QuestionQUESTION: hi there, i have a couple problems with my dodge truck. The truck is stuck on the dealer and i feel as if they are giving me the run around.
My truck is in limp mode, so second gear yada yada yada, code is no communication from TCM busline...... is it possible that its the shift solenoid causing this problem?? Because this is second time its done this but before it came back into working condition... in the past the TCM's are either on or off lol not some times working and then not others.
My second question i swapped ecu's due to recent problem with last one, now my heater controls dont work. What causes this one???
If i put in a 3rd ECU my controls are backwards, HOT IS COLD DEFROST IS FLOOR so on so on..... PLease help me out dodge is trying to charge me $800 just in DIAG Time and reflashing my ABS and tire size.
Thanks for your time.
Brian
ANSWER: Hi Brian,
I checked the manuals and unfortunately I don't find any solutions to these problems that can be accomplished without the use of a diagnostic readout box III (DRB III) which is a dealer device that is too costly to own. There is a trouble-shoot procedure for the TCM code but again that involves the DRB and a Miller test tool 8815. I don't believe the code you referenced involves the shift solenoid. Rather that one involves the power supply to the transmission control system overall. If you get a specific 4-digit code number let me know what it is and I can see what the trouble-shoot possibilities might be.
The Heater/AC system is stated to do self-calibrations on it own, with no opportunity that I can see for you to try to calibrate it yourself to correct the air temp problem. I wish I could help you with this but I don't see any solutions other than the dealer.
Roland
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: TCM code was P1698
And why is the HVAC different with other ECU's?
This whole thing is beyond me and costing a fortune lol wish i had a grenade.
AnswerHi Brian,
The 1698 code could have been set if the dealer disconnected the TCM for diagnostic purposes. So maybe you should drive it further, and get a new code readout, for free at an Autozone parts store of for under $40 at an independent shop. Let me know if you get a new code.
For reference, first step of 1698 is to verify that you have power on pin 11 and pin 12 of the black plug of the ecu when the ignition is in the 'run' position. And check that the pins 9 and 18 of that plug are grounded. Other than that the next steps involve using the DRB to test the PCI bus communications from all the modules. Although the code is a 'no comunication from the TCM' it apparently is not a unique TCM problem without another code also being shown. So drive it a bit, and get a new code readout would be my suggestion.
The ecu is apparently involved with the heat/ac controls on the Ram, but as I read the manual about the only simple thing to do is wait it out and see whether the ecu will recognize the need for calibration of the temp door and take care of it itself. I wish there were more I could suggest but that seems to be the best I can offer. On the car lines there is sometimes a self-calibration you can initiate, but the controllef on the Ram is not set to do that.
Roland
