Chrysler Repair: T&C minivan powertrain control module failures?, powertrain control module, chrysler town

Question
On the 2001 Chrysler Town & Country, the powertrain control module is listed (on various consumer sights) as being problematic. If I'm looking at buying a 2001 T&C, how much should I be worried about this? Is this something that would already have failed (if it was going to)? Or something that's more likely to fail as the vehicle gets older? The cost of the module is reportedly $720. Do you know of sources that sell this module at a more affordable price? Is there an aftermarket replacement that isn't so ridiculously expensive? If I do need to replace it, how accessible is this module? Can the average weekend warrior manage this repair?

Answer
Hi Don,
I haven't noticed any unusual frequency of pcm failures by model year in the minivans, but perhaps I don't have a large enough data base. I would suspect that by now if a PCM hasn't failed it would be no more likely than a model with a better history to do so. I would be inclined to go to a pull-it-yourself wrecking yard to get a replacement if needed. I am sure the price would be modest that way.
The module is very accessible, having 2 plugs and requiring only removal of the battery, battery shield and headlamp housing to gain access to three bolts that hold it in place. The main hassle would be if the vehicle has an anti-theft system called a sentry key immobilizer module (SKIM) then the replacement PCM would need to be programmed at a dealer to recognize the keys. I can visualize replacing the module yourself at a dealership and then turning to them to do the programming with their Diagnostic Readout Box that is used for that task. Or you could bring them the vehicle with the headlamp housing removed and let them remove the battery and shield which should take no more that 15 minutes in and out. I don't know what the programming charge is.
I wouldn't let these issues get in the way of buying an '01; concentrate on the many other condition assessments that are standard in used vehicle purchasing.
Roland