Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Dead engine!

[farrview]

Can't get the engine to start!#@$%!

I started having problems several months ago. First the "wait to start" light wouldn't come on, really hard to get the engine to start in cold weather without the air heater. Finally by spring it repaired itself ( ?) and the "wait to start" began working properly again.

A month ago I had to replace the power steering pump and in order to get more space I unplugged the ECM. After I finished the pump installation I plugged in the ECM and now the "wait to start" doesn't come on for at least 10 seconds after turning the ignition on.

Yesterday when I started the truck it went into uncontrolled wide-open race. I immediately shut it down and after several retries it finally started correctly, unfortunately it wouldn't run over an idle. I shut it down and again after several more retries it finally ran properly although it was really rough at a low rpm.

Thought that it was water in the fuel so I replaced the FASS filter, drained and cleaned the FASS water separator. Now the engine will not start at all #@$%!

It appears the FASS fuel pump is not getting any signal to run. I had it running for a short while but not long enough to refill the fuel filter and start the engine.

Now the fuel pump will not run at all.

Due to the "wait to start" problems I am wondering if the problem is with the ECM. Is there a way to test the ECM? Or do I just buy a new one and hope?

:-laf

Any ideas will certainly be appreciated although I am reasonably sure that the truck is possessed and needs an exorcism.

 

[SSolderitch]

Will the pump run for 25 seconds after the "short crank"? any codes?



I lost all the pre start stuff last year, but the truck started just fine (summer) the dealer did a reflash of the ecm (winter was comming-needed a fix) - everything still ok 1 + years later.

but

I can't load smarty and I get codes ... bought another ecm.

 

[JLandry]

farrview,



It sure sounds like an ECM problem. Ditto on trouble codes... have you checked for them?



Did you try unplugging the ECM again and examining the connector pins and sockets for corrosion or damage?



While I'm not sure it's needed in this case, after you unplug the ECM, be sure and perform the APPS relearn procedure: Ignition on (engine not started), slowly push accelerator pedal to the floor, slowly release, ignition off.



Good luck,



John L.

 

[farrview]

When I first had trouble with the "wait to start" I disconnected the battery and cleaned the ECM connection. The "wait to start" still took 10 + seconds before the relay clicked and the light came on.

I do get a check engine light but the reader shows no error codes.

Guess I have to start looking for a new ECM... ... ... ... ... anyone know of a cheap one?

 

[JLandry]

Define "cheap. "



John L.

 

[farrview]

Define cheap? Wish I could! Used to think cheap was just something I could afford but now "cheap" is still way too expensive!

 

[JLandry]

Auto Computer Exchange has re-manufactured and programmed Cummins ECM's for $695. If you find one online for much cheaper than this, make sure it includes programming and is really an ECM and not a PCM. Some web sites are loose with the descriptions.



John L.

 

[farrview]

My local NAPA says they can get one for under $400 but I'll have to take it to my Dodge dealer to get it programed. Not sure what that will cost, guess I'll find out soon enough.



Thanks John



Ray

 

[JLandry]

farrview,

You may find that NAPA price too good to be true. I have a strong feeling you may be getting a PCM... not an ECM. In either case, the Dodge dealer won't be able to program it without it being installed in the truck, so you'll have to deal with that logistical difficulty and they'll probably want over $75.

Please let us know how it works out.

John L.

 

[farrview]

Well, your right! The part from NAPA is labeled "engine control computer" and its the PCM. My parts guy contacted the company that rebuilds them and they didn't have a ECM in stock. So they are rebuilding mine. Said it will be about 5 days, so no I wait for the part to arrive... ... ... ... .

 

[farrview]

The ECM came back to day with a tag stating it can't be repaired!! No explanation, just can't be repaired.

Back to square one! Looking for a another one.