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P0505 and P0600 Fault Codes on 1996 Dodge Stratus - Car Shakes, Flickering Odometer, Loss of Power

Model: 1996 dodge stratus Fault Code: P0505 Posted: 2006-10-09 17:32

I own a 1996 Dodge Stratus and recently encountered two check engine codes: P0505 (Idle Control System Malfunction) and P0600 (Serial Communication Link Malfunction). The issue began when I was driving on the highway and suddenly experienced vehicle shaking, followed by a loss of throttle response. I could not accelerate effectively, though the car did not stall—after approximately 15 seconds, I regained control and safely drove to my mechanic. During this incident, I noticed that the odometer display flickered between dull and bright states, which raised concerns about potential electrical or sensor issues. The vehicle now exhibits a noticeable shake when idling or under light load. I'm seeking advice on possible causes and solutions for these codes, especially given their occurrence during highway driving. Since my mechanic has never encountered these codes before, they were unable to provide specific recommendations beyond monitoring the issue for recurrence. I'd like to prevent future breakdowns and ensure a proper diagnosis.

Related fault codes

P0505P0600

Comments (8)

Anonymous 2006-10-09 19:04

Any advice would be greatly appreciated—especially since I'm worried about experiencing another failure on my way to work in the morning.

Anonymous 2006-10-10 05:55

What did your mechanic recommend for these specific codes? Did they suggest any diagnostic steps or component replacements?

Anonymous 2006-10-10 10:11

My mechanic has never seen P0505 or P0600 before and couldn't offer a clear diagnosis. Their advice was simply to monitor the symptoms and see if the issue reoccurs—something I’d like to avoid.

Anonymous 2006-10-10 11:36

It's highly unlikely that any mechanic has never seen these codes. A wiring fault between the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or a failing PCM is a strong possibility. If the codes are active, troubleshooting should be straightforward—provided the mechanic has the proper tools and experience to perform it.

Anonymous 2006-10-10 15:56

Are there any estimates for repair costs if replacing the PCM? Would it be worth considering a replacement?

Anonymous 2006-10-10 16:25

Repair cost depends on whether you choose a new or used PCM, and whether it's from a dealer or aftermarket source. That said, I'm not certain it's actually the PCM failing—definitely need a thorough diagnosis by another qualified mechanic. A PCM replacement could range around $500, but that’s just an estimate.

Anonymous 2006-10-11 06:57

Today, my oil light came on and the car stalled. The check engine light illuminated afterward, but it restarted immediately. I confirmed my oil level is at proper levels—this suggests a possible connection between the engine management system and mechanical performance.

Anonymous 2006-10-11 08:10

Given the recurring symptoms and multiple system failures, it's clear that this vehicle needs a professional diagnostic check to identify root causes before further damage occurs.