Chrysler Repair: NO bus msg: 98 Cirrus, chrysler cirrus, 1998 chrysler cirrus

Question
QUESTION: Hello I read in a prior answer about the no bus mssg, you advised that you had some pages approx 6 on some testing to try to determine the cause...can you help me?? We have a 1998 Chrysler Cirrus that will not start and we are getting this reading on the panel...it started a few days ago in damp wether where it was a rough start...finally got it going but now 2 days later we are having a no start problem with the no bus message.

Thanks

ANSWER: Hi Krista,
I assume that there is no specific 4-digit number associated with the message. If there is please let me know. The one similar message that would be seen with a plug-in code reader is "not reading bus messages correctly".
The troubleshooting manual for that one is basically to serially disconnect the various modules that are part of the digital data bus system, and after each such disconnection do the ignition key routine to see if the message has disappeared. If it does, then that module is the cause of the no message. If it doesn't then reattach that module and try the next one.
The order of disconnection is: transmission controller, powertrain (engine) controller, radio (if "infinity" brand), compass or minitrip module (if equipped), instrument cluster,  anti-lock brake controller (if equipped), heating/ac control (if electronic), air bag module (after waiting for at least 5 minutes since ignition was "on"), body control module.
That is the way to identify where the problem lies, without the use of a diagnostic readout box to give you a 4-digit fault code.
Let me know whether you have a manual that shows where those are located or not.
Roland

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello,

Thanks for your quick response, my husband has explained that he has tried to get some codes...turning the ignition on and off....but there are no flashes to represent the codes. He advised that he received the "no bus" message in the odometer area but it does not stay there..it does tend to go away or will appear approx 10 seconds after trying cranking the engine to get it started, it will then appear and then disappears after letting go of the key in the ignition. Do you need anymore info of the situation or does this explain it enough.

Answer
In a '98 there would be no flashing of the check engine light so that is normal. It appears to be a valid message so I would try the serial disconnect technique to see if the message disappears. Alternatively, you might check the plugs on the body computer which is on the back side of  the fuse box in the cabin, as if you have a leak along the windshield above it the water could short out the plug/socket connections.  You could spray some electronic circuit board cleaner on the plugs and sockets which will evaporate the water and perhaps restore function to the data bus. If you know of other water intrustion sites on any of the modules I listed those would be good to check out also.