The PCM is the main computer for your 2006 Dodge Charger. It controls the major operations of your car. The primary function of the PCM is collecting all the data across all sensors, then using it to operate the engine. It does this relatively more efficiently than many controlled engines available. PCM utilizes oxygen sensors data, knock sensors, and airflow sensor data to make the necessary adjustments in the engine. The engine control module is vital in running your car, and it cannot operate without it. Among many performance benefits of the ECM compared to mechanically controlled engines, it aids us with data that assist us in determining the specific problems affecting the engine.
Incomplete self-diagnostic cycle
Once you have turned your vehicle on, the dodge charger PCM will automatically perform a self-diagnostic cycle for each sensor that has been directly connected to the TCM. This sensor includes brake, transmission, camshaft, and even shifting sensors. Once the diagnostic cycle has not been completed, the PCM will immediately display a checks engine light. This trouble code is supposed to inform you which part of the diagnostic cycle has some malfunctioning hence guiding you on the necessary actions that you need to undertake to fix the problem. However, the check engine light can turn on for several reasons that may not be specifically a PCM or ECM malfunction.
Poor shifting during transmission
Poor shifting involves various malfunctioning associated with powertrain control and the transmission modules are common causes. Any shuddering when gear-shifting indicates some PCM\TCM issues. It has been widely reported that it becomes much more challenging when doing a downshift from third to fourth. This problem can be resolved entirely when proper and up-to-date software updates are done. Therefore, it is highly recommended that if your car develops a PCM problem, you need to address it immediately to avoid your vehicle handling it erratically, which can have severe consequences like an accident.
Poor performance
The 2006 dodge charger PCM usually controls the performance of the car. For maximum power to be generated within the engine components of ECM, all the transmission systems must receive the correct input from the computer system, which comprises the PCM, to relay the information to various parts. If the PCM is not responding well, the overall performance will suffer as most components will not relay the correct output. ABS braking and fuel sensors will not work as intended, and the engine may cause car stalled.
As long as the PCM is malfunctioning, performance issues will continue to crop up. However, if the dodge charger has a partial malfunction, only single parts might be affected, say accelerating or brake lights. The other major issue that affects the performance of the PCM is the engine timing and the air\fuel consumption ratio. Since the PCM\ECM controls the engine, it will knock off the charger fuel ratio leading to low fuel economy.
Electrical transmission failures
The powertrain control module is the central processing unit for almost all the functions performed by the engine. It controls all the transmission commands to the rest of the PCM components. When the 2006 dodge charger PCM electric transmission failed, there were reported cases of brake failures.
In addition, the car abruptly shows erratic symptoms and increased vibration within the internal engine, which affects the whole vehicle. Most of these PCM failures have been somehow generational to the models produced during the 2000 era. Many of the 2006 dodge owners have claimed that they experienced challenges in hard shifting and continuously decreased accretion power.
However, one can correct these failures by updating the dodge charger PCM to the latest software version. If it has completely stopped functioning, consider replacing it with a new one. A considerable percentage of Premature engine failures in this model have resulted from delayed PCM repair.
Rough Running Engine
If your vehicle takes several attempts to get running or it does not start at all, you could be staring at a PCM failure system. Several PCM errors can cause this. Possible causes are poor or improper balanced fuel to air ratio or even a short in the wiring harness.
The car won’t start
There are tens of reasons why your 2006 Dodge Charger won’t start. These reasons range from broken connections to dead battery and fuel leakages. When a faulty PCM sends the wrong inputs to the engine control unit, that car won’t start. Many Dodge Charger owners have come out complaining of failed starting attempts even with batteries in right conditions.
If you sure that your battery is faultless, consider checking the state of the PCM. Although jumpstarting is an easy option, sometimes it will further aggravate the problem. Ensure your terminals are cleaned.
Body and interior problems
The 2006 Dodge Charger has comfortable and intact interiors. However, the rubber around its door frames starts coming out over time. Once these rubbers are out of position, there will be huge spaces along the frames which will pave way for cold and hot air. The most uncomfortable situation for an occupant in a charger is unnecessary noise, which will eventually sneak through these spaces. Ensure you fix these rubber bands entirely.
The 2006 Dodge Charger owners have also complained of water leakages dripping from the windows. These leakages will reduce the lifespan of the once-stable interiors, increasing the maintenance costs of your charger. Always be vigilant for any leaks and fix them in good time.
Conclusion
The ECM is the most crucial component in the 2006 dodge changer PCM. Therefore, it is vital to ensure that it is in the proper condition to avoid trouble. Due to the immense power that PCM\ECM has over your overall engine functioning, there will always be a wide variety of varying symptoms when it goes wrong or if it stops performing. As mentioned, PCM problems will not always cause the vehicle to malfunction. Ensure that you keep checking the trouble codes while taking the necessary precautions. Consider the vehicle’s overall health before jumping over to the dodge charger engine computer
Be wary of stalling as it can happen unexpectedly. Although we have emphasized on the PCM, your car will need a proper combination of air, fuel, and spark to function optimally.
In case you are experiencing any electrical challenges or any problem with your 2006 Dodge Charger, feel free to reach out to us for help. We will be glad to help.
FAQs
The most common problems are transmission shudders in gear shits, difficulty filling up with gas, sudden loss of power on AWD cars, and failed emission tests.
When your engine is warmed up and connected, ensure that you disconnect one of the control modules from the fuses, disconnect the battery, and turn it off once more when the whole electrical system has turned off. After some time, tune your car again. All the previous data will need to be erased and plug the disconnected fuse again.
Bad gas- If there is water in the gas tank, it will interfere with the burning of the gas. The engine will not be able to function correctly, leading to stalling.
Sensor issues- The dodge charger uses several complex sensors to report to the PCM. If one of these sensors goes wrong, it can lead to stalling. One of the major sensors is the throttle position sensor which relays the information to the engine on how much air and fuel to allow in. The oxygen sensor measures the exhaust gases when they come out of combustion.
What are the most common problems with a 2006 Dodge Charger?
The most common problems are transmission shudders in gear shits, difficulty filling up with gas, sudden loss of power on AWD cars, and failed emission tests.
How do I reset my 2006 Dodge Charger PCM ?
When your engine is warmed up and connected, ensure that you disconnect one of the control modules from the fuses, disconnect the battery, and turn it off once more when the whole electrical system has turned off. After some time, tune your car again. All the previous data will need to be erased and plug the disconnected fuse again.
Why does my Dodge Charger keep stalling?
Bad gas- If there is water in the gas tank, it will interfere with the burning of the gas. The engine will not be able to function correctly, leading to stalling.
Sensor issues- The dodge charger uses several complex sensors to report to the PCM. If one of these sensors goes wrong, it can lead to stalling. One of the major sensors is the throttle position sensor which relays the information to the engine on how much air and fuel to allow in. The oxygen sensor measures the exhaust gases when they come out of combustion.
Do Dodge Chargers have a lot of problems?
There are various problems associated with the Dodge charger. The common ones are premature engine failure, especially in the 2006 model. Research has disclosed challenges in accessories, transmission, and suspension over the years.
I just changed the PCM and I have no error codes but the car is still acting up… It wouldn’t start this morning.. still working through every system to see what the problem can be.. it has never given me problems like this…. it ran great before the P.C.M. went out and now it isn’t acting right. I had to give it gas to start it this morning then it ran fine… nothing is making sense at this point.. Any suggestions?
Try looking at your eye valve