Chrysler Repair: STRATUS PCM? high idle speed, code 1294, vacuum hoses, system hoses

Question
Hi Roland,
1998 Dodge Stratus. Check engine light stays on. Very poor fuel milelage runs high idle.
Used a code scanner and got Pass All. Ran the car and used the code scanner and got 1294 target idle not reached and fuel purge issue. I was told that if I get a pass all but the light remains the PCM is shot. Also were is it located in the car? Dash, Kick panel, engine compartment??
Help please!!??
John

Answer
Hi John,
The fact that you got a code 1294 would suggest to me that you don't really have a Pass All. So don't rush to buy a new PCM, which is located under hood between the power distribution center box and the air filter box.
The manual I have suggests that you clean the throttle  plate (both sides), the throttle body throat, and the idle air intake hole, and check the throttle linkage. Make sure the throttle closes all the way without binding.
Then check the brake booster vacuum hose and any other vacuum hoses you can locate: use the underhood sticker as a roadmap to trace all the hoses out. Check the pcv valve for function. The 'fuel purge' has to do with the evaporative emission system hoses, which are shown on the underhood sticker. That is a subset of the general issue of vacuum leak.
Then check the idle air control motor connector and harness. You may want to remove the iac motor from the side of the throttle body and clean its tip and the passageway.
I believe a vacuum leak is possibly the cause for the high idle, but try all these steps.
A failed PCM would be my lowest likelihood explanation.
Roland