Code P1698, Slow acceleration gauge cycling?

2001 DODGE DAKOTA
172,940 MILES • 4.7L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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EL_OGAN
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
Good afternoon,

My vehicle listed above quad cab with an automatic transmission has developed a new problem. It started with the door lock not working for any of the doors. After checking for a blown fuse and not finding one I disconnected the negative battery terminal to reset the system thinking maybe it was just some kind of a malfunction. When I put the cable back on and started the truck up, I had a check engine light on with code p1698, and the gauge marking what gear I am in cycling between park reverse neutral drive second and first and then over again. I have since driven the truck twice out of necessity and notice that it is very slow to accelerate but seems to be running fine outside of that. Also, the door locks are working again, which was the original problem. I'm scared to drive the truck because I think it's a major problem, but I don't have much in the way of money to take it to a mechanic. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time and expertise in response.
Jun 16, 2023 at 8:14 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

Is that the only code that is present? Also, I looked it up in two different manuals and it isn't indicated for this model and year truck. So, I need to confirm that is what you found.

As far as the P1698 code is concerned, it generally indicates a problem with the vehicle's internal ECM (Engine Control Module) communication bus. It suggests a loss of communication between the ECM and one or more modules within the vehicle.

Since the transmission is acting strangely, I would think it is related to a breakdown in communication between the ECM and the transmission control module (TCM). My concern is since the manual doesn't show that as a possibility for this vehicle, I don't want to mislead you.

If possible, scan the can-bus system. CAN stands for controller area network. Basically, the different modules are tied together via a few wires. This type of scan will retrieve codes regardless of the module storing them.

Here is a link showing how it's done:

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

Let me know.

Joe
Jun 16, 2023 at 1:46 PM
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EL_OGAN
  • MEMBER
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The way I've been checking the code is I turn the key to the on position three times so on off on off on off and then it tells me the code and I just checked it is indeed p 1698 I will have to order the scanner that you recommended in the link you sent me to scan the CAN unless you know of a place that has one that I can rent or borrow.
Jun 16, 2023 at 4:42 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

Actually, that is a good idea. On the other hand, most parts stores will scan for codes free of charge, but their scanners are usually not able to check all modules. It wouldn't hurt to try to see if something is there that would help.

Let me know.

Joe
Jun 17, 2023 at 2:45 PM
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