QuestionQUESTION: I have a 1997 Chrysler T&C 3.8L. It has an intermittent problem where it will turn on and then one or two seconds later turn off. When I have this problem, the instrument cluster and the mileage computer do not work, only compass works. Is it possible that a faulty instrument cluster is shutting of the engine after it starts successfully. Otherwise when I am not having this problem the engine runs fine and the problem comes and goes.
ANSWER: A start and stall condition the way you describe it usually indicates a problem with the security system. But you also state that the cluster goes dead at the same time, which leads me to suspect that there may be a communication problem with the engine controller. You can tell if your vehicle is equipped with a factory security system if the key is grey in color. If it is, I'd advise you to take the vehicle to a reputable repair shop and have them scan the vehicles controllers, PCM, TCM, ABS, BCM, MIC and SKIM for DTC's. If any of them display a "Lost Communication" or a BUS DTC, I'd suspect the PCM or the related communication wiring is at fault. Be advised that a BUS communication diagnostic is very involved and requires specialized knowledge and equipment.
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QUESTION: The car does not have a security system (black key). I have other advise that the start and stall symptom suggests the instrument cluster printed circuit board has some bad connections and needs to be replaced. Does this make sense to you?
AnswerI have neither experienced nor read of a case where the cluster has caused a start and stall condition you describe. The cluster is basically a slave module to all other modules in the vehicle, meaning it only displays the information bussed to it. It should not effect the operation of the vehicle in any way. If, by some chance, the BUS communication subsystem in the IC were to be shorted to power or ground the it could possibly cause other modules not to communicate properly which would more than likely result in the transmission, ABS or body systems not operating correctly, not the condition you describe. I would invest the time and money to have a reputable shop scan ALL modules in the vehicle for COMM DTC's and go from there. I would also take a good look at the connectors under the main fuse panel in the engine compartment. Given there proximity to the battery they are prone to corrosion which wreaks havoc on the power supplies to the vehicles modules.
