down time when the second one went about 13 months later.

 

The ECM repair was $500. I was never asked for any info other than my VIN number. But with the results of the first and second rebuild I can't help but to believe they did not know any more than floks know today them. 

 

Hopefully the new Cummins ECM I got in 2011 never craps out. I want no part of that fun ever again.

 

I wasent aware that Cummins had new ecms in `11

I bought the 01ecm that just cr*ped out in `16 from Cummins , for 1200 , they want 2700 for one now , I was hoping it would last too . I put a Denso Hairpin alt on at that time and have checked for ac ripple since

That ecm says Cummins reman on it ,done in Mexico , there is a bar code label on the back that looks original , so at least  I think its a better than 98.5-99 one

It worry's me a little when you don't know how many times one has been repaired , but I don't want to pay 2700 either

I agree don't miss including any codes or info if your sending one in for repair , that seems to be what they look for, even if you buy a reconed one from ACS  they want to know the problems , codes with the core , so hopfully the previous owner dosent fib and you end up with un fixed issues

That's why I first sent mine to RAE, they talked a good game , said they had equipment and go thru everything in one , not just fixing for specific codes or obvious burnt up things

Didn't seem to be true , when I complained they missed something , they said they would run it on the tester again , supposedly induces heat and vibration ,but when its on the truck it only takes minutes at idle to cause CEL and problems .??? how can they miss that

 

[dripley]

Mine does not say Cummins ReCon on it. I seem to remember seeing a photo of one here in the past with a label stating that. Mine has a label in the upper right hand corner that says Cummins with a bar code, part number and may be serial number on it. So as far as I can see it was new. It was $1400 with programming back then. 

 I have heard mentioned here by one or two members here that you could still find a new one here or there in the $2700 range. Like i say I heard this but did not try confirm it.