Chrysler Repair: 01 Voyager; instrument cluster

Question
QUESTION: Hi Roland, you were able to help me on this vehicle a couple years ago and I appreciate it.  

Now the van doesn't crank when key turned.  The p r n d gear select lights all have squares around them. I also can't connect obd scanner to system. Was reading and found that if hold trip reset button it reads codes, and it came back with e100.0, e100.3 and e100.6.  The 100.3 I believe is TCM comm error. This problem started with van being stuck in 2nd gear with similar error from obd scanner.  Its been parked for couple months and now won't crank. I can't find much on the 100.6 error. Only that its a sbec comm error. I've also read that squares around gear positions won't let it start because it doesn't know its in park. Also I disconnected the bulkhead connector from PCM and everything was the same.
Any ideas on where to start troubleshooting would be greatly appreciated. I know these vans have wiring issues, but hard to start without knowing if PCM is even active. Also, where is the TCM located?

Thank you
Joe

ANSWER: Hi Joe,
I suspect that the battery has been discharged to the point where it won't activate either the starter or the started solenoid switch so that would be the first order of business...to recharge the battery. Then see where things stand. All the codes you read have to do with problems specific to the instrument cluster, and perhaps some of that will also be fixed when the battery is fully charged. The codes you were able to get refer to what is an issue for the instrument cluster, not for the rest of the vehicle.
Ideally once the battery is charged up you will be able to get the engine/transmission fault codes by cycling the ignition switch: "on-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing that in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then watch the odometer window to see the 4-digit codes preceded by a P.
Roland

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Roland. Was able to get van running. Found a shorted wire and blown fuse after some more troubleshooting.  So I still have squares around gear select and cod of p1698.  So at least back to original problem. Looks like TCM comm issue. How would I go about testing TCM, which I believe is behind front left fender?  

Thanks for your help

Joe

ANSWER: Hi Joe,
The code 1698 is about the communication issue from the TCM. The cluster fault codes and the squares around from my experience suggest a higher likelihood that the problem is not the TCM but rather the cluster itself. The first thing I would suggest is that you remove the cluster and then look at the solder joints between the cluster plug socket pins and the circuit board where they are attached by solder joints. I suspect there is one or more cold solder joints which can be corrected by reheating the joints with a soldering pencil. Pins 6, 7, 9, and 13 are those which are of general importance.
The TCM can only be assessed with a higher level diagnostic readout box, so save that for later. The TCM is close to the transmission on the left side of it. For now, check out the plugs and harnesses associated
with it.
Roland
PS: By the way which fuse was blown and which wire was shorted out?
And is the transmission shifting gears or is it still stuck in 2md (limp-in mode)? What was the transmission fault code when this all started?
Fuse 15 (20 amp) in the power box is key to operation of the TCM and its relay.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Roland,  

I was able to get everything working, it turned out to be that eatx fuse was blown.  Not sure why it blew, but will look into if it happens again.  i know the wiring is an issue on this van.

Now i'm just trying to get to pass emissions test in NY.  I have an EVAP and O2 heater monitor that are not ready, but i can pass with one of them out. the O2 heater from what i have read is just let the van run 5 minutes and then shut off and should run test. i've tried this several times with no luck so far.  I was told the EVAP won't run unless air temp is over 40 degrees, which it hasnt been here.  

Don't know if you have any tips for the 02 heater Monitor?  the O2 sensor test has passed so i would think the sensors are good.  That P1698 code is in "pending" codes on my scanner, but doesnt show with the key dance method, only a P1684 or something which is just the battery was disconnected in the last 50 starts.

Thanks,
Joe

Answer
The heated oxygen sensors are fairly easy to replace, but there are four of them so what is the code number? They look like spark plug but have very fragile wires so you have to be delicate when hooking them up.
I would get the code number and then replace that sensor.
Roland