QuestionQUESTION: So my 3.3 flex 125,000 mile randomly wont start / run. no gauges, no dash lights good power no codes. about 5-7 days between events.
When it happens, 3-5 times it will start then die, after that no crank. after sitting overnight, in randomn locations wherever it decided to die, all is well and it starts fine, until it randomly happens again in another 5-7 days.
possibilities: Body Control Module? Remote Keyless Module? anti-theft shut down?
ANSWER: Hi Mike,
Start with die after 2-3 seconds, and failure to activate starter after several such failed attempts is symptomatic of a still-armed theft security system.
In the future notice the condition of the VTSS light on the dash when it won't start and run. If it is on continuously then you have a still armed system that rejects the request to operate the engine via a signal from the body computer to the engine computer (or rather the removal of the no-start signal that was placed there when the system was armed).
Try using the door key to lock/unlock both front door in order to clear the alarm state. If that doesn't work then it is possible to fake out the body computer with a specific-sized resistor to ground from one of the pins at the bcm.
You can avoid the hassle by not using the VTSS: if you only use the mechanical push-buttons to secure the van it will never get into the armed state.
If the rke works and you have interior lights then fuse 28 under the hood which powers those is working. Check fuse 2 in the box under the dask as it powers the instrument cluster. It may have an intermittent crack in its wire. The body computer uses those fuses as well as 1, 3 and 6 under the dash, and 19 and 22 in the box under the hood. So check those also.
Let me know what you learn.
Roland
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: follow up Roland thanks for the lead,
failed to mention rear window wiper inop during the event.
why does VTSS "re-initialize" over night?
researched VTSS on alldata. confirmed no blink at VTSS indicator lamp, solid on for 15 sec. idicates hood ajar switch open.
proceeded to verify system:
1) open door
2) remove ignition key (but keep in hand)
3) lock doors with power lock switch
4) close drivers door. NOTE: after the doors are closed, locking the doors with the RKE will also arm the system. NOTE: IF THE VTSS INDICATOR LAMP FLASHED, THE SYSTEM IS OPERATIONAL AND VERIFIED. IF NOT, THERE MAY BE A PROBLEM WITH THE SYSTEM.
mine does not blink. possibly due to the hood ajar switch closed.
very intrested in the details to "fake out the body computer with a specific-sized resistor to ground from one of the pins at the bcm."
minimum 2 hours for the DRBIII dealer hook-up and an almost certain BCM replacement according to the local dealer.
I'll take the .15 cent resistor solution please. VTSS is not that important to me.
thanks Roland great service!
definately can fix the hood ajar switch though.
AnswerHi Mike,
The 'stand-in' resistor for the driver key lock cylinder is 4.2k ohms for lock and 655 ohm for unlock. One end of resistor to pin 45 of the natural color plug of the bcm. The passenger side uses the same resistors to pin 55 of the same plug. The liftgate switch is the same but to pin 44. Touching the other end of the resistor to ground would mimic the key action.
Your observation about the rear wiper inop would indicate a possible problem with fuse 6 in the bcm which I listed. So look closely at that one.
Please let me know how it works out.
It would be good to check the hood switch as it too is a part of the VTSS, but 'seperate' from the door part of the system.
Roland
