QuestionQUESTION: Roland, Glad you are back. I am still having problems with my Mini van. Sometimes when I turn the key and the digital displays do not light up it will not start. I leave it alone for a couple hours and wen I turn the key to on the lights light up it will start. Today it started, the I looked at the instrumentation and the speedometer was at 120 all other gauges were shutdown. The Alarm light was on as well as the Anti Lock brake light. I was afraid to turn it off as it has happened many times before and it does not start. with no dash lights on. After driving it and letting it idle for over 3 hours it just came back on and all is fine. What do you recommend?"
ANSWER: Hi Mike,
Thanks for the welcome.
That cluster behavior may well be related to the digital data bus system which knits together the cluster, powertrain controller, abs module, transmission controller, heater/ac controller, and body computer. I would try to get a fault code readout from the system. You might try turning the ignition switch on-off-on-off-on and leave it on, doing that in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then see if the odometer reading changes to show any 4-digit fault codes. If not, then you should be able to get a free readout via the underdash socket with a code reader at an Autozone parts store, or a lower cost readout at an independent shop. Once you get the code(s) let me know and we can address the problem via the manual I have on that system.
If there is any possibility that you have a windshield water leak at the corner on the driver's side, that also could mess with the system via the body control module being dripped upon which may short out the data bus wires at the plug-in. It is located on the back side of the fuse box on the driver's side of the dash.
Those are the possibilities that I would pursue for efficiency.
Roland
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Roland, No fault codes going that route, remember I am in Mexico and its not an easy task trying to get these guys to help.I can only wish we had a Auto Zone. It seems to die or not start like after 150 starts. Sometimes after trying to start it I take the negative battery cable and touch the post on and off a bunch of times. I sometimes hear a click that is louder than most and it cranks right up. Other times I have to wait for a few hours for it to reset or even a day
AnswerHi Mike,
All I can suggest is:
Go to a shop that has an OBD-II reader that will plug in under the dash next to the steering wheel and see if there are any codes/buy a code reader and do it yourself. Let me know the code number(s) that appear.
Check for the possibility that you have water on the plugs of the body control module and if so dry those pins and sockets using electronic circuit spray cleaner
Identify which component clicks, as you described, when the problem is corrected by multiply touching the cable to the battery post. Let me know what that component is and maybe then I can understand what is missing in the circuitry when it won't respond.
Other than that, I am at a loss to help.
Roland
