WIF one more time

[MWehmeyer]

Have a bit of a unique problem with the WIF light. Light is on steady. Disconnected the sensor - light is still on. Disconnected the next connector upstream - the one that picks up the lead from the intake air sensor. Light goes out. Ah I thinks - WIF lead is grounded in the bundle. Open bundle, don't see anything obvious and since I'm on the road I just leave the connector unplugged. Get on the road and no speedo or odometer - distance sensor ground goes to engine block through disconnected connector as I soon figure out. Get home and put meter on all wires in bundle - no shorts and 0 resistance to ground on all black wires (gnds). Next, follow wiring further upstream - pop that open - same symptoms - WIF goes out. Do same checks for shorts - no joy. Look at wiring diagram - should be 12V coming from message center light to connector - not there - however, with key on there's a very weak voltage on the side of the connector that goes to the ECM. So does this sound like I'm going to have to replace the ECM? Has anyone seen this before?



Thanks,

Mike

 

[MWehmeyer]

Part 2 - anyone know how to determine the part # for the ECM if the sticker on the box is missing - looks like PO removed it

Dealer says 532008910, 8913, or 8915. He does say that it appears the 8915 is California board.

 

[AKimmel]

My light did that and it was just moisture in the connector that plugs into the WIF sensor. A little compressed air and it was all better. I've put dielectric grease in the connector several times, and when I wash the motor it still gets in there sometimes. So it might be worth a try.

 

[Greenleaf]

As I have stated in the past, onehundred twenty times I simply don't understand why folk mess around with the WIF lamp sensor. If I followed your post correctly you are thinking about replacing the PCM because the WIF lamp will not go out? Or, is there another problem associated with this?



Simple fix is to use one of several fuel/water separators with out the big hole in the bottom for the sensor. Or unplug the sensor @ the pig tail harness.





The ONLY time my lamp is lit would be when I change the filter. After a few years of fussing with the filter and sensor, I pulled the assy from the engine.

 

[bgilbert]

GL, will the WIF sensor light remain lit on the dash if one unplugs it at the filter? I too thought he was diggin deep for something non necessary.

 

[LDechaine]

EVERY time I change my fuel filter I get the WIF light for a few days. It doesn't seem to matter how careful I am about it. I bought a new replacement sensor from Dodge a while back and that fixed the issue at the time, but now it is back every time I change the filter.



Since I'm particular about where I get my fuel from, and I run fuel additive on a regular basis, I usually end up just uplugging the sensor at the first plug-in after it leaves the filter. The light never comes on and I never have a problem this way. Occasionally I do plug it back in and see what the light does... if it works normally I'll leave it plugged in and if not, unplug it.



In my experience though, the light staying on will "clear" itself up after a few days of driving, if you leave it plugged in.

 

[bgilbert]

I've never had any problems with the light coming on after a fuel filter change. I always make sure I do NOT touch the two prongs/terminals of the WIF sensor. I think that is what the issue is. If I think I grazed it in anyway, I hit it with some starter fluid/ether.



I unplugged it today, the light did not illuminate.



For my crew cab which will not use the diesel wiring harness, I am gonna use Fleetguard filter number FS1221. Bigger is better right? It is a longer filter than the stock FS1232, has a drain, but no big hole on the bottom for a WIF sensor. Cost about the same as the stock fuel filter too. www.fleetguard.com/fleet for cross referencing filters and what not. Or http://catalog.baldwinfilter.com.

 

[MWehmeyer]

As I have stated in the past, onehundred twenty times I simply don't understand why folk mess around with the WIF lamp sensor. If I followed your post correctly you are thinking about replacing the PCM because the WIF lamp will not go out? Or, is there another problem associated with this?



Simple fix is to use one of several fuel/water separators with out the big hole in the bottom for the sensor. Or unplug the sensor @ the pig tail harness.





The ONLY time my lamp is lit would be when I change the filter. After a few years of fussing with the filter and sensor, I pulled the assy from the engine.

GL - w/ sensor unplugged light is still on - have been down every wire now - is either a blown diode in the message center or pcm. I have 11 volts on the wire coming from the ignition switch and 10 volts on the wire from the message center - seems weird that there is power coming from both ends. Also - even with WIF on there's NO voltage at the sensor. Have cleaned and check all, and I mean all the connectors in any circuit remotely connected to the light and check for shorts - no joy.



I know I could just pull the message center and pull the light - but I'm the kind of an*l guy that likes things to work ) - besides, I'm getting to know the wiring really, really well



btw - I had the same problem as everyone else - change the filter and the WIF would stay on for a few miles - 'specially after cleaning the engine.

 

[Greenleaf]

If you follow the FSM schematics, you'll know where you will have voltage and what is ground etc. etc.



If you have not purchased one, they be available from different vendors for 75 to 80 dollar.



I have used one to reference a/c system voltages and they do help but you'll need to spend time with them and get to know the layout well. Have plenty of headace meds in close proximity.

 

[MWehmeyer]

GL - I do have the manual - schematics are pretty good - which is how I knew where to look for voltage, etc.



If it is the PCM causing the problem then I'm thinking "what next".