Flashing Wait to Start

[Nick Taulbee]

Hey all! I've got a 99 2500 with 258000. Recently when I turn the key the wait to start light flashes. Will crank but no start. If I disconnect batteries the problem does not clear. If I disconnect the batteries with the key on and instantly re connect problem clears and startup cycle goes perfectly and truck fires right off. Truck will restart normally until it sits overnight and then same WTS flash and no start cycle. Can disconnect and reconnect batteries with ignition on and truck fires right up. I've owned a few of these trucks and I've dealt with some quirky problems , but this one's got me stumped...Any help would be appreciated.

 

[DavidC]

There's this, and not good news
https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/99-dodge-2500-wts-light-flashing.253649/

 

[Nick Taulbee]

There's this, and not good news
https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/99-dodge-2500-wts-light-flashing.253649/

 

[Nick Taulbee]

David C Thanks for the link! I'll give an ecm exchange a shot.

 

[DavidC]

There was one thread I saw that referred to checking and cleaning the ECM ground. I believe the wire attaches to the block near or behind the starter.Might give that a shot first.

 

[Nick Taulbee]

Thank you ! That sound like a cheaper start.

 

[DavidC]

While your under there. Disconnect both batteries and remove the plug from the ECM and make sure everything is clean. A little dielectric grease in the pins is not a bad idea also. At least you can say you verified all of this.

 

[Nick Taulbee]

Will do. Needed a project for the weekend!

 

[Joe Mc]

OK Nick, weekend's over - LOL - What'd you find?

 

[Nick Taulbee]

Ha Joe when did it end ? Went through wiring, grounds, ecm, tore out the drivers side batt box and checked wiring harness underneath.Can't find a problem anywhere. No codes showing. Got a reman computer from Oreillys priced o.k. same deal. Truck only starts when disconnecting and re-connecting hot cables with key in the on position. Now I think it's time to find a scanner with VIN write capability and see if that gets me ahead or behind..The good news is everything under the hood is nice clean and organized again. Hopefully the main PCM is/was the issue and not the Cummins comp...They are pretty proud of those! At some point I should get an invite to either the Amazon or Oreilly's company party!

 

[DavidC]

If you are still having problems it is the Cummins ECM

 

[Nick Taulbee]

Thanks David. Once I get the ECM flashed I think that's the next new part purchase if no resolve.

 

[DavidC]

As far as I know there are no new ECM's. There are a few horror stories on the forum dealing with used ones. You may start fishing around here to see if anyone's went smoothly and with who. Sad state of affairs when a $35k truck is down for an electronic component.

 

[Nick Taulbee]

Totally agreed on all counts. Yes they are all rebuilds...