Get Your Hard-Working Dodge Back on the Road
Is your 1996 Dodge 3500 letting you down? If you’re dealing with frustrating no-start conditions, poor engine performance, or erratic automatic transmission shifting, a failing engine control module (ECM) is the most likely culprit. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s downtime that costs you time and money. This replacement 1996 Dodge 3500 engine computer is the reliable, straightforward solution to restore your truck’s performance and get you back to work with confidence.
Common Symptoms & Your Solution
A faulty ECM can cause a range of baffling issues that can be difficult to diagnose. If your truck is experiencing any of the following, this pre-programmed computer is your definitive fix:
- Complete no-start or intermittent starting problems.
- Rough idling, stalling, or poor fuel economy.
- Harsh or unpredictable shifting from the automatic transmission.
- Check Engine Light with communication error codes (DTCs).
- Apparent sensor failures (e.g., O2, TPS) even after replacing the sensors.
- Loss of spark or fuel injector pulse.
Don’t waste time and money chasing down phantom electrical gremlins. This module directly addresses the root cause, providing a solid foundation for your truck’s engine and transmission management systems.
Features & Tangible Benefits
- โ Plug & Play Installation: This unit arrives fully programmed to your truck’s specific VIN and mileage. No expensive dealer visits or special tools are required for programming.
- โ Restored Engine Performance: Get back the crisp throttle response, stable idle, and correct fuel mixture your 5.9L V8 needs to perform its best.
- โ Correct Transmission Function: Solves common electronic shifting problems, ensuring smooth and reliable gear changes under load, which is critical for a work truck.
- โ Guaranteed Compatibility: A direct replacement for a wide range of part numbers including 04886735, 56040780, and 05014152AA, ensuring a perfect fit and function.
- โ Peace of Mind: This unit is backed by our one-year replacement warranty.
An Expert’s Take on Work Truck Electronics
As a technician, I’ve seen countless Dodge trucks from this era come in with transmission issues that weren’t mechanical at all. The ECM is the brain, and it directly controls the transmission’s hydraulic line pressure and shift points. When it fails, the truck can feel like the transmission is shotโharsh shifts, getting stuck in gear, or refusing to shift at all. Replacing the 1996 Dodge 3500 engine computer often solves these ‘transmission’ problems instantly, saving the owner from a costly and unnecessary transmission rebuild. It’s the most critical component for making sure your truck can handle the heavy loads it was built for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ‘Plug & Play’ actually mean?
It means the computer will arrive at your door pre-programmed with your truck’s specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and immobilizer information. You simply disconnect the battery, swap the old module with this new one, reconnect the battery, and start the truck. No further programming is needed.
Do I need to send you my old computer?
No core charge or return is required for this part. You can keep your old module.
How do I provide my VIN and mileage?
You will be prompted to enter your vehicle’s VIN and current mileage during the checkout process. This information is essential for us to program the unit correctly for your truck.
Will this fix my Check Engine Light?
If the Check Engine Light is on due to an internal failure of the original ECM or communication errors, this replacement 1996 Dodge 3500 engine computer will resolve the issue. It’s crucial to ensure the underlying problem is the computer itself and not a separate faulty sensor or wiring issue.
Is this compatible with the 5.9L V8 gas engine?
Yes, this unit is specifically for 1996 Dodge 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickups equipped with the 8-360 (5.9L) gasoline engine and an automatic transmission, matching the part numbers listed.