Swapping Out Trans Computers

Jun 23, 2005 10 Replies

I have a 92 Caravan with the a604. I plan on doing a filter and fluid change, since I just bought the car after putting in another engine. Original one threw a rod. My question is: The trans computer on the vehicle is dated 5/97. I just picked up a spare at the boneyard that's dated 6/01. Is it a good idea to swap out units, seeing that the newer unit has fresh updates? (At least newer than 97)



Thanks for the help!


If it currently shifts OK leave it alone!

Richard.

The '97 computer is already considerably better than the original '92 unit. The '01 computer is likely better still. It couldn't hurt.

Many Thanks! That's what I was thinking, but just wanted to be sure....

I found that when I put a 91 transmission in my 90 Accord it would not shift right until I went back to the junk yard and pulled out the 91 transmission computer and swaped it for the 90 computer.

If it works in the mini-van great, but be sure to hold onto the old one if the computer does not match up to the older transmission.

Richard.

...except we're not talking about Hondas here.

Except that you have no experience switching Chrysler transmission computers of different years with different transmissions. I stand by my note of caution.

Richard.

"If it ain't broke, dont fix it".

An interesting thing happens when you assume, Richard, and that is that you wind up saying stuff that isn't factual (i.e., it's wrong). That's what happened in this case, for I *do* have experience switching Chrysler transmission computers of different years. As far as the computers are concerned, there are no "different transmissions" -- virtually any year/any application TCM will run virtually any year Chrysler 4-speed automatic transmission.

...which is based on completely irrelevant futzing around with Hondas.

It is also perfectly within the realm of possibility that the CaravanGuy's

1997 trans computer has been firmware updated to a NEWER firmware version than the 2001 trans computer out of the boneyard.

If it was me rather than spending the money on the computer at the wrecknig yard, I would have driven into the dealership and had them flash my existing computer to the most current firmware, which is certainly newer than 2001.

Ted

I STILL love the FIDO tagline: "if it works, rip it apart and find out why"

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