[deanthecrabman]

Have you tried resetting it? You can do it with a scanner, or just disconnect the battery for about 15 min. See if it comes back. Meantime, one of the techs should be able to give you some better options if that don't work. Good luck

 

[RamTech]

P0601 is an internal failure and it's a one step diagnosis. Replace the PCM. You may not have symptoms now but it could eventually leave you on the side of the road.

 

[DaveDees]

Here's what I found out about that particular DTC code:

P0601 = Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error

Causes

A code P0601 in most cases means the PCM has gone bad. This is possibly due to a short-circuit inside the PCM. Or, if you disconnect the wires/connector from the PCM while the battery is still connected, that may also cause this code.


Possible Solutions

With a P0601 OBD-II trouble code, the most common fix is to replace and reprogram the PCM. In a few cases the dealer may be able to reflash the PCM and get it working. But more than likely the PCM will need to be replaced and reprogrammed (we recommend you take it to a dealership for this). The good news is it *may* be covered under your emissions warranty. So even if you're out of bumper-to-bumper warranty or powertrain warranty, check your warranty guide or dealer to see if this is covered.

Other people have reported that they cleared the code only for it to return again and again. Keep in mind that most shops can replace the PCM but not all can program it.

 

[RamTech]

A P0601 is an internal failure with a one step diagnosis - replace the PCM. It may or may not be related to the problem you have now and it could potentially leave you stranded.

 

[demon]

but what exactly is wrong with it ?besides the light is on.

 

[demon]

i found a place in south florida that will fix my comp for $125 . they do an exchange type deal for about 225 and they program all your info so its plug and play. i found them on ebay
.still stinks cause I have a prob that that wont fix but I have to fix it just to shut off the light

 

[Guest]

Yup...when it sets that code it's an indication that internally it has a circuit failure and eventually, other circuits will fail. As RamTech said, one day without warning it will leave you dead on the side of the road.

You can try an exchange. I expect they wanted your VIN, correct?

 

[demon]

yep
but im thinking that if there is a short circut that will leave me on the side of the road then that could happen wether or not this prob is in there or not

 

[demon]

its not that I dont want to fix it , it just seems strange ,if the light were burned out ,I might go 200,000 miles and never know . I just want to understand what is wrong. i guess the short circut is in the part that turns the light on?

 

[brad12kx]

The 'short circuit' is definitely NOT the circuit that turns on the light. If it was, it would not through the code. The light is on to tell you that the computer has a message for you.

You can second guess this all you want, but in the end it's like going to your doctor, and having him tell you (turn light on) that you have something wrong with you (P0601), and if act know, they can save you.....but if you don't, it could kill you in anywhere from 1 day to 20 years.....but it will! What do you do.....especially if you feel just fine....or better yet....how about if you feel Great! :smileup:

Ultimately, the choice is yours, but as has been pointed out above, it WILL leave you stranded sometime....might be in your driveway.....might not..... :4-dontknow:

 

[RPPalace]

The 'short circuit' is definitely NOT the circuit that turns on the light. If it was, it would not through the code. The light is on to tell you that the computer has a message for you.

You can second guess this all you want, but in the end it's like going to your doctor, and having him tell you (turn light on) that you have something wrong with you (P0601), and if act know, they can save you.....but if you don't, it could kill you in anywhere from 1 day to 20 years.....but it will! What do you do.....especially if you feel just fine....or better yet....how about if you feel Great! :smileup:

Ultimately, the choice is yours, but as has been pointed out above, it WILL leave you stranded sometime....might be in your driveway.....might not..... :4-dontknow:

 

[RPPalace]

Brad12kx is right . I have a 2001 ram 1500 sport with a 5.9 . the 0601 code has been coming on for almost a year now . Ive been leaving the obd2 reader hooked up so i can clear it before starting the truck everytime. Now as of last week it started running super bad , backfiring, spitting , cutting off , I had to have it towed home. now i have another code on it also the 1391. So I was just waiting for the enevitible . Now with that said any ideas ? Start with the PCM ?