I'm looking for opinions of Duramax technicians, or anyone else that deals with the workings of the engine control computer.
First, a little background. The truck is a 2003 LB7/Allison CC/SB 2WD. I bought this truck in April of this year showing just over 100k on the odometer. I figured with the life expectancy of the truck and the use that I would have for it I should be able to get several years of service out of it. I was a bit concerned about the injector issue, but figured if it became a problem I could get it handled under the extended warranty.
In June, I started the truck and began to drive out of the parking lot at work. Just before pulling into the main road (a busy 4-lane with a center turn), the truck died. Completely shut off, just like you'd hit the switch. Still had all the accessories (radio, air), so I thought I would restart it and be okay - maybe it was just a hiccup. So, I hit the starter - nothing. No attempt at cranking. Had it towed back to the dealer (thankfully I had a 90 day warranty), and after about 3 days of diagnostics they determined the PCM was bad and would need to be replaced. I thought that was a bit odd, but I left it in their hands. Picked up the truck the next day, and everything seemed to be okay. Warranty did cover the repair. I spoke with the technician, and asked if this was a common issue with these trucks, and he told me that this was only the second PCM he had put on a Duramax. Feeling a bit better about the situation, I went on my way.
Fast forward to August. I was reading some posts in the forum here and decided that I would get the VIN ran just for grins (thanks again ripmf666), and when the report came back I was floored. Turns out this truck has already had the PCM replaced once, at about 99,500 miles, by the same dealer and the same service tech. So, either the technician has a lousy memory OR he thought I asked how many times he'd replaced the PCM on this truck.
Now I'm worried.
So, I would like the opinions of those that deal with these trucks from a service standpoint on a somewhat regular basis. I've got a truck that ate 2 powertrain control modules in the space of about 2100 miles. Could there be something in the truck causing this? Is it just a weird coincidence? If this happens again, is the PCM a part that I can replace (I'm not an ASE certified technician by any stretch of the imagination, but I can turn a wrench should the need arise)?
Any opinions or experiences would be appreciated. Sorry for the long post, but I'd just like to ease my mind. Last thing I want is to have the truck shut off in the middle of the road and have my 15 month old in the truck with me.
Thanks,
Steve
First, a little background. The truck is a 2003 LB7/Allison CC/SB 2WD. I bought this truck in April of this year showing just over 100k on the odometer. I figured with the life expectancy of the truck and the use that I would have for it I should be able to get several years of service out of it. I was a bit concerned about the injector issue, but figured if it became a problem I could get it handled under the extended warranty.
In June, I started the truck and began to drive out of the parking lot at work. Just before pulling into the main road (a busy 4-lane with a center turn), the truck died. Completely shut off, just like you'd hit the switch. Still had all the accessories (radio, air), so I thought I would restart it and be okay - maybe it was just a hiccup. So, I hit the starter - nothing. No attempt at cranking. Had it towed back to the dealer (thankfully I had a 90 day warranty), and after about 3 days of diagnostics they determined the PCM was bad and would need to be replaced. I thought that was a bit odd, but I left it in their hands. Picked up the truck the next day, and everything seemed to be okay. Warranty did cover the repair. I spoke with the technician, and asked if this was a common issue with these trucks, and he told me that this was only the second PCM he had put on a Duramax. Feeling a bit better about the situation, I went on my way.
Fast forward to August. I was reading some posts in the forum here and decided that I would get the VIN ran just for grins (thanks again ripmf666), and when the report came back I was floored. Turns out this truck has already had the PCM replaced once, at about 99,500 miles, by the same dealer and the same service tech. So, either the technician has a lousy memory OR he thought I asked how many times he'd replaced the PCM on this truck.
Now I'm worried.
So, I would like the opinions of those that deal with these trucks from a service standpoint on a somewhat regular basis. I've got a truck that ate 2 powertrain control modules in the space of about 2100 miles. Could there be something in the truck causing this? Is it just a weird coincidence? If this happens again, is the PCM a part that I can replace (I'm not an ASE certified technician by any stretch of the imagination, but I can turn a wrench should the need arise)?
Any opinions or experiences would be appreciated. Sorry for the long post, but I'd just like to ease my mind. Last thing I want is to have the truck shut off in the middle of the road and have my 15 month old in the truck with me.
Thanks,
Steve
