Okay, just to keep things simple and not spiral out of control here. I think a lot of sections of wiring harness have been replaced that may not have needed to be. And I've stated this before, the harness connectors are not designed to be unplugged and reconnected more than a few times during the life of the vehicle. It causes the pins in the connectors to loosen up creating poor connections. I'm not sure why the dash harness was replaced, but this case has been going on for a very long time now. With lights flickering and things coming and going, you won't be able to figure everything out at one time, there is no overall grand fix for these issues. Too much has been messed with and replaced.
Let's just start with the Alternator for instance. I'm willing to bet anything it's a remanufactured alternator from AutoZone or some other aftermarket place. And as you stated, it's not charging over 13.5, that's not good. Sounds like a junk alternator. If it is putting out any AC voltage due to a bad diode inside, it will eventually cause the ECM to do all kinds of strange things, and then fail. The Alternator has a pack of diodes that rectify the AC voltage is produces into DC voltage that the vehicles modules can work off of. I didn't know if it was replaced or about the battery being shorted out.
Your Fiancé had mentioned that starting issue was the biggest concern because you're trying to get here to NC. So, we need to concentrate on that first. You guys are way down the rabbit hole on this as we would call it.
Now whatever code set that caused you to replace the Clock Spring, it was most likely not the problem, I'm sure the SRS light is still on. There are TSB (Technical Service Bulletins) on the SRS setting codes and the issue is connector problems that are not even near the steering column. Never replace a component because of a code. The circuit needs to be checked first. I have a huge list of codes from your vehicle already and many of them begin with a U1000 code or one like it. Which is a network communications code. If a module is not communicating, everything that has to do with that module will set codes as well. Reestablishing communication is the first step when a communication code sets. Then if there are still codes for that module, you deal with those after.
Start Here:
If there are codes stored, write them down with the date so you have a record, clear them all out. And do a full system scan with just the key on engine off for right now. Thats the first thing, modules will be monitoring circuits when first powered up.
Next check what battery voltage is with nothing on. Just to know if the battery is holding a charge. Should be at least 12.6v minimum.
And next check for any AC voltage ripple with the red meter lead on the Alternator post and the other meter lead on battery negative and meter set on AC voltage. Check it at idle, then check it at 1500rpm. Write it down. It should not be more that 50mv (0.05v) If there is excessive AC voltage. Right away that's a problem.
I will check for your replies at least once a day.. But I would like to help you get to NC. You'll only be a little over an hour from me then. I did give your fiancé a list of wires to check for voltage on C1 when the no Start condition occurs based on some of the previous codes that set having to do with the ignition circuits. I think there are possibly some connector pins that are not making good contact. C1 feeds a lot of the ignition switch circuits power. Sorry for the long post, but we haven't gotten anywhere with these issues yet.
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Tuesday, November 7th, 2023 AT 1:11 PM