Home | Contact Us | FAQ | Search & Site Map | Link to Us
Sign In | Join | Other 45 Sites in Network
HomeAnnouncements
Discussion Groups
By Brand
BMWChevroletDodgeFordGMHondaLexusMercedes-BenzNissanPeugeotToyotaVolkswagenOther Brands
By Topic
4x4 CarsRVsDrivingMaintenance & RepairCar AudioCollectible Cars
Country Specific
Australian ForumsUK Forums
ArticlesAuto InsuranceBuyingCars & TechnologyMaintenanceMiscellaneousSafety
DMV Resources
Related Topics
MotorcyclesBoatsMore Topics ...

Car Forum / Dodge / Dodge Trucks / December 2006

Tip: Looking for answers? Try searching our database.

infamous "no bus" problem

Thread view: 
Enable EMail Alerts  Start New Thread
Thread rating: 
elijahs@gmail.com - 21 Nov 2006 21:31 GMT
Ok, here's the deal:

1999 Durango, v8, 64k miles

Intermittent engine + guage failure; odometer reads "no bus".  The fix
is, I go and press on each of the three PCM connectors and at some
point the whole thing comes back to life.  No heat correlation, and
it's really easy to get it going again.  When this happens, the ODB
codes get reset, but there aren't any codes being recorded (I know the
codes are being reset because some of the tests that only complete once
you've driven a while show as incomplete again after the error occurs).

Finally - it's a friend's backup car but her parents are coming to town
and this just started happening.  I'd like to save her a bill at the
dealers.  Is this definately the PCM (and therefore covered under the
8/80k warranty)?  I pulled all the connectors and sprayed everything
down with electronic cleaner; didn't really help anything.

Sometimes, the jostling of the engine trying to start actually fixes
it.

Any help terribly appreciated!

elijah
angelobruno@tmail.com - 21 Nov 2006 22:07 GMT
Tune up with new spark plugs and distribution cap. I wonder when was
last time u guys had ur durango tuned up? Its low mile and u said
somtimes jostling around with engine makes it work.
Tom Lawrence - 21 Nov 2006 22:34 GMT
> Tune up with new spark plugs and distribution cap.

What's that supposed to do to a loose connection at the PCM?
Carolina Watercraft Works - 21 Nov 2006 22:31 GMT
MMmmmm......check for corrosion on those pins.  Take the

connectors apart and have a look inside.  Moisture...corrosion

or something along those lines possibly.

Signature

------------------------------------------
Laszlo Almasi
----Cool Toys (formerly Carolina Watercraft Works)
----Mack Daddy Trailers
----Ice Angels

> Ok, here's the deal:
>
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
>
> elijah
Tom Lawrence - 21 Nov 2006 22:33 GMT
> Intermittent engine + guage failure; odometer reads "no bus".  The fix
> is, I go and press on each of the three PCM connectors and at some
> point the whole thing comes back to life.

There was a recall on '03 Rams to add O-rings to the PCM connectors - you
may want to check and see if anything similar was released for the
Durango's.

Even if not, I'd put a bit of dielectric grease across all the pins, and
might even go so far as to run a tiny bead of silicone around the outside of
the plugs, where they meet with the receptacles, to try and seal out any
moisture.
elijahs@gmail.com - 21 Nov 2006 23:19 GMT
> > Intermittent engine + guage failure; odometer reads "no bus".  The fix
> > is, I go and press on each of the three PCM connectors and at some
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> the plugs, where they meet with the receptacles, to try and seal out any
> moisture.

Ooooh - dielectric grease!  I like that idea.

We live in an *extremely* humid climate - the wet side of the Big
Island of Hawaii.  180+ inches a year of rain in places, and continual
heat and moisture. Like I said, the connectors *looked* good - but
anything to keep the connections good in there.  The connections are
*right* under the place where the lid comes over the fenders, a prime
place for water to splash in.

thanks for the ideas!
elijahs@gmail.com - 22 Nov 2006 01:44 GMT
ok, let me follow this up a little.

*if* I lube the hell out of it with grease, and silicon it, and I'm
still seeing the same problem - can anyone say "that's probably the
PCM, then" or "you should replace the harness" or anything to guide me
further?

thanks,
 elijah

> > > Intermittent engine + guage failure; odometer reads "no bus".  The fix
> > > is, I go and press on each of the three PCM connectors and at some
[quoted text clipped - 19 lines]
>
> thanks for the ideas!
Steve Lusardi - 22 Nov 2006 04:59 GMT
Of course not. The computer is telling you that it is losing communication
with the PCM. It isn't telling you the plugs you are messing with are the
fault. It doesn't know that. It could be the cable itself or even the
connector on the other end of the cable. You have to determine the rest. If
you are at a loss, bring it to a dealer.
Steve

> ok, let me follow this up a little.
>
[quoted text clipped - 34 lines]
>>
>> thanks for the ideas!
elijahs@gmail.com - 22 Nov 2006 20:37 GMT
um; I asked  -

"*if* I do what was suggested, and I'm still seeing the same problem,
can anyone guide me further?"

you replied, "Of course not."

by "of course not" - are you saying that IF cleaning up the plugs
doesn't fix the problem,   AND if I can still consistently get the PCM
to come back online by pushing on the plug toward the PCM (which is how
I fix it now) - are you saying that if that's the case, no-one can give
any advice to further guide my repair efforts?

seems a little extreme; I bet there's more knowledge on this board then
that reply implies.

elijah

> Of course not. The computer is telling you that it is losing communication
> with the PCM. It isn't telling you the plugs you are messing with are the
[quoted text clipped - 41 lines]
> >>
> >> thanks for the ideas!
Steve Lusardi - 22 Nov 2006 21:55 GMT
It is not possible to tell you how to think. As much as we may wish to help,
we are not there, you are. You know there is an intermittent connection, but
you don't know where. It could be at either end of the cable. It may be a
bad wire crimp on one of the pins in either of the two plugs. You may have
to take an ohm meter and wring out the cable wire by wire wriggling the
harness in all directions or other steps. These are very basic trouble
shooting skills. If you don't have them in your tool bag, I seriously
suggest you bring the vhicle to a dealer before you either hurt yourself or
the vehicle getting up to speed.
Steve

> um; I asked  -
>
[quoted text clipped - 62 lines]
>> >>
>> >> thanks for the ideas!
Marsh Monster - 22 Nov 2006 22:05 GMT
========
========
Steve Lusardi wrote to the OP in message:
> It is not possible to tell you how to think. As much as we may wish to help,
> we are not there, you are.

<<snipped>>

very basic trouble
> shooting skills. If you don't have them in your tool bag, I seriously
> suggest you bring the vhicle to a dealer before you either hurt yourself or
> the vehicle getting up to speed.

> Steve

(BECAUSE.....)
> <elijahs@gmail.com>had wrote in message
> >
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
> >
> > elijah

=============
=============

"IF".....the symptom is EXACTLY as you just stated it..........
and the cure is EXACTLY as YOU stated it........

then..........

strap a wire tie around it and go git drunk and .......

fergittttttttttaboutitttttttt

or.........
act like a well-trained ASE Certified Master AutoTech........

and.........

overthink it to death!!

:)

~:~
MarshMonster
~Zipties.......Gawds gift to the YardBird~
~:~
elijahs@gmail.com - 25 Nov 2006 01:29 GMT
yar.  that's a good answer, there... the thing is, I'm returning the
truck to my friend when I'm done "fixing" it and I'd like to feel like
it's fixed.  hard to say, tho.

I guess one question would be - *is* there an argument for the PCM
having a hairline crack or any of that business?  since it's still
under warranty it would be nice to just make it the dealer's problem.
However, it's not a heat-sensitive issue; sometimes it happens at first
startup after sitting all night.

Oh well, I caulked and greased it and it hasn't happened lately.

thanks, all!

elijah

> ========
> ========
>
> strap a wire tie around it and go git drunk and .......
>
> fergittttttttttaboutitttttttt
Marsh Monster - 25 Nov 2006 01:47 GMT
=======
=======

> Oh well, I caulked and greased it and it hasn't happened lately.
>
> thanks, all!
>
>  elijah

=====
=====

lmao

well.......there's always that option.

rotflmao

~:~
marsh
~sips his crownroyal......fixed is fixed if it's fixed and it's
fixed if the customer thinks it's fixed and the customers
fix is cost effective~
~:~
Joe Brophy - 26 Nov 2006 15:45 GMT
>yar.  that's a good answer, there... the thing is, I'm returning the
>truck to my friend when I'm done "fixing" it and I'd like to feel like
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
>>
>> fergittttttttttaboutitttttttt

If you can demonstrate to the dealer that it fails and the "no bus" condition
supported by your own documentation of others with identical problems from
reports on Internet sites tracking vehicle failures, fixing with the PCM one
would think they would give you the benefit of the doubt.  I might even use the
approach like you did here:  as if they already knew about "The old NO BUS
problem" if I were you, since I would expect that they have seen it a few times
no matter if they admitted it or not....

The only time I have known of anyone fixing the no bus without the pcm being
replaced was once a guy reported that the dealer "re flashed" (reloaded the
control software) the pcm.  My money still says PCM, let us know Elijah,  good
luck and drive very cautiously till you get it fixed one way or another.  best
regards, Joe
Bill Dunkinfield - 23 Nov 2006 16:17 GMT
> Ok, here's the deal:
>
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
>
> elijah

"electronic cleaner" ???!!!

What the heck is it? Some of that stuff will do more harm than good.

JAM
Joe Brophy - 26 Nov 2006 15:21 GMT
>Ok, here's the deal:
>
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
>
>elijah

It sounds like you are traveling down that same road in diagnosing the problem
as I did a while ago.  First, it is my understanding that the problem is within
the computer (for most  if not all of the ones that were analyzed beyond
replacing the pcm, anyway), more specifically what happens is that over time
with hundreds of on/off cycles of the rig the circuit board will develop
microscopic cracks in the printed circuit land patterns causing the electrical
connection to open or at least become very poor quality after the engine
compartment has been at operating temp for some time and there has been lack of
airflow in there, like you went to the store a couple miles away, turned off the
rig went in and came out 5-10 minutes later got in the rig started up and was
fine for about a half of a block, the "no bus", the rig stalls and won't fire
but will turn the motor over.  NOW, you probably pop the hood and go out and
start "checking stuff out" under there. (Meanwhile the heat is escaping from the
engine area...)  You likely have figured out if it has happened for a while that
you don't need to try to start the engine rather just cycle the key from off to
on and watch the trip odometer.  If it hasn't reset itself (yet) it will flash
three times and display "no bus", when it is ready to start again when the key
is cycled the odometer display reads normally.  With my rig initially it would
cool itself off if I opened the hood for 3-5 minutes, with it closed it was a
little longer but not a lot.  Over time it will likely become longer, given the
nature of the problem, mine did and my rig didn't develop the issue until I had
driven it for almost a year.  The pcm is considered to be part of the emissions
control systems so you should get a replacement at no charge(they are warranted
for 8 years I believe) other than the cost of one or more service appointments
while they "prove" it to themselves, unless you simply demand that it be
replaced and use printouts of the 150 or so identical problems logged in Allpar
or other problem tracking sites.  I just put in a used PCM since I didn't have
the time to sit there while they checked it out and also didn't have another
vehicle to use, cost me about 120$ been fine since.  Also sometimes I would get
a error message if I ran the dashboard diagnostic when the "no bus" went away,
before doing anything else, it reads out in the same display.  As I recall the
code was 192X, as well as 1999.  However, many if not most of the time it showed
no other errors, and as you indicated it resets the PCM reset able errors as
well.  I was told that I needed to have the pcm reprogrammed to show my rigs VIN
number, which Daimler Chrysler of course wanted to soak me fifty bucks for, so I
may do it one day but it has been running fine for almost a year with no
perceivable differences.  I did order the exact PCM number for the way mine is
configured which didn't hurt either I suppose.  The no bus problem IMHO is one
of the most dangerous failures since it is random and it literally disables the
vehicle immediately, if you are in the fast lane on a freeway, or in the middle
of an intersection trying to turn it can get VERY exciting, I almost crashed
several times in similar situations attempting to get off the roadway.  It
seemed to help a little if I left the hood wit the main latch open only held by
the safety latch, not a safe practice either but if it avoids being completely
disabled it is worth it, at least as a temporary measure.  The reason you
haven't yet associated the problem to heat is that the PCM  seems to lag behind
the apparent engine bay heat and it is in the flow of air from in front of the
airbox which might keep it a bit cooler.  In the winter here in Oregon my rig
would almost never fail, but in summer when it got over 80 degrees you had
better keep air moving through the engine and if you stop raise the hood
slightly until you get back to the vehicle or expect a no bus within 3-5 minutes
of starting off down the road again.  It does get worse over time though if mine
was any indication of the failure mode, with winter approaching it might appear
to go away, but trust me it is still in there.  Good luck and I hope I have
helped a little anyway.  Now, if I could figure out a way to inexpensively fix
my next legendary Durango design bug:  The "rocking horse" drivers side electric
seat, where the motorized part separates from the seat base bolted to the cab
floor, of course none of you Durango drivers ever heard of that one did you?
Best regards, Joe
Marsh Monster - 26 Nov 2006 16:39 GMT
=========
=========
Joe Brophy wrote in an essay:

<<snip>>

.  The pcm is considered to be part of the emissions
> control systems so you should get a replacement at no charge(they are warranted
> for 8 years I believe) other than the cost of one or more service appointments
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> the time to sit there while they checked it out and also didn't have another
> vehicle to use, cost me about 120$ been fine since.

<<snip>>

 The no bus problem IMHO is one
> of the most dangerous failures since it is random and it literally disables the
> vehicle immediately, if you are in the fast lane on a freeway, or in the middle
> of an intersection trying to turn it can get VERY exciting, I almost crashed
> several times in similar situations attempting to get off the roadway.

=========
==========

Considering this last Humble Opinion of........"Yours"....

   then, as YOU stated, with numerous documentation and
various assundried reports of this being a "Known" problem..........

(and of course, you seemingly being of sound logic...chuckle,chuckle)

expain to me, a simpleton........

EXACTLY........

what logic was used...........

to decide........

to install.....

a "USED"...computer.......

for $120.....

in order to "fix" the symptom that is know to exist in these
computers.......

I mean.......
you already had a "used" computer.
One with the documented defect.
Now..you have purchased another one.
With the documented defect, allbeit the
symptom has'nt shown yet.

have'nt you?

oh.......
it came out of a "low mileage" vehical.......mmmmmmmm

^ ^
o o
L
O

Before you git started with me,
let me say.......I promote the use
of "recycled" automotive parts.

I understand.....yer truck is fixed.

I know yer a happy camper.

but.......

you spent $120 for a computer...
that MAY have cracks in it.
(according to your post)

so.....
I am proud of your ability to diagnose and repair.

I am glad for you....your truck IS fixed.

however,
I honestly don't understand the logic....
especially considering the fact.....
that YOU....stated.......

it was a warrantied part,
but you didn't feel like waiting???????

oh yeah.......
and the parts I snipped........
lol.

~:~
MarshMonster
~takes a toke, sips his mushroom tea.....and confounds himself~
~:~
Joe Brophy - 29 Nov 2006 11:27 GMT
>=========
>=========
[quoted text clipped - 98 lines]
>~takes a toke, sips his mushroom tea.....and confounds himself~
>~:~

Sorry to have caused so much confusion.  My "logic" in replacing the computer
with a used one consisted of the following:
1) My previous experiences with Daimler/Chrysler with intermittent was that it
would take at least one if not several service appointments to convince
themselves of the validity of the diagnosis, I didn't currently have alternative
transportation without renting another vehicle, therefore was not willing to
wait through multiple appointments at the dealer.
2) I had already tried to convince the service manager to just swap out mine for
a new one, without the cost of a service appointment(s), to no avail.
3) Without going through the appointment process they wouldn't be abler to
charge it off as an emissions failure since they didn't prove it to themselves,
so from the dealer a new PCM was somewhere in the 450$ range, and since there
was not any difference (design wise, nothing I could find anyway) a new one
would be just as likely to fail as a used one.  The only other viable
alternative was a PCM from Mopar Performance, which actually cost about 100$
less but it required that you burn only premium gas, which I didn't want to be
forced to do.
4) I had already installed all the engine compartment cooling "fixes", like the
viper fan which was eventually standard on the Gen 1 as the mechanical fan.  I
installed a 180 degree thermostat (recommended by mopar performance) and
enlarged the fresh air intake to the engine compartment on the passenger side,
in addition to removing the under hood insulation (It was sagging anyway).  (I
know I didn't mention these changes in my earlier post, but they were as a
result of the path taken to determine the root cause of the problem, ending in
the PCM being replaced)  At the time the issues were just beginning to appear in
other Durangos so there was not hardly anything available from other owners to
simplify the diagnosis.  Most were in a similar process trying to determine what
THEIR problem was too.  

So, in summary: Used vs new PCM, I didn't see any difference in their
reliability, therefore, I had no desire to pay for the new cost of a PCM (either
with $$ or my time for multiple service appointments), a half hour of my time
and 120$ seemed to be a more reasonable approach.  Plus the engine compartment
now had all factory or mopar performance recommended/mandated cooling
enhancements that were available so I was hoping that the heat had been reduced
enough to prevent future failure of the PCM for the same cause, which is holding
true thus far anyway. I hope I have not added to the confusion and maybe even
reduced it a bit...regards, Joe.
Marsh Monster - 03 Dec 2006 21:21 GMT
> Sorry to have caused so much confusion.  My "logic" in replacing the computer
> with a used one consisted of the following:
[quoted text clipped - 34 lines]
> true thus far anyway. I hope I have not added to the confusion and maybe even
> reduced it a bit...regards, Joe.

========
========

 Joe,
     I wasn't confused.

I jest found absolutely no grounds in your post to support
installing a "used" pcm that, based on your statements,
very likely has the precursers to the symptom you described.
Again, based your words, your symptoms, and your explanation
of what causes the failure.

Unless.......the vehical had 0 miles on it........
then.......moot point.

Here's my view...
based on your original reply and the last reply.....

You didn't want to pay to rent a car.

You didn't want to expend the time to have a diagnosis.

You purchased a used pcm....which by all accounts as
you've described them, may have the same cracks in
the circuit board.
(based on the words you typed, this is a KNOWN problem)
(so...a USED pcm likely has the problem)

You were aware that a pcm could be installed
for FREE under warranty.

You payed for .......air induct upgrades
You payed for........cooling fan upgrades
You payed for........a USED pcm
You payed for.........ALL that goes along with that.
(sealants, solvents, coolant....and such)

now...........

how much was that rental car.......
and the FREE  NEW.......pcm??
the one without the possible cracks.

What was the Federal Mandated warranty on the new one?
How about the Used one?

not try'n to argue......
jest ain't logical in my view.

anywhoooooo,
as i said...i'm glad yer truck is fixed, that your happy with the
way it worked out, and that YOU BELIEVE it was the best
overall repair decision.

because....the customer is ALWAYS rite.......

I would be interested in the overall time you have invested
in the addon upgrades, the diagnostics, and overall time
output for the repair, as well as the TOTAL cost of all the
repairs.......solvents, sealers, testers, tools, ...and your
take on how much you actually saved in time and money.

you leave out the skint knuckles and bloody fangers....
i understand........that's a given.

You could just reply..........

I'm cheap dammitgumby....and i like work'n on my truck.

now that........

i could understand.

~:~
marsh
~pours joe a crown n coke~
~:~
 
Sign In
Join
My Latest Posts
My Monitored Threads
My Blog
My Photo Gallery
My Profile
My Homepage

Start New Thread
Enable EMail Alerts
Rate this Thread



©2008 Advenet LLC   Privacy Policy - Terms of Use
This website includes both content owned or controlled by Advenet as well as content owned or controlled by third parties.