Chrysler Repair: anti-theft/starting issue, chrysler dealership, wiring components

Question
My '98 has a similar problem as seen here before. It is intermittent and has acted up four times in the last six weeks. Here is the symptom: The thing will crank and start but die out right away. After about 4-5 attempts it will no longer crank. Also I noticed the shift position & odometer do not light up. Also the "Alarm Set" lamp which normally blinks for 35-40 sec. does not it stays on for about 50-55 sec then goes out. Subsequent observation shows the fuel pump doesn’t run when acting up. I tried disconnecting the (-) battery terminal for a few hrs and it did not help. BUT after sitting overnight (or so) it will start and run fine till the next time it feeling like acting up. I had it in a local Chrysler Dealership and they found nothing wrong. But suggested that the problem may be in the Anti-theft system. Which is in the "Body Control Module". What is your opinion/suggestion? Thanks in advance


Answer
Hi John,
I can't be very specific because you didn't mention what model is your vehicle. But in general I would suggest two approaches:
Rather than disconnecting the battery try removing the ignition off draw fuse (IOD) for 20 minutes or so which others seem to have found to be effective.
Rather than using the power door locks, the door key lock, or the remote control fob to lock up the vehicle, simply secure whatever door(s) is unlocked by means of the mechanical hand-operated button to lock. That way you never activate the theft system to begin with. It should therefor not alarm falsely and thus keep you from starting it the next time.
The other alternatives are costly (new BCM, trouble-shooting the wiring/components) so these would be my approach.
Your noticing that the odometer and shift position indicator don't light is symptomatic of there being a disconnect of the digital data bus to the instrument cluster. That too can play havoc with the communication necessary to avoid a theft false alarm. I would suspect that the 'circuit board of the cluster/plug socket into the cluster board' interface has a cold solder joint on one of the pins. If you took out the cluster and touched a soldering pencil to all those interface pins you might solve the problem. This seems to be typical of a problem with the minivan instrument cluster which impacts the anti-theft system
Roland
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