P0603 & PCM memory fail
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,263
Likes: 11
From: DARTMOUTH MA
P0603 & PCM memory fail
so my 1997 automatic with 135K on it runs mint when it runs.
for the last few months my truck has been cutting out and/or shutting off while driving.
while driving if the truck shuts off or loses complete power the wait to start light will flash.
things that ive tried so far is ive changed the ignition and also the CPS.
the problem seems to be happening more frequent.
when i went to get an inspection sticker i asked the guy to plug it in with a cheap scanner to see if any codes would show up...and as he plugged the scanner in the truck would stumble and shut off (3X)
so i got my hands on a good scanner and came up with these codes.
also if the truck would ever shut off...id have no problem starting her up.
hope i get some good info...ty
for the last few months my truck has been cutting out and/or shutting off while driving.
while driving if the truck shuts off or loses complete power the wait to start light will flash.
things that ive tried so far is ive changed the ignition and also the CPS.
the problem seems to be happening more frequent.
when i went to get an inspection sticker i asked the guy to plug it in with a cheap scanner to see if any codes would show up...and as he plugged the scanner in the truck would stumble and shut off (3X)
so i got my hands on a good scanner and came up with these codes.
also if the truck would ever shut off...id have no problem starting her up.
hope i get some good info...ty
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,750
Likes: 4
From: Pecatonica, IL
It's common for the truck to shut off when scanning codes, in fact our snap on sacanner actualy give you a warning before the ckde scan starts.
I think the 603 code is tied to having the chip, cause I have that too. What kind of cps did you install?
I think the 603 code is tied to having the chip, cause I have that too. What kind of cps did you install?
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: Lakewood, Washington
P0606 is usually from disconnecting the battery at some point which kicks the keep alive memory (KAM) code. I have that just about every time I scan. No issues.
Most scanners work in the key on engine off mode, and if you scan with the engine running it will cause the truck to shut down.
The CPS will not always kick a code. At least not with the black one. The dark blue one I just replaced did throw a code, and gave no indication of going out. Truck just didn't start. Popped in the IH black one (P/N 1825899C93) and started right up. Subtle differences, but I did notice right away that my truck idled quieter with the black CPS. RiffRaff has them (I think currently out of stock), or Amazon for $25.39 and free shipping. Search F4TZ-12K073-C for the black one.
Most scanners work in the key on engine off mode, and if you scan with the engine running it will cause the truck to shut down.
The CPS will not always kick a code. At least not with the black one. The dark blue one I just replaced did throw a code, and gave no indication of going out. Truck just didn't start. Popped in the IH black one (P/N 1825899C93) and started right up. Subtle differences, but I did notice right away that my truck idled quieter with the black CPS. RiffRaff has them (I think currently out of stock), or Amazon for $25.39 and free shipping. Search F4TZ-12K073-C for the black one.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 11,132
Likes: 3
From: Southern West Virginia
P0606 is usually from disconnecting the battery at some point which kicks the keep alive memory (KAM) code. I have that just about every time I scan. No issues.
Most scanners work in the key on engine off mode, and if you scan with the engine running it will cause the truck to shut down.
The CPS will not always kick a code. At least not with the black one. The dark blue one I just replaced did throw a code, and gave no indication of going out. Truck just didn't start. Popped in the IH black one (P/N 1825899C93) and started right up. Subtle differences, but I did notice right away that my truck idled quieter with the black CPS. RiffRaff has them (I think currently out of stock), or Amazon for $25.39 and free shipping. Search F4TZ-12K073-C for the black one.
Most scanners work in the key on engine off mode, and if you scan with the engine running it will cause the truck to shut down.
The CPS will not always kick a code. At least not with the black one. The dark blue one I just replaced did throw a code, and gave no indication of going out. Truck just didn't start. Popped in the IH black one (P/N 1825899C93) and started right up. Subtle differences, but I did notice right away that my truck idled quieter with the black CPS. RiffRaff has them (I think currently out of stock), or Amazon for $25.39 and free shipping. Search F4TZ-12K073-C for the black one.
P0603 is the KAM code. P0606 is the code for PCM processor fault.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,263
Likes: 11
From: DARTMOUTH MA
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Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 11,132
Likes: 3
From: Southern West Virginia
You mean the p0603 code? That is KAM (Keep Alive Memory) error. That is the code that is stored anytime you disconnect your batteries. If you are getting this code when your truck dies while driving, then the PCM is somehow loosing it's 12v power. It thinks the batteries have been disconnected, and stored the P0603 code. Check all the fuses and relays in the circuit that provides power to the PCM, and also remove the big plug on the PCM and check it for corrosion. There is a 10mm bolt in the center of the plug that you need to unscrew to remove the plug.
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Tuned
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 294
Likes: 16
From: Kamloops, BC. Canada
You might want to check the fuel heater in the fuel bowl and e harness along with the e plug on the fuel bowl. It might be shorting but not enough to blow the fuse, this circuit shares power to the PCM if I recall correctly. With stock fuel on my trucks I've always unplugged the heater as it will short out just a matter of time.
jrc
jrc
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