Chrysler Repair: 97 Chrysler Cirrus will not run, lost remote,, chrysler cirrus, fuel pump relay

Question
Hi Roland,
I bought a 97 Cirrus for hardly nothing. was told the car ran fine, but owners lost remote key and when they tried to crank it with valet key, the alarm went off & they could not get it disarmed. I figured with a little calling around I could get it running. We turned the key in the door a couple times which shut off the flashing lights & horn blowing, but car still would not run, it would crank. I called a couple of shops and was told that the alarm also sets off an auto fuel shut off and that the alarm would need to be reset by the dealer. I had it towed to the dealer and the dealer is telling me that the alarm is disarmed and that we have another problem, However they are not sure what that problem is. They described it as a communication problem between the PCM & BCM. That the minimum it would cost me would be 650.00 to replace the PCM but could be considerably more if wiring & BCM also need to be replaced. I have an uneasy feeling about their answer since it is so vague. Shouldn't the sophisicated code readers they have, isolate the problem more than this? I read the code before I had the car towed to the dealer by turning the ignition key 3 times and counting the flashing light. I got a code that said there was an open circuit between the PCM & ASD. other codes were 12 that battery had been disconnected & 55 which ends the codes. Would appreciate your opinion on this matter.

Answer
Hi Terri,
I assume you got a code 42 which is not exactly so specific as you described. It is saying that the pcm doesn't detect any voltage when it energized the autoshutdown relay (or similarly with the fuel pump relay circuit). Before getting into changing pcm or major wiring I would look into the autoshutdown relay itself and its couple of wires that activate it. I know you feel 'trapped' having it sitting at the dealer but ask if they have put their top ignition mechanic on the problem or not. See if that effort results in any discovery. The bcm is not involved in a no start so that is why I smell a snow job. If you have a digital volt-ohm meter we should be able to figure this out.
Roland
PS Sorry for the delay but your question just was referred to the 'pool' where I found it. You can get back to me by the 'thank/rate' tab without having to wait for me to be available for a question.