No Bus, shut off while driving, will not stay running?

Tiny
STEVEKATIE1219
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 DODGE RAM
  • 5.9L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 76,000 MILES
When I was driving down the road the van shut off and got it started but had to get it towed because it would not start. Later once I got it home, it will start but shut off and after I let it set for a while it will start and run for a few minutes then shut down again. Not sure where to go with this. The ignition is touchy with the key, also you have to wiggle it for the radio and lights to work sometimes.
Wednesday, June 28th, 2023 AT 9:38 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

What you described sounds like a failing crankshaft position sensor. When these sensors begin to fail, they are adversely affected by heat. Once they reach a certain temp, the engine will stall and not restart until the sensor cools off enough.

Do me a favor. Take a look through this link and let me know if it mirrors what you are experiencing:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor

I just noticed you indicate a "no bus". Where are you seeing that information? Is this a truck or van? Is this a gas-engine vehicle or a diesel? They made a 5.9L in both.

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, June 28th, 2023 AT 10:01 PM
Tiny
STEVEKATIE1219
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Thank you. This is a van and it is a gas and the link kind of describes what I am having problem wise, but sometimes when it is even cold it won't start.
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Wednesday, June 28th, 2023 AT 10:05 PM
Tiny
STEVEKATIE1219
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And also, sometimes when you get it running it will just all of a sudden just shut off and if you can get it running again right away it runs like it is running out of gas and stalls and the no bus comes up.
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Wednesday, June 28th, 2023 AT 10:08 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

We have two ways to go. First, scan the can-bus to see if there are codes that will point us in the direction of the module having the issue or we could check to see if there is spark and fuel to the engine when it won't start.

If you want, here is a link that explains how to scan the can-bus:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

Or, when this happens, see if it starts using starting fluid. If it does, we likely have a fuel-related issue. If there is no change, I need you to check for spark at the plugs.

Here is a link that explains how that is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, June 28th, 2023 AT 10:10 PM
Tiny
STEVEKATIE1219
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There is fuel and spark when it won't start you can smell the fuel if you keep cranking it over.
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Wednesday, June 28th, 2023 AT 10:12 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

Then chances are there is no spark. If you have spark and fuel, it should run unless there is a compression issue or timing issue. Have you confirmed spark at the plugs?

Joe
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Wednesday, June 28th, 2023 AT 10:15 PM
Tiny
STEVEKATIE1219
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No, but it is saying no bus so something other than no spark is going on just can't figure it out and not sure where to look.
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Wednesday, June 28th, 2023 AT 10:17 PM
Tiny
STEVEKATIE1219
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As soon as it shuts down and says no bus all the gauges bottom out and that's when it won't start again until it sets for a while.
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Wednesday, June 28th, 2023 AT 10:18 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

I understand and agree.

On a 2000 Dodge truck, the "No Bus" message typically indicates a communication problem between the various electronic control modules in the vehicle. The term "BUS" refers to the communication network that allows these modules to exchange information.

When the "No Bus" message appears on the instrument cluster, it suggests that there is a failure or interruption in the data communication on the bus. This can prevent the modules from communicating with each other and may lead to various issues such as non-functioning gauges, warning lights staying on, or even the engine not starting.

The underlying cause of the "No Bus" message can vary, but it's commonly associated with a fault in the instrument cluster, a problem with the powertrain control module (PCM), or a wiring issue. Troubleshooting and diagnosing the exact cause would require a thorough inspection by a qualified mechanic who can use specialized diagnostic equipment to communicate with the vehicle's modules and identify the specific problem.

At this point, we need to scan the can-bus system to see where the failure is. Based on what is happening, I suspect it is related to the PCM, but I can't be sure without having the scan done. I think I attached it above. If I didn't, here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

Let me know your thoughts.
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Thursday, June 29th, 2023 AT 9:41 PM

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