2000 Dodge Dakota weird computer or communication problem

Tiny
2000DAKOTA
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
Hi everyone,
last week I changed the transmission on my dakota and when I was done, I tried to start the truck but it won't start, crank but doesn't start! No fuel no fire! When key is ON, all lights go on in my cluster then turn off. After a few seconds, I can see NO BUS in my odo and my check engine and gaz lights are on. I can't connect a scanner! What the hell could that problem be?
Sunday, January 31st, 2010 AT 6:26 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
There is a break down of communication between the computer and its components. Start by making sure the wiring harness is tight and not corroded.

Let me know what you find.
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Monday, February 1st, 2010 AT 7:57 AM
Tiny
2000DAKOTA
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Hi,
my wiring harness is fine! Is there a way I can plug a scanner or find what code is on?
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Monday, February 1st, 2010 AT 8:36 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
There is no communication between the computer and the components, so it won't work. You need to determine where the problem is coming from before that will work.
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Monday, February 1st, 2010 AT 10:21 AM
Tiny
2000DAKOTA
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
All the gauges in my dash don't respond when I turn the ignition on! I know I have a communication trouble but I can't find where the problem or short is coming from! Can the transmission swap have anything to do with my problem or it's just bad timing? I've done all test I can possibly imagine but nothing! Also, when I changed my tranny, the only things that I broke are on of my oxygen sensor and my crank sensor but I already put new ones this morning!
Thank you
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Monday, February 1st, 2010 AT 11:21 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
If I had to guess, something coming from the PCM was disturbed when you did the work. Check there and see if anything is loose.
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Monday, February 1st, 2010 AT 1:22 PM
Tiny
2000DAKOTA
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Ok i've check my PCM today and something is wrong, I dont have any grounds on my auto shutdown and fuel pump relays! I know the grounds are coming from the pcm but does it mean I need a new pcm or something else controls my grounds! All the other grounds are good so could my problem be in the pcm?
That would explain the problems in my cluster too!
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Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 AT 2:24 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
It could be the PCM. I recommend removing the PCM and having it checked. That is most likely where the problem is coming from.
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Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 AT 3:00 PM
Tiny
2000DAKOTA
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I still haven't found my problem! I am waiting for new computer this morning but I just want to make sure it's going to solve my problem! When I told you that I didn't have any grounds on my asd and fuel relays, is the computer only sending those grounds when the engine is cranking? Could it be something else then my pcm because all seems to point to a bad computer?
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Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010 AT 7:20 AM
Tiny
COYOTTE82
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I am having the same problem with a 2001 4.7 dakota. I was able to communicate with the PCM and extract codes. I get code P0725 Engine speed signal Circuit. This truck belongs to a friend of mine and the transmission has been worked on 3 months ago, wonder if its related. My question is, if the problem is in the PCM area ie: sensors, pinched wires, or PCM itself. Shouldnt you be able to unplug the PCM and check if the bus system is still down checking cluster ODO messages?
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Saturday, March 20th, 2010 AT 9:20 PM

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