2003 2500 diesel, red alarm light flashing, engine won't turn over

[Thomas Schwartz]

Hi All,

I'm the original owner of a 2003 Dodge Ram with aproximately 180k on it. I haven't driven it in a few weeks and my batteries drained down. I took them to my regular battery supplier (interstate). They charged the batteries and gave them back. When I put the key in, (original keys to the truck, they have been in use since truck was new). I get the red flashing light to the bottom right of the speedo. I understand that this is an Alarm light. the engine does not show the glow plug symbol. It does NOT try to start. I've ordered a new battery for my remote, but is there anything else I can do? (battery comes tomorrow).
I'm in N. California, in a mild climate. No snow, just rain and sunshine.

There was a lot of discharge on the battery and terminals, so I cleaned both the terminals and the batteries and chinched them down with a wrench. The remote on the keyfob does not work, hence the need for new batteries. Right now the batteries have been disconnected until the new battery (keyfob) arrived.

Any other ideas??
Thomas in Cali...
plymouth, ford, toyota, subbie, dodge, caddie. I think I have them all....

 

[Ozymandias]

The batterys in the remote have no influence on the start as it is a passive system with a chip in the keys head that is read by an antenna around the ignition lock.
Please try locking the car and start new, using the remote to open the car as this seems to reset the whole system, afterwards the key shoukd be recognized.

If not you are doomed and need to see a dealer, worst case you need a new ECM as exactly your scenario - empty battery, no start afterwards - happend to a truck i know.

 

[Thomas Schwartz]

The batterys in the remote have no influence on the start as it is a passive system with a chip in the keys head that is read by an antenna around the ignition lock.
Please try locking the car and start new, using the remote to open the car as this seems to reset the whole system, afterwards the key shoukd be recognized.

If not you are doomed and need to see a dealer, worst case you need a new ECM as exactly your scenario - empty battery, no start afterwards - happend to a truck i know.

Thank you for your response. I have newly charged 12 volt batteries in the truck. I have them disconnected right now. I'm waiting for new remote batteries. then hopefully I can try what you recommened. I will put an update when I'm at next step...

 

[Timd32]

Found this description. Sounds like you lost some of the information for the SKIS and SKIM system to properly function.

NO START INFORMATION (POWERTRAIN)

IMPORTANT NOTE: If the Powertrain Control Module has been programmed, a DTC will set in the ABS and Air Bag modules. In addition, if the vehicle is equipped with a Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM), Secret Key data must be updated to enable starting.

FOR ABS AND AIR BAG SYSTEMS:
1. Enter correct VIN and Mileage in PCM.
2. Erase codes in ABS and Air Bag modules.

FOR SKIM THEFT ALARM:
1. Connect the DRBIII to the data link connector.
2. Go to Theft Alarm, SKIM, Misc. and place the SKIM in secured access mode, by using the appropriate PIN code for this vehicle.
3. Select Update the Secret Key data, data will be transferred from the SKIM to the PCM (This is required to allow the vehicle to start with the new PCM).
4. If three attempts are made to enter secured access mode using the incorrect PIN, secured access mode will be locked out for one hour. To exit this lock out mode, leave the ignition key in the Run/Start position for one hour. Ensure all accessories are turned off. Also monitor the battery state and connect a battery charger if necessary.

‐-------------------------

Also found the attached summary sheets.

 

[Thomas Schwartz]

Holy Crap! I think you might have done it. I will get out to the truck this weekend and see if I can make it sing again. I have the truck batteries charged and the remote batteries changed, and still it doesn't start. I only get the flashing red light at the bottom right of the speedometer.

Will the OBDCII give me truck mileage? The odometer is not showing data.

Thanks a Ton!
Thomas

 

[Thomas Schwartz]

2/12/22 - Brought out OBD2 scan tool to read the codes. (trying to perform steps named above. Got my PIN from the dealer too). My code says P0160, Bank 2, Sensor 2). I guess one of my sensors went bad. I tried to just delete this code from the system, and it won't let me delete it.
Also the reader says 01/04, which I presume means I have 3 more codes. How do I see the other 3 codes? How do I know which sensor to order? (I presume that's my next steps)


2/11/22 Holy Crap! I think you might have done it. I will get out to the truck this weekend and see if I can make it sing again. I have the truck batteries charged and the remote batteries changed, and still it doesn't start. I only get the flashing red light at the bottom right of the speedometer.

Will the OBDCII give me truck mileage? The odometer is not showing data.

Thanks a Ton!
Thomas

 

[Timd32]

Did you ever get it to start or crank?

 

[Ozymandias]

It's all guessing from what we see, I highly recommend that you see a dealer and have it properly diagnosed. The code we see doesn't stop the engine from starting. Or you decide to use the parts gun instead and buy stuff.

 

[Thomas Schwartz]

Did you ever get it to start or crank?

No... I put the key in. I see the flashing light on the bottom right of the speedo. I turn the key and it's like the battery is disconnected. Nothing. The motor does not turn. No sound at all from anything on the truck. (Only the sound of frustration of the owner).
Thomas

 

[Ozymandias]

You did the lock/unlock cycle that I mentioned?

 

[Thomas Schwartz]

You did the lock/unlock cycle that I mentioned?

Both the remote and the key don't work. the remote has brand new batteries in it. The truck batteries are freshly charged. (I keep them disconnected to stop any drain on the battery.).
So I can't open the door locks via the remote. I think I'm hosed...

Thomas

 

[Ozymandias]

Yeah that doesn't sound good at all, your whole system seems to be down.
Did you disconnect the trucks battery's to reboot the whole computer system back to stock?

By any chance you don't have a tuner? If so, take it out or set it back to stock and take it out. Everything can have an influence onto the system.

 

[Ozymandias]

Sorry, just re-read that your battery's are already disconnected.

 

[Thomas Schwartz]

I do have an edge box on the truck that add about 80 hp to the truck. I also added a bigger valve to the turbo to get it to spin up faster. I can disconnect it if you think it's an issue. Right now, just want my truck fixed.... I have a master mechanic coming over on tuesday. (hopefully). I have another mechanic of mine that says that I need to check all the grounds on the truck. Until the batteries died in it, everything ran like a fine swiss watch.

Thomas

 

[Ozymandias]

Take the Edge out please. We have had many problems here in the forum through tuners, especially if they get older. Don't forget that everything is connected through the Bus system and if something is wrong it pulls down the whole system. So by taking it out we rule out the possibility of a faulty tuner.

 

[Thomas Schwartz]

Take the Edge out please. We have had many problems here in the forum through tuners, especially if they get older. Don't forget that everything is connected through the Bus system and if something is wrong it pulls down the whole system. So by taking it out we rule out the possibility of a faulty tuner.

I will take the edge box out of the vehicle. It's an easy thing to do. It's just an unplug... I will retry the truck after I do that... Thanks
Thomas