Body Motion Control Computer Problem on 1997 Plymouth Van

[W. Watson]

I'm told the device in the Subject line controls the cruise control of the vehicle, and the device is defective. The price for the part is $600. I hope it does more than just control than one function. Any ideas?

Wayne T. Watson (Watson Adventures, Prop., Nevada City, CA) (121.015 Deg. W, 39.262 Deg. N) GMT-8 hr std. time)
Obz Site: 39° 15' 7" N, 121° 2' 32" W, 2700 feet

 

[maxpower]

I'm told the device in the Subject line controls the cruise control of the vehicle, and the device is defective. The price for the part is $600. I hope it does more than just control than one function. Any ideas?

Wayne T. Watson (Watson Adventures, Prop., Nevada City, CA) (121.015 Deg. W, 39.262 Deg. N) GMT-8 hr std. time)
Obz Site: 39° 15' 7" N, 121° 2' 32" W, 2700 feet

What are you talking about??

Glenn Beasley
Chrysler Tech

 

[W. Watson]

(This may be a repat of a post I thought I made earlier)

What are you talking about??

Do you see the Subject line on this message? Here. I'll duplicate it for you.
Subject: Body Motion Control Computer Problem on 1997 Plymouth Van

My question is simple. What does it do besides interface with the cruise control?

Wayne T. Watson (Watson Adventures, Prop., Nevada City, CA) (121.015 Deg. W, 39.262 Deg. N) GMT-8 hr std. time)
Obz Site: 39° 15' 7" N, 121° 2' 32" W, 2700 feet

 

[hartless]

Well it pretty much interfaces with the pcm, and controls all of the interior electrical pieces. Its called a Body Control module. So it basically controls the "body" meaning the electrical systems not pertaining to the Powertrain Control module and the Antilock Brake Module. So look in your van and look at everything that is powered. Now does that make you feel better? Or are you looking to see if that is your problem? Since you give no specifics about the problem, or why, or who stated the need for the BCM. Quit the bitching if you want a stupid basic answer. Maybe someone would have answered if you put a fucking question pertaining to what you wanted in the subject. Sorry, but people respond to the question not a Subject line. Let alone a wrongly mentioned part.

 

[W. Watson]

Well it pretty much interfaces with the pcm, and controls all of the interior electrical pieces. Its called a Body Control module. So it basically controls the "body" meaning the electrical systems not pertaining to the Powertrain Control module and the Antilock Brake Module. So look in your van and look at everything that is powered. XXX Now does that make you feel better? Or are you looking to see if that is your problem? Since you give no specifics about the problem, or why, or who stated the need for the BCM. Quit the bitching if you want a stupid basic answer. Maybe someone would have answered if you put a fucking question pertaining to what you wanted in the subject. Sorry, but people respond to the question not a Subject line. Let alone a wrongly mentioned part. XXX

Thanks for the response, right up to the point that I marked with XXX. Interesting how you leaped to some pretty severe criticism and ..., well, what can I say? I guess by pcm you mean pulse code modulation? Hmmm, not likely, but maybe the m means module? You were certainly clear. Oh, I forgot. That's what I'm accused of. Sorry.

I'm always fascinated by people who lose their objectivity in answering a question. Here's my offer. Let's start a word fight. I'll use words that only include the letters a-m, and you can use the other ones. I think I've divided the alphabet evently, so that should be fair.

 

[maxpower]

(This may be a repat of a post I thought I made earlier)

Do you see the Subject line on this message? Here. I'll duplicate it for you.
Subject: Body Motion Control Computer Problem on 1997 Plymouth Van

My question is simple. What does it do besides interface with the cruise control?

Wayne T. Watson (Watson Adventures, Prop., Nevada City, CA) (121.015 Deg. W, 39.262 Deg. N) GMT-8 hr std. time)
Obz Site: 39° 15' 7" N, 121° 2' 32" W, 2700 feet

Your right it is an exact repeat of what you made earlier and Im going to repeat what I said again. "what are you talking about" Why don't you explain what is wrong with you vehicle and maybe someone will give you an answer that could help you!! There is no such thing as a body motion control computer. Since the cruise control is not controlled by the Body control Module not only are you confused but so is the person that is talking to you.

Glenn Beasley
Chrysler Tech

 

[hartless]

No, PCM is powertrain Control Module. That is the computer that controls engine and emissions functions. The TCM is Transmission Control Module, which is the computer that controls the Transmission. Learn something before you post. Or better yet post a relevant question to which you would want an answer. Oh, and if your BCM is in need of a replacement, why didn't you just purchase a used one at a scrap yard for $50. and try it.

 

[W. Watson]

Your right it is an exact repeat of what you made earlier and Im going to repeat what I said again. "what are you talking about" Why don't you explain what is wrong with you vehicle and maybe someone will give you an answer that could help you!! There is no such thing as a body motion control computer. Since the cruise control is not controlled by the Body control Module not only are you confused but so is the person that is talking to you.

Glenn Beasley
Chrysler Tech

OK, fair enough. Here's the deal. My wife's van has had the cruise control malfunction. It just cuts out pretty much randomly. She took it to the Plymouth dealer, and they said the *body motion computer* (BMC) showed a problem when they examined it with their diagnostic computer, and that it would be a good idea to have it replaced. $800 later with a refurbished unit it hadn't solved the problem. They examined the problem again and this time they said it was the servo, so for about $100 it was replaced. That was Monday. She hasn't had an opportunity to drive it long enough for failure. Tomorrow she will be going on a long trip of 100 miles, and typically that's where it's used. So far $900 paid out and no results.

I went to our library yesterday, and got onto a site called arrc.epnet.com/autoapp/... There's probably a general name for the site, but I don't know it. I looked at the data for a 1997 van, and found no mention of the device. I did find a one page description of the cruise control with a troubleshooting table. For my purposes, that's sufficient and really what I was after; however, if you have an opinion, then please offer it.

Body motion module, body motion computer, body moton controller... Whatever the proper name is fine. When we took it to a non-authorized dealer, they couldn't peek into the innards of the device, since their diagnostic computer wasn't equipped to handle the device. It's a computer.

Wayne T. Watson (Watson Adventures, Prop., Nevada City, CA) (121.015 Deg. W, 39.262 Deg. N) GMT-8 hr std. time)
Obz Site: 39° 15' 7" N, 121° 2' 32" W, 2700 feet

 

[maxpower]

OK, fair enough. Here's the deal. My wife's van has had the cruise control malfunction. It just cuts out pretty much randomly. She took it to the Plymouth dealer, and they said the *body motion computer* (BMC) showed a problem when they examined it with their diagnostic computer, and that it would be a good idea to have it replaced. $800 later with a refurbished unit it hadn't solved the problem. They examined the problem again and this time they said it was the servo, so for about $100 it was replaced. That was Monday. She hasn't had an opportunity to drive it long enough for failure. Tomorrow she will be going on a long trip of 100 miles, and typically that's where it's used. So far $900 paid out and no results.

I went to our library yesterday, and got onto a site called arrc.epnet.com/autoapp/... There's probably a general name for the site, but I don't know it. I looked at the data for a 1997 van, and found no mention of the device. I did find a one page description of the cruise control with a troubleshooting table. For my purposes, that's sufficient and really what I was after; however, if you have an opinion, then please offer it.

Body motion module, body motion computer, body moton controller... Whatever the proper name is fine. When we took it to a non-authorized dealer, they couldn't peek into the innards of the device, since their diagnostic computer wasn't equipped to handle the device. It's a computer.

Wayne T. Watson (Watson Adventures, Prop., Nevada City, CA) (121.015 Deg. W, 39.262 Deg. N) GMT-8 hr std. time)
Obz Site: 39° 15' 7" N, 121° 2' 32" W, 2700 feet

Ok Dr. Watson I presume? First of all the BCM was replaced for absolutely no reason at all. The cruise control is in no way connected to the BCM (Body Control Module) get you money back on that!!! Second, If the person that was diagnosing your problem had a good scan tool or even new how to use one all they needed to do was go into the cruise control monitor section of the tool. It would have showed the last cut off, meaning what caused the cruise control to shut down. There are several things that could cause the problem and it sounds as if they are going to start tossing parts at it until you let them find it at your expense. The brake switch, vacuum hose, cruise switches, the servo, the PCM, wiring, the servo itself and the clock spring.......which leads me to ask this. Does the horn work when you loose the cruise control? Is the air bag lite ever on? There was a recall on the clock spring for this year vehicle which could cause the cruise control to act up.

Glenn Beasley
Chrysler Tech

 

[W. Watson]

.... ....

Ok Dr. Watson I presume? First of all the BCM was replaced for absolutely no reason at all. The cruise control is in no way connected to the BCM (Body Control Module) get you money back on that!!! Second, If the person that was diagnosing your problem had a good scan tool or even new how to use one all they needed to do was go into the cruise control monitor section of the tool. It would have showed the last cut off, meaning what caused the cruise control to shut down. There are several things that could cause the problem and it sounds as if they are going to start tossing parts at it until you let them find it at your expense. The brake switch, vacuum hose, cruise switches, the servo, the PCM, wiring, the servo itself and the clock spring.......which leads me to ask this. Does the horn work when you loose the cruise control? Is the air bag lite ever on? There was a recall on the clock spring for this year vehicle which could cause the cruise control to act up.

Glenn Beasley
Chrysler Tech

Thanks. That's very helpful. Ah, my wife will be absolutely delighted to hear this. Yes, she now agrees that it's the PCM and not the BCM. She thinks she got shafted. Of course, it will be unlikely that we can get our money back. We had to exchange it for a refurb, and I don't think that's going to fly with the dealer. Air bag light hasn't been on, and appears to work normally. She knew about the spring. I'll be going to the dealer with her tomorrow. Definitely going to ask about the scan tool. If I think there's a chance we've been screwed, then I think I can get a pretty persuasive consumer advocate to help.

I had a lesson recently on a non-car item that the dealer would be well advised to use as a strategy. It boils down to this. Check the least costly and least labor intense items first, then look for the more complicated stuff. I spent 12 hours correcting a piece of equipment that could have been narrowed to one or two hours if I had followed that advice. I guess the benefit of the 12 hours is they equipment got a complete maintenance job by me. Still, I would have settled for less effort.

Wayne T. Watson (Watson Adventures, Prop., Nevada City, CA) (121.015 Deg. W, 39.262 Deg. N) GMT-8 hr std. time)
Obz Site: 39° 15' 7" N, 121° 2' 32" W, 2700 feet

 

[W. Watson]

Ok Dr. Watson I presume? First of all the BCM was replaced for

Thanks. That's very helpful. Ah, my wife will be absolutely delighted to hear this. Yes, she now agrees that it's the PCM and not the BCM. She thinks she got shafted. Of course, it will be unlikely that we can get our money back. We had to exchange it for a refurb, and I don't think that's going to fly with the dealer. Air bag light hasn't been on, and appears to work normally. She knew about the spring. I'll be going to the dealer with her tomorrow. Definitely going to ask about the scan tool. If I think there's a chance we've been screwed, then I think I can get a pretty persuasive consumer advocate to help.

I had a lesson recently on a non-car item that the dealer would be well advised to use as a strategy. It boils down to this. Check the least costly and least labor intense items first, then look for the more complicated stuff. I spent 12 hours correcting a piece of equipment that could have been narrowed to one or two hours if I had followed that advice. I guess the benefit of the 12 hours is they equipment got a complete maintenance job by me. Still, I would have settled for less effort.

Whoops. Strike my remark about the PCM/BCM. The BCM does exit and is what got replaced. B and P are just too close in sound. She was talking to me while I was responding and misheard her remark.

Wayne T. Watson (Watson Adventures, Prop., Nevada City, CA) (121.015 Deg. W, 39.262 Deg. N) GMT-8 hr std. time)
Obz Site: 39° 15' 7" N, 121° 2' 32" W, 2700 feet

 

[W. Watson]

I think we now have enough info to ask for our money back. My wife, cleverly, decided to take it up with our regular mechanic. He owns a highly respected small shop. She presented the evidence to the owner, and he said, "Get your money back." We now have a plan to do just that.

Wayne T. Watson (Watson Adventures, Prop., Nevada City, CA) (121.015 Deg. W, 39.262 Deg. N) GMT-8 hr std. time)
Obz Site: 39° 15' 7" N, 121° 2' 32" W, 2700 feet

 

[maxpower]

I think we now have enough info to ask for our money back. My wife, cleverly, decided to take it up with our regular mechanic. He owns a highly respected small shop. She presented the evidence to the owner, and he said, "Get your money back." We now have a plan to do just that.

Wayne T. Watson (Watson Adventures, Prop., Nevada City, CA) (121.015 Deg. W, 39.262 Deg. N) GMT-8 hr std. time)
Obz Site: 39° 15' 7" N, 121° 2' 32" W, 2700 feet

Well all you have to do is ask the person to show you where in the flow chart (diagnostic procedure) does it say anything about the BCM related to the cruise control, or ask for a wiring schematic that ties the cruise control with the BCM and you got your money back.

Glenn

 

[W. Watson]

Well all you have to do is ask the person to show you where in the flow chart (diagnostic procedure) does it say anything about the BCM related to the cruise control, or ask for a wiring schematic that ties the cruise control with the BCM and you got your money back.

Glenn

Problem solved. The dealer told us they installed the wrong computer. Should have been PCM and not BCM. The price difference is about the same as the extra servo, so they gave us the two parts and remaining labor free. So far it hasn't failed, but my wife will give it a test this weekend. She says it behaves more like she believes it should. Forgot exactly what, but it had to do with being in cruise control when she turned off the engine, and then turned it on. The cruise control was still where it was. Seems right. It didn't do that before. Got the warranties on the PCM too.

Wayne T. Watson (Watson Adventures, Prop., Nevada City, CA) (121.015 Deg. W, 39.262 Deg. N) GMT-8 hr std. time)
Obz Site: 39° 15' 7" N, 121° 2' 32" W, 2700 feet

 

[W. Watson]

Well all you have to do is ask the person to show you where in the flow chart (diagnostic procedure) does it say anything about the BCM related to the cruise control, or ask for a wiring schematic that ties the cruise control with the BCM and you got your money back.

Glenn

-Problem solved. The dealer told us they installed the wrong computer. -Should
-have been PCM and not BCM. The price difference is about the same as the
-extra servo, so they gave us the two parts and remaining labor free. So far
-it hasn't failed, but my wife will give it a test this weekend. She says it
-behaves more like she believes it should. Forgot exactly what, but it had
-to do with being in cruise control when she turned off the engine, and then
-turned it on. The cruise control was still where it was. Seems right. It
-didn't do that before. Got the warranties on the PCM too.

My it's been a long time since I posted this thread. 7/26/2006. It turns out the above did not fix the problem. It reduced it in someway but didn't fix it. We took it in a few more times at the dealer's request when they had an idea about it. Finally, last week they had an idea that worked. The brake light switch was replaced. After about 600 miles of driving later the problem has not reappeared.

Wayne T. Watson (Watson Adventures, Prop., Nevada City, CA) (121.015 Deg. W, 39.262 Deg. N) GMT-8 hr std. time)
Obz Site: 39° 15' 7" N, 121° 2' 32" W, 2700 feet