Archived Truck Wont Start

[cu1160]

Hi,



I started the truck today, and it was loping kind of erractic. Drove it to the store, and now it will not start.



Code reader says: Module $ D1



internal reader says chec



Any advise would be helpful. It is a 2002 dodge ram 3500 with a cummins automatic.



Thanks and Merry Christmas.

 

[JLandry]

If I understand you correctly, you're saying the odometer window displayed the word "CHEC" when you were attempting to check for trouble codes. Something doesn't sound right because the word CHEC should only be displayed at the begining of an instrument cluster actuator test, which is initiated by pressing and holding the odometer trip reset button with the ignition key off, then while still holding he trip reset button, turning the ignition key on and holding the trip reset button for an about 10 seconds.



The correct way to check for trouble codes is to turn the ignition key ON-OFF-ON-OFF-ON (leave ON) without touching the trip reset button and without starting the engine. Any trouble codes should be displayed in the odometer window.



Please let us know what you find so we can help you troubleshoot.



Good luck and happy holidays,



John L.

 

[cu1160]

Hi John,

Thanks for the quick reply. I checked the trouble codes with a code reader and it displayed Module $ d1.

Im going to drive back to the parking lot where it is broke down and check again. Could it be the PCM-ECM? Is there a way to check that?

thanks,
glenn

 

[GaryOwen]

If you have a performance box it might be giving some problems. Disconnect it if you have one.

 

[cu1160]

I do have a quadzilla adrenaline, and the fuse I had it connected to shot craps, and I have not plugged the inside portion back up. (the engine is plugged in, and the cab power connection (pulse) is not. Maybe that could help.
thanks for the suggestion.
glenn

 

[JLandry]

I checked the trouble codes with a code reader and it displayed Module $ d1.

Glenn,



That code must be something proprietary to your particular code reader because that's not a normal OBDII diagnostic trouble code. The kind of codes you're looking for would be like "P0210" ("P" stands for "Powertrain").



Best regards,



John L.

 

[cu1160]

I made another trip to the parking lot and this is what I found. I tried the internal code reader and this is the codes i got:
P-ECU
P-PCU
P-1693
P-1687
I ran several tests. sometimes it would say P-ECU, sometimes it would say P-PCU, sometimes it would say P-1693. The P-1687 was consistent.

Thanks so much for the replies guys. I going to try to tow it home tomorrow with a ford ranger, I know wishful thinking but that's all I have.

Thanks so much for the help guys.
glenn

 

[JLandry]

P-1693

Glenn,



You can ignore that one. It means the ECM sees the PCM has set a trouble code and that's expected.

The P-1687 was consistent.

Are you positive it was P-1687? Is there a chance you copied it down wrong?



I ask because that's a very rare trouble code which indicates the PCM has lost contact with the instrument cluster over the communications network (the CCD bus). I don't think that condition would prevent the truck from starting though.



Maybe we need to back up and start with some basics:



Is there plenty of fuel in the tank?



Do you have a fuel pressure gauge installed, and if so, do you have at least 10 to 15 psi of fuel pressure at the VP44 fuel injection pump inlet when you bump the starter (but don't crank the engine). If you don't have a fuel pressure gauge installed, then you'll need to at least get a fuel pressure test kit from an auto parts store.



Best regards,



John L.

 

[Sticks]

Blown fuse on the Quadzillia... I'd start checking all other fuses in the PDC under the hood. IIRC there is nothing in the cab fuse panel that affects the engine, but you should check those as well.

 

[HHhuntitall]

... . and don't overlook the fact that weak batteries on the 24v engines can cause problems with ECU connections during cranking, when the starter pulls all the power from the computers... . I had a '98 in here a few back that wouldn't start at all unless jumped off. It'd crank over, but no start. Attach just a few amps and it'd fire right up, just fine, or when warm it was fine. Replaced the batteries, which were also severly corroded, and it fixed it right up, haven't heard from the guy in three months..... just a suggestion.

 

[cu1160]

Hi Everyone and Merry Christmas,



Just an update, I towed it home, and opened the fuel filter housing (it was empty). I filled it up, and cracked the return banjo fitting on the vp44 (no fluid coming out even while cranking). I also cracked the closest fuel line to the fuel injector and cranked (no fuel coming out).

I sprayed the air horn with wd-40 and cranked it hoping to get it started with no luck. This is hard because the vp44 and intank fuel pump was just installed last december to the tune of 2,850. 00. I had good fuel pressure (10-14) it showed through the adrenaline pulse. But the pulse shot crapped about three weeks ago, and I have not been monitoring it. I guess the intank fuel pump shot craps at the same time, and I didnt know it.



I guess its time for fass/airdog in the next few weeks. Thanks to everyone for the great advise, it's home and I'll have to wait for the funds for the fuel pump. I will replace that and see if I can get it started. I'm afraid that the vp44 is also bad, but do not want to replace it until after I have replaced the fuel pump (just in case)



Thanks again and Merry Christmas everyone!



glenn

-- email address removed --

 

[JLandry]

Hey Glenn,

Hold on a second...

You said you're not getting fuel through the VP44... WHILE CRANKING.

Be aware the lift pump does NOT run while cranking the starter. To activate the lift pump, you need to briefly BUMP the starter... but do not crank... and leave the ignition key on. When you do this, the lift pump will run continuously for about 30 seconds. You should be able to hear it. Just bump the starter, get out of the truck, and listen underneith the truck for the hum of the lift pump motor.

Assuming you do hear the lift pump running, are you sure there's fuel in the tank? Don't rely on the fuel level gauge because many a Dodge Ram owner has been fooled by a failing sending unit which indicates as much as a 1/4-1/2 tank remaining when the tank is actually empty. It happened to me a couple years ago, but I caught it just in time...

One day when I was out running around town I noticed the fuel pressure gauge start to bounce wildly. The fuel level gauge was still showing 1/8 tank remaining but the lift pump was sucking air! I quickly figured out what was going on, pulled into a parking lot, and transferred some fuel from my auxilliary bed tank. Later I installed a new sending unit and this eliminated the problem.

So, if the lift pump is running try adding 5 gallons of fuel to the tank, then bump the starter again and see if the lift pump pushes fuel through the fuel filter and VP44. Hopefully that's all it is.

Good luck,

John L.