Archived WCM cause truck to die??

[SBilinski]

I will try to make this brief. I was about 150 miles from home towing 8k toy hauler going up slight grade. Truck downshifted and a couple of seconds later the truck started making a loud clattering noise and blowing white smoke. I immediately pulled over. The truck would now crank but not start. Towed it 50 miles back to nearest dealer(still 100 miles from home). Initial diagnosis from dealer was WCM no communication, code P0513. I know that will cause a truck to not start, but will it shut it down while driving?? Don't have a lot of confidence in dealer. Needless to say, I ok'd the module replacement. Now I am told truck started but barely runs. Have to check fuel pressure, which of course they either don't have or broke the needed tool to test pressure. Would it be possible to cause fuel system damage by the truck stalling while driving?

Oh yeah. It is a stock 06 3500 megacab 4x4 with 96k miles

 

[cerberusiam]

Short answer, no stalling will not kill the fuel system. It might shut the truck down driving if it completely quit communicating with the ECU but it won't shut down in anyway to cause damage. Sounds like you either lost the CP-3 or injector(s).

 

[SBilinski]

Have less than 30k miles on cp3 and injectors. I guess I will have to wait and see what their pressure test shows. So is it just their scan tool that is used to diagnose WCM communication? P0513 was the only code that showed. So it is either coincidental that both problems occurred at the same time or the module replacement diagnosis was bogus. Either way, I don't like where this is leading. Makes it worse being 100 miles away. May just tow it home and deal with it here

 

[cerberusiam]

I think have grounds for concern. The P0513 is generally not a kill code. Doesn't mean the WCM module wasn't bad but it really sounds from your description you have other issues.

 

[SBilinski]

I agree. I thought fuel system issue from the start. Now I am just trying to figure out how to address my WCM concern. I am guessing I am hosed since I approved the repair and have no way of determining the validity of the diagnosis.

 

[cerberusiam]

The skim key code could be a bad module, or, it just needed reprogrammed. Thats the problem with electronics and the troubleshooting guide, hard to tell what the real fix is. Experience is the best teacher there and you never know how much the tech has.

 

[SBilinski]

Well. After sitting a week waiting to test fuel pressure, they say fuel pressure is good. Now saying PCM is bad. I am having it towed out to a shop I trust. My question is will a bad PCM cause loss of communication with wcm causing it to need to be programmed? Then when they install new wcm and program it, it communicates? I am trying to figure out my best course of action. Thanks

 

[cerberusiam]

Re-man ECU is about your best choice, though not a great one. Be prepared to swap it twice more as they frequently do not get everything right the first time.

 

[sag2]

The WCM may have locked up. Usually a battery disconnect will correct the problem. Highly doubt the ECM is bad. Also a WCM should never cause the vehicle to stall. Once it stalls if it has no communication it will not start.

 

[DieselLady]

Ok so maybe this is a dumb question, but what is a WCM?
As far as your description, Has anyone addressed the white smoke? Is sounds to me like you dropped an injector nozzle. Clattering around and white smoke. But I can only go by what your telling us. Have they checked injectors. Even with only 30k on them, they can fail.

 

[WesJohnston]

DieselLady - No such thing as dumb questions, we're here to learn and pass on what we can... I didn't have a clue, had to look around but this is what I found searching here and other forums... .



The WCM (Wireless Control Module) is also referred to as the Sentry Key Remote Entry Module (SKREEM). The SKIM is the Sentry Key Immobilizer Module that contains the actual "secret" security code, and can be replaced individually.



The reset procedure of removing the fuse (or battery disconnect) works for failures in either module. [and WAY cheaper :-laf]



SUBJECT:

No Engine Crank Or No Engine Start Due To Electronic Lockup Of The WCM / SKREEM

OVERVIEW:

This bulletin involves the replacement of the Wireless Control Module (WCM), and if equipped, the replacement of the Electric Steering Column Lock (ELV). The WCM is also referred to as the Sentry Key Remote Entry Module (SKREEM).

SYMPTOM/CONDITION:

The customer will experience a no engine crank AND a no engine start condition. Also, the remote keyless entry (RKE) system will not operate. This condition may be due to an electrostatic discharge (ESD) from the ignition key into the Wireless Control Module

(WCM), causing the WCM to electronically lockup. This condition may occur more frequently in dry and/or cold weather conditions where a sufficient electrostatic charge is more easily produced. This condition is corrected by the replacement of the WCM. Make sure your battery connections are clean and tight also.



I'm curious about how this would cause white smoke and the loud clattering noise and am suspicious about the competence of the dealership/tech the OP originally took his truck to - I would go with pulling injectors and inspect/test, check for signs of cracked head or sleeves, and whatever else causes white smoke.

 

[B.G. Smith]

Thanks for the explanation Wes, I had been wondering what WCM was and SKREEM. Thanks again, bg