Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Delayed "wait to start" light

[farrview]

For quite awhile now when the ignition is turned to start all the dash lights come on except the "wait to start". After about 10 secs I can hear the relay click and then the light comes on and after it completes its cycle the engine starts fine.

ECM just replaced however this problem has been going on for over a year, so the ECM is probably not the problem. Gets kinda old waiting for the "wait to start" to start especially after the engine is hot and the light only comes on for a moment.

Anybody got any ideas about how to track down this problem??

 

[hsmith]

I've had a couple with no "wait to start" light and the PCM was the culprit. It's on the firewall, right side of engine bay.

 

[SSolderitch]

I was told that the air temp sensor for initial grid heaters heat up and it switches to water temp after start up. Maybe a air temp sensor or grid heater issue. Try cleaning all connections including battery terminals. codes?

 

[farrview]

I now have a check engine light on and the code indicates low input to throttle sensor. This seems like a PCM issue and perhaps that also is causing the wait to start problem?

Aside from this the engine runs fine and since I just replaced the ECM i'm not looking forward to another big expense.

 

[Joe Mc]

How are the batteries? Should be no lower than 11. 7 volts prior to start and no less than 14. 4 after start up (with the grids not on).

 

[JLandry]

I now have a check engine light on and the code indicates low input to throttle sensor. This seems like a PCM issue and perhaps that also is causing the wait

What's the exact trouble code number?



John L.

 

[farrview]

The trouble code is PO 122.

 

[JLandry]

The trouble code is PO 122.

See the attached trouble shooting steps from Chrysler to try and determine the cause of the P0122 DTC.



John L.

 

[BILLVO]

I am off topic here but I can tell you that a "No Wait to start light" Means a dead engine ECM. It will cranck but will not start and the wts light will never come on.



My ECM died the 2nd time I did a Smarty download on my 02 but Bob Wagner next day aired an ecm to me at no charge.

 

[nutter3]

For quite awhile now when the ignition is turned to start all the dash lights come on except the "wait to start". After about 10 secs I can hear the relay click and then the light comes on and after it completes its cycle the engine starts fine.

ECM just replaced however this problem has been going on for over a year, so the ECM is probably not the problem. Gets kinda old waiting for the "wait to start" to start especially after the engine is hot and the light only comes on for a moment.

Anybody got any ideas about how to track down this problem??

If your engine is warm or hot, or if the outside air temperature is warm (say 50-60°F) you do not have to wait for the "wait to start" light at all. Just go straight to start. The engine should start no problem.

But having said that, I have no idea why your WTS light is delayed coming on. Good luck

 

[SSolderitch]

I had no wait light - started fine (summer) reflashet ecm not pcm to fix.

 

[farrview]

See the attached trouble shooting steps from Chrysler to try and determine the cause of the P0122 DTC.



John L.

John, thanks for the file. Tomorrows project is to diagnose and hopefully find the problem.

Is this file from Chryslers Powertrain Diagnostic Procedure Manual? I have tried to find a copy of that manual with no luck.

 

[JLandry]

Is this file from Chryslers Powertrain Diagnostic Procedure Manual?

Yes.



You can order Chrysler diagnostic and service manuals here:



Chrysler TechAuthority



John L.

 

[BILLVO]

Did you figure out the delayed wait to start light issue yet? I know of someone having the same issue now and was wondering if you found the problem?

 

[hsmith]

Well then I suppose either one can be the culprit. PCM was the problem here though on '99 autos.