Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Lost dash gauges, AC, trans in limp mode, no pcm communication

[Bobcat698]

I'm down here at Dave Goerends place (forced to stay here because the wheel bearing failed without warning), he just repaired my transmission and now since he has put the transmission in, none of the dash gauges work.



I am not bashing Dave or blaming him for this problem, I just would like a solution.



Since the trans was put in, the dash gauges don't work, the transmission is in LIMP mode (starts in 3rd gear unless manually shifted to low), and the PCM does not communicate with Dave's code reader. The AC compressor will not kick on either.

Dave examined all of the wires by the transmission and confirmed that nothing was cut or grounded that could have resulted from the transmission install.



I checked all of the fuses and we also did a dash gauge check by holding the trip reset button switch, then turning the key on. The gauges all cycle correctly.



Currently, I have to shift the transmission manually and Dave has installed a switch to force the transmission into overdrive.



It would be nice to get this back on the road with a Tach, Speedo and AC. . I'd like to make it to PA on Saturday.



Please advise!



Thanks,

Garrett

 

[BigPapa]

Sounds like you have a bad PCM or a problem with the crank sensor or it's electrical connections. Same thing happened to a friends truck and it was his PCM. The only symptom he had that you don't have was that his alternator wasn't charging either.



Scott

 

[zstroken]

I don't think Garret knows if it is charging, when I talked to him, he had only gotten about 10 miles from Daves shop. I would guess with a BAD PCM and as long as you didn't run headlights that the engine would run for a long time with not charging, all you need to keep on is the fuel solenoid.



I see you changed your signature about no breakage!!

 

[Bobcat698]

Checked the batteries - they are NOT charging. Dave is sending us to the Jefferson pull with an extra battery, just in case.

Any ideas?

Garrett

 

[DavidC]

There was a similar problem a while back. At that time someone failed to mention that he just serviced his trans. After about 2 weeks of troubleshooting it finally came out and found out he pinched a wire in the trans which then grounded the system and a lot of crazy things happened.



Dave

 

[LiftedLimo]

You need to check the wire continutiy first to rule out you didnt get a bad connection somewhere when reinstalling the transmission. When you do a transmission in a chrysler, there is a bunch of TCM relearning procedures you have to go through. But because you dont have any communication, this probably isnt the problem. Are you getting a check engine light at all? At out shop, we would check all the wiring which is a PITA. But thats more than likly what the problem is. If that all checks out, then you need to start unplugging the serial bus computers, aka PCM, TCM, BCM, Dash, Abs module etc... Chryslers will not communicate when on of these is not working. I wouldnt drive it like this, its very bad for the vehicle(more the transmission). my . 2