Attention: TDR Forum Junkies In past years I have read several postings on this forum about a Check Gages alert (Red lamp on instrument panel accompanied by a loud chime sound (DONG!!)
Also, Fault Code P0156 seems to accompany the problem.
Others have fixed their Check Gages alert by having a computer reflash done per TSB 08-004-03.
I had that done but the Check Gages alert still occurs, generally every now and then but sometimes it repeats over and over and over.
I have taken it to two Dodge dealers a total of 6 times to fix that problem. I also contacted Chrysler/Dodge Customer Assistance. The problem still exists.
Here is what has been done:
Water pump, thermostat & radiator cap replaced
Computer reflash per TSB 08-004-03
Battery Temperature Sensor replaced
ECM software updated
I still see Fault Code P0156 and ever since the ECM software update I also see P0633 (SKIM key not programmed in PCM (whatever that means)).
Last week on a 1,300 mile trip it must have happened at least 700 - 800 times. At a steady 65 mph I would go for miles with no Check Gages alert. Then, all of a sudden it would happen over and over and over. Going between Baker, Calif. and Mesquite, Nev. it must have happened 400 times in that 175 mile stretch. It gets old real fast. I was ready to scream.
Previously the Check Gages alert happened every now and then. This trip, since it happened repeatedly, I was able to make an observation that may help solve the problem.
When the problem was going on I noticed that the Voltage gage needle stayed in pretty constant motion. It went from approx. 14V to 15V to 14V to 15V over and over. Sometimes it went down to approx. 13. 5V and that is when the Check Gages alert would happen. During the portions of the trip when I was not getting Check Gages alerts the voltmeter stayed at a pretty constant 14. 5 to 15V.
I am certainly not a mechanic, but could I have a faulty alternator that is causing me so much grief (and expense).
Also, the presence of fault code P0156 caused my truck to FAIL California's idiotic new SMOG TEST. (That cost me even more money. )
Any ideas?
Glenn
Also, Fault Code P0156 seems to accompany the problem.
Others have fixed their Check Gages alert by having a computer reflash done per TSB 08-004-03.
I had that done but the Check Gages alert still occurs, generally every now and then but sometimes it repeats over and over and over.
I have taken it to two Dodge dealers a total of 6 times to fix that problem. I also contacted Chrysler/Dodge Customer Assistance. The problem still exists.
Here is what has been done:
Water pump, thermostat & radiator cap replaced
Computer reflash per TSB 08-004-03
Battery Temperature Sensor replaced
ECM software updated
I still see Fault Code P0156 and ever since the ECM software update I also see P0633 (SKIM key not programmed in PCM (whatever that means)).
Last week on a 1,300 mile trip it must have happened at least 700 - 800 times. At a steady 65 mph I would go for miles with no Check Gages alert. Then, all of a sudden it would happen over and over and over. Going between Baker, Calif. and Mesquite, Nev. it must have happened 400 times in that 175 mile stretch. It gets old real fast. I was ready to scream.
Previously the Check Gages alert happened every now and then. This trip, since it happened repeatedly, I was able to make an observation that may help solve the problem.
When the problem was going on I noticed that the Voltage gage needle stayed in pretty constant motion. It went from approx. 14V to 15V to 14V to 15V over and over. Sometimes it went down to approx. 13. 5V and that is when the Check Gages alert would happen. During the portions of the trip when I was not getting Check Gages alerts the voltmeter stayed at a pretty constant 14. 5 to 15V.
I am certainly not a mechanic, but could I have a faulty alternator that is causing me so much grief (and expense).
Also, the presence of fault code P0156 caused my truck to FAIL California's idiotic new SMOG TEST. (That cost me even more money. )
Any ideas?
Glenn
