"No Bus" what is wrong and how can I fix it?

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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The instrument cluster is a module but if it was an issue, you would have functions in the cluster that would not work.

Start with the ones I listed.

Roy
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 AT 1:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ALTASNOWMAN
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Okay, I will let you know what happens.
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 AT 1:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
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Sounds good.

Roy
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 AT 1:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
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Hi Roy, checked the ones that you suggested all okay. Did self check on dash and it okay. Still have no bu5 showing, no gauges on dash, no brake lights or signal lights. When I check with scanner I can get a tachometer and speedometer but not a good way to drive. Am thinking broken wire but where?
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 AT 1:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
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Okay, no BUS possibilities are below and I attached a flow chart for you as well.

Roy

SYMPTOM
BUS (+/-) SIGNALS OPEN OR NO RESPONSE FROM INSTRUMENT CLUSTER

POSSIBLE CAUSES
- Attempt to communicate with another module
- Open ground circuit(s)
- Open fused ignition switch output circuits
- Open fused B+ circuit(s)
- Open PCI bus circuit
- Instrument cluster
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 AT 1:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
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Hi Roy, I am unsure if the program that I have can do that. The 2 programs that I have are OBD Doctor and OBD Wiz. I am just learning how to use them as it has been over 35 years since I worked on vehicles so I guess I am very old school, not real confident in working on these new vehicles but am learning. Will let you know what I find.
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 AT 1:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
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Hi Roy, I just got a reader (CR 319 by Launch) and it shows P1698 transmission module. This is when key is in on position. Do I need to have engine running and check again?
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 AT 1:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
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Okay, you got communication.

The possibilities are below. I would suspect the transmission control module is causing this issue.

Roy

P1698
Descriptor
No Bus Message From TCM
Probable Causes
No BUS Message from Transmission
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Programmable Communication Interface (PCI) BUS Circuit Open
Wiring Harness Intermittent Problem
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 AT 1:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
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So can I replace the TCM with one from another truck or is it something that I have to go to a dealership?
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 AT 1:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
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It would need to be flashed to your VIN. The dealer is not the answer. They are way over priced. Look around for a private shop. They can do this as long as they have the proper scan tool for about half of what the dealer will charge you.

Roy
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 AT 1:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
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Hi Roy, I have checked around and no one seems to be able to help me. I guess I either I buy a programmer(need to know which one) or go to dealership. I have a used transmission module and a brain module so I guess I could take both and have them flashed to my VIN and then see what happens. I still think it is a broken wire but I am not sure where to start. Just so frustrated with this right now and just got phone call that my dad is in hospital needing surgery. Will update on what I find in tracing wiring.
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 AT 1:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
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Keep me updated.

Roy
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 AT 1:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KENNYBEAR854
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  • 1999 DODGE RAM
  • 5.9L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
Hi, went to work the other day and, as I'm driving my transmission cooler warning came on. This happened just after I started out. Suddenly, all my gauges stop working and on my odometer it says "nobus". And all my warning lights came on. Engines is still running fine. Just as suddenly it all goes back to normal. What are the possibilities? I have 140,000 miles on the truck and it's been running great. I did have the transmission overhauled about 1 1/2 years ago. But that's it. Thanks
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Wednesday, June 23rd, 2021 AT 7:02 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KASEKENNY
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Hi,

This "No Bus" warning is indicating an electrical issue. More than likely this is a connector that has corrosion in it or a wire that is rubbed through.

Unfortunately, there is no way to tell you where this could be coming from. The way your modules communicate is over what is called a communication bus network. Basically, the modules send coded voltage signals to each other to send the messages that they need to in order to communicate properly.

The way to diagnose this is to monitor this bus voltage while it is acting up and then you can track down the issue by systematically disconnecting portions of the wiring until you find the issue.

This is the most complicated type of wiring/electrical diagnosis and causes many of the most seasoned techs major headaches at times.

What I would suggest, is monitoring when this happens, in turns, what speed are you going, did you run over some bumps? Just start tracking what it takes to get this to happen so that it can be replicated so that the chances of finding it will go up. You don't need to worry about any damage to components like the transmission. This is simply a wiring/electrical issue and will not do damage to the actual components.

There is a small chance that a module itself is the issue however, it is most always a wiring/connector issue.
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Wednesday, June 23rd, 2021 AT 7:02 PM (Merged)
Tiny
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Hi all, I pulled fuse #23 and everything except remote start, door locks and several other things until not working but then alternator went out. So now I need to replace alt and battery. Still thinking broken wire but now I am also thinking remote starter module may be the culprit.
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Tuesday, September 28th, 2021 AT 9:45 AM

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