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

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

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.

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.

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

There is fuel and spark when it won't start you can smell the fuel if you keep cranking it over.

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

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.

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.

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.