Jim Grant's Tech Tips

97 Plymouth Voyager, No Mileage Display
Q: I Have a ‘97 Plymouth Voyager 3.0. The odometer shows no mileage. I was told I needed a body control module and need to find someone who can put the correct mileage on the OD. Is this true? Robert

A: You want to be sure, without question, your vehicle needs a Body Control Module (BCM). The BCM could be viewed as a control center; it receives information that it provides responses to. Example, when you turn on the wipers you’ve actually sent a request to the BCM not the wipers. The BCM then commands wiper action. The dash display, gauges, lights, speedometer, odometer, etc. are also the result of information processed by, then sent out by the BCM. The BCM is a special order item, dealer only. When an order is placed a variety of questions are asked, Why? because the BCM will be preprogrammed for the vehicle it is being installed in. That includes current mileage. The BCM is not cheap and don’t even think about returning it if diagnosis is incorrect. Also, you will have to pay about a $1000 core charge if you do not have the old BCM to turn in when acquiring the replacement. The bottom line, without question be sure your vehicle needs a BCM and not a new dash display.