Immobility service message

NICKVAL

MEMBER
2005 CHRYSLER PACIFICA
97,000 MILES

Car failed to start, gas gauge on empty, airbag lights on, immobility service on message board. I went back with spare keys everything worked car started drove home. Next morning same thing. This time I drove it farther. Several time, about 4, during the trip gas gauge dropped to empty, airbag lights came on, same message came up. Car kept running so I kept driving and 2 to 3 seconds after it started it clears. Is this an anti theft mater. Key switch, PCM, BCM, could be involved however mechanic friend said similar problem turned out to be corroded relay near fans. Is there a PCM relay if so where is it.

7 Replies

MASTERWRENCH

MECHANIC
258 POSTS

Hello,

There are a number of things that can cause symptoms similar to what you're describing. Is there any chance you can take a picture of the dash (specifically the immobility message) when all of this is happening? Also, does the Check Engine lamp or any other indicator remain on while the engine is running normally? If so, we'll need to determine what Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) have set. Follow the link below for instructions on how to retrieve DTCs.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

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Sunday, September 8th, 2019 AT 8:11 PM

NICKVAL

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Had PCM and BCM scanned at shop. It said PCM, BCM no communication because I had disconnected the battery. He checked both and scanned history only thing found was fob battery low. Changed them seemed everything was okay, then gas gauge dropped to empty both air bag lights came on then dash went black. I got onto a parking spot and shut it off. No service engine light. Recently had pioneer radio installed and mechanic suggested the halo ring which reads the fob might be weak or radio tech might have tapped into wrong wire. Also suggested have keys checked for fob failure but in both seems odd. Next time I’ll take picture of dash.

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Tuesday, September 10th, 2019 AT 10:41 AM

MASTERWRENCH

MECHANIC
258 POSTS

Sounds good. Based on the no communication codes you mentioned, it sounds like that may be your issue. If the PCM is unable to communicate with the rest of the modules on the network, the engine most likely won't start. You mentioned the installation of an aftermarket radio. The original, factory radio was actually on the same communications network as the PCM and the rest of the critical modules. It's very possible if the installer accidentally tapped into this network(Bus) circuit, that it is causing the entire system to crash at times. I suggest removing the radio and inspecting the connector and wiring to make sure nothing is connected to this Bus circuit. If you look at the attached connector diagram, you'll notice a circuit called "PCI BUS" located in cavity 14. That's the one we're after. Make sure nothing is connected to this circuit.

Let us know what you find!

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Tuesday, September 10th, 2019 AT 8:40 PM

NICKVAL

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Dealership scanned car. Determined sensor which picks up fob was bad. $500 later and less than 3 hours and 50 miles the problem returned this time worse because dash went black no gauges no lights no messages visible. Disconnected battery waited an hour reconnected battery, it started and I drove it back to them. Help. Someone suggested the ignition pin might be the cause but I’m unsure. Also a tech told of a relay, not in the relay box, he found on one up by the radiator which was causing similar problems. Could not locate that on mine.

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Monday, September 16th, 2019 AT 10:37 AM

MASTERWRENCH