Archived HELP!!! Truck is dead!

[jerrycaron]

Hi, been away for awhile now I remember why I was member!! I have a 2003 2500 139,000 miles. Went out to start it, there is a small red light flashing on the lower right hand sight of dash (security I believe, however I do not have security). The truck is absolutely dead no power to anything! Trie unhooking the batteries to reset-nothing. Checked fuses-all good. I called about 10 dealers, nobody knows anything! Anyone ever have this problem? HELP, Jerry

 

[Bill Stockard]

The red indicator light on the lower right of the instrument cluster is the AntiLock Brake System (ABS) system check/malfunction indicator. The Security system indicator is located between the coolant temperature gauge and the speedometer. If the Security system light is flashing and you don't have the factory security system, then you may have a problem with the PCI data bus. A DRBIII scan tool may be necessary to determine the problem.





Have you checked the battery voltage?



Bill

 

[p-Bar]

As Bill says battery voltage , try jumping it

 

[BMacklenar]

This light is not only for the vehicle theft system, but is also used for the SKIM (Sentry Key Immobilizer Module) when there is a problem with communication between the SKIM and the key. Not all trucks where built with this feature. I believe, if your truck has SKIM, the key would have a thicker oval head. If your truck was built without SKIM, something has happened electrically to make your truck "think" it has it. Your dealer can run the VIN of your truck to see if it has SKIM or not. I hope this helps.



-B

 

[TTimmons]

I had the exact same issue with my 2007 2500. Went into a pizza shop for lunch, came back out, truck was completely dead. Had it towed back to the dealer. Appears the issue was with the ECM and the ignition key. They had to cut me new keys and match it up to the ECM in order for the truck to turn on again.

 

[jerrycaron]

ITS ALIVE! I hooked it up to the booster cables and it started! The only thing I can think of is that the key was left on and completely drained the batteries. Anyway after being on the trickle charger all afternoon it's just like new! Thanks guys, you rock! I almost had it towed to the dealer who probably would have diagnosed a bad ECM or something I always like free fixes!

 

[CAPN Harley]

That is good, we had a customer that this happened repeatedly to them, it would not do anything and then it would work. They even it had towed in twice and by the time a tech got to it, no problems, send me a pm with fin if you want me to check your options.

 

[BHaden]

My previosly owned 06 did something similar ONE HOUR after I sold it. The new owner called to report no start and NOTHING he did made it respond. The key fob/alarm/door lock functions were dead. Luckily he had a similar experience with a Toyota. He disconnected the batteries a minute and reconnected and all was well. It never did anything like that to me the 3-1/2 years I owned it. Go figure.

 

[tp0d]

ITS ALIVE! I hooked it up to the booster cables and it started! The only thing I can think of is that the key was left on and completely drained the batteries. Anyway after being on the trickle charger all afternoon it's just like new! Thanks guys, you rock! I almost had it towed to the dealer who probably would have diagnosed a bad ECM or something I always like free fixes!

Your batteries shouldnt die, unless you leave your headlights or some very large draw on.



If they are older than 4-5years, its time to replace them or you're gonna get stranded again. .



good luck



-j