No Bus Error

Tiny
RICKSELF
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 DODGE DAKOTA
All the gauges went to ZERO while driving. The odometer reads "no bus error". The engine icon lights up and after maybe 10 seconds, the gas icon (service station pump) lights up, like a low gas tank warning. The engine cranks strong, just no spark or gas. Everything I read said to replace the ECM. So $300 later, I install the re manufactured ECM, reconnect the battery, turn the key. No Bus Error. Any help at all? I have visually inspected all the fuses but don't know how to test the relays. It looks like this weekend I'll be checking all the fuses with a tester.
Friday, April 24th, 2009 AT 5:50 AM

44 Replies

Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
I have seen the cluster go bad and cause this problem here are diagrams and a video of the job being done on a similar car so you can change it out with a used/rebuilt unit.

https://youtu.be/_HEC44xENxw

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what you find.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-3
Friday, April 24th, 2009 AT 6:01 AM
Tiny
RICKSELF
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thanks for quick response. I used to be able to stand in the engine compartment and work on engines back when. I have no scanner to check with or what that involves.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Friday, April 24th, 2009 AT 6:12 AM
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Aaah good old days
know you can not fit a small hand in
scanner may and may not help your situation I would be looking at wiring and making sure the PCM have all power and ground needed disconnect PCM and inspect the wiring connector and plugs
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, April 24th, 2009 AT 6:43 AM
Tiny
RICKSELF
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
My next idea was to pull the instrument cluster and clean up any contacts, as well as getting a hold of a light tester and checking my fuses. When the odometer blinks several times and then the no bus error shows up, an engine icon also lights up, followed in about 10 seconds by a low fuel icon. Should the fuel icon lighting up direct me somewhere?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Friday, April 24th, 2009 AT 7:10 AM
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Always check fuses 1st
cluster?
Check harness and power for the PCM
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, April 24th, 2009 AT 4:14 PM
Tiny
RICKSELF
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Where I'm seeing a reference to a fuse, that means there is a fuse at that spot? So there could be fuses besides by the battery and inside at the drivers end of the dash?

I've checked all the fuses in those 2 places. I could not get the 2 for the airbags out - had a different type of clip and I didn't want to force them and have the air bags blow up!

On the diagram, for instance, The Power Distribution Center shows a 20A and a 30A fuse. Is that someplace I should look for fuses also?

And I don't think there's a way I can check the control relays, is there? I have a fuse tester and a circuit tester.

Thanks so much for your help!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, April 24th, 2009 AT 8:57 PM
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Now we have a problem
can not read the wiring schematic
as for the relay just mark it and switch it with similar one
use a test light to check for power at both sides of the fuse
and no need to remove fuse
at the PCM unplug it and check wire where it say power also use a test light and or voltmeter
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Friday, April 24th, 2009 AT 9:58 PM
Tiny
RICKSELF
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I can kind of make my way around it, I'm just not an electrician. But I do have a friend that can read those. I'll check back in the morning. And I will check the wiring around the control module. There are 3 major plugs that go into it and I'll check those plugs.

Thanks again.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, April 24th, 2009 AT 10:25 PM
Tiny
MOBYONE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
RICK, I know this thread is really old but I had the same problem and the cluster fixed it FYI
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+3
Tuesday, March 6th, 2018 AT 9:31 AM
Tiny
JASON GOODWIN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Im hving the same issue I just replaced my motor myself it started before the swap but now I have the no bus code help plz
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Tuesday, February 12th, 2019 AT 9:20 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,289 POSTS
Hello,

There are four fuses (6, 13,11 and 12) that run the BUS we need to check for power. here is a guide to help and the wiring diagrams so you can see how the system works with the fuse locations as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+2
Tuesday, February 12th, 2019 AT 10:12 AM
Tiny
REY-GTS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Thanks for this thread fixed me right up, I love this site.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, June 26th, 2019 AT 12:03 PM
Tiny
FUJI_SAM
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2000 DODGE DAKOTA
Hi guys,
My 2000 Dodge Dakota 4.7L 4x4, Auto trans, reads "no bus" in odometer. I turned it off one night and when I went out the next morning it cranks but won't start and now reads "no bus". Also have no power to the back end of the truck, no lights/signals, and no power at fuel pump. Does this truck have a cut off switch somewhere that has turned off the power? If not where else do I start looking for the problem? Thanks for any help you can give.

Sincerely,
Stuck in the Driveway
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, June 26th, 2019 AT 12:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FUJI_SAM
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
"no bus" in the odometer for this situation was a CAM position sensor that went bad. It goes out and disabled several other circuits at the same time. $25 part and plenty of time. It was well worth towing it in and having a qualified shop take a look. Hope this might help someone else.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+2
Wednesday, June 26th, 2019 AT 12:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TONYPALAS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thnks I have same problem and will try yr advise
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, June 26th, 2019 AT 12:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HELENJAY
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
  • 2000 DODGE DAKOTA
  • V8
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 367,000 MILES
I have a 2000 dodge dakota awd 4.7litre
once in a blue moon it decides to just die. You dont know it dies till you go.
It wont start until you lrt it cool down for at least 10min.I tried new batt, there is new alt, plugs wires . When it dies it gave me a code as. NO BUS ? If anyone could help give an idea that would be greatly appreciated

thank you all
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Wednesday, June 26th, 2019 AT 12:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,867 POSTS
The no bus means there is a loss of communication between the computer and its components. Check the wiring harness to the PCM and make sure it is tight, and not corroded. Also, check wiring for any damage.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Wednesday, June 26th, 2019 AT 12:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HELENJAY
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Ok I followed the harness pulled every plug and blew them out. It all looked good to me. Then I found the computer by the air filter . I pulled the 3 plugs off one at a time. The one has oil in it? I think that may be the problem? Its like gear oil is it supppose to be in there? Abd how on earth would it get in there? Its a computer with wires? Im so confused now

thanks for yor help
jason
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, June 26th, 2019 AT 12:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,867 POSTS
It is most likely a grease to help maintain electrical connection. Has there been any change?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Wednesday, June 26th, 2019 AT 12:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HELENJAY
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Ok well I went threw all wiring. It does not die all the time. Just once in awhile. It starts runs fine just once in awhile it will turn off, no warning or nuttin just dead. When it dies I turn the key off and try to start it. It will turn over and over but no fire. If I leave it for bout 10min and let it cool down it will start and I can go again. I was told maybe it could be my clusters in dash? Im no mechanic and after this truck never be one lol.
I greatly appriciate your help and thoughts

but I went 3 weeks without it dying. Went on a 5 hour trip and it ran fine . Im lost
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Wednesday, June 26th, 2019 AT 12:03 PM (Merged)

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links