2001 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 Check Engine Light On with P0601 Error Code
I own a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 that I purchased in October 2007. It has never had any issues prior to two days ago. Suddenly, the check engine light came on. When I cycle the key switch three times (on-off-on-off), the vehicle displays error code P0601, followed by a 'P doNe' message, and then the check engine light remains illuminated. There is no loss of power—indeed, I've noticed an increase in performance. I'm unsure whether this has affected my fuel mileage or not.
Error code P0601 indicates a serial communication failure within the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). This typically points to an internal fault in the PCM, and the recommended solution is to replace the module as it can no longer properly communicate with the engine control system.