Have you checked all the grounds under the hood? If not, I'd start there.
2005 T&C 3.3L, No Start. Possible PCM Fail. Advice?
I'm about to buy a 2005 Town and Country, 3.3 L engine minivan that currently is not running. I suspect the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), but I'd like to be sure before I spend something as expensive as that on a vehicle that is not mine (yet).
The vehicle doesn't start.
I turned my attention to the Integrated Power Module (IPM, "fuse box"). On this vehicle, the far-right (from the driver's perspective) relay is the starter relay.
When I test for a voltage at pin 86 on the starter relay, I get the expected voltage when the ignition switch is in the Start position. IOW, the ignition switch is functioning properly.
When I artificially bridge the relay, i.e., connect pins 30 with 87, the starter starts to turn.
However, I am not getting a ground at pin 85, which is supplied by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
That's the point I'm at now. I need to test the PCM and maybe replace it. This is perplexing because the previous mechanic claims to have already replaced it, but I can't trust what he says.
There is also the issue of the instrument cluster not lighting up and (probably) not functioning.
Any advice is welcome.
The vehicle doesn't start.
I turned my attention to the Integrated Power Module (IPM, "fuse box"). On this vehicle, the far-right (from the driver's perspective) relay is the starter relay.
When I test for a voltage at pin 86 on the starter relay, I get the expected voltage when the ignition switch is in the Start position. IOW, the ignition switch is functioning properly.
When I artificially bridge the relay, i.e., connect pins 30 with 87, the starter starts to turn.
However, I am not getting a ground at pin 85, which is supplied by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
That's the point I'm at now. I need to test the PCM and maybe replace it. This is perplexing because the previous mechanic claims to have already replaced it, but I can't trust what he says.
There is also the issue of the instrument cluster not lighting up and (probably) not functioning.
Any advice is welcome.
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No, I'm going to have to pay something. I haven't negotiated that yet, but she's a friend, and I've had some previous dealings with her that went positively. I've already bought a battery for the car. I can trust what she says, but I can't be sure about what her "mechanic" says. I've already discovered him to be less than honest on the issue. She doesn't trust him either.
The body in front of the back wheel wells is rusted out for about 6 inches.
I just spoke to 3 PCM suppliers. They all offer "flashing" my VIN to the new PCM when I buy. The cheapest is Flashmasters 513 648 0444 at $160.
The PCM is definitely not completing the circuit to the ground (giving a low side driver output) at pin 85 of the starter relay. (I haven't tested this output at the PCM itself.)
Wrong still
VTSS is separate than SKIM and does not involve chipped keys
It came out years before skim did and some vehicles have both and they are SEPARATE systems
VTSS can be bypassed very easily skim not so much but a few can programmers can deactivate it in a activated PCM
"VTSS system has nothing to do with SKIM or SKREEM and not VIN related, so any PCM from VTSS vehicle will start another VTSS vehicle without any additional procedures if SKIM module not installed."
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Chrysler PCM horror stories and simple solution
Over the years I have read enough horror stories about Chrysler PCM (old style no CAN vehicles). Like swapping it from another car for testing purposes and now the donor has not start condition. It happened because of VTSS system. This system is optional and c
I stand by my previous statement. The red dot on the dash is for VTSS, and is tripped when the chipped key is not present when attempting to start, after it starts and runs for a couple seconds. So how is that "separate from SKIM"?Wrong still
VTSS is separate than SKIM and does not involve chipped keys
It came out years before skim did and some vehicles have both and they are SEPARATE systems
VTSS can be bypassed very easily skim not so much but a few can programmers can deactivate it in a activated PCM
"VTSS system has nothing to do with SKIM or SKREEM and not VIN related, so any PCM from VTSS vehicle will start another VTSS vehicle without any additional procedures if SKIM module not installed."
Read Learn
Chrysler PCM horror stories and simple solution
Over the years I have read enough horror stories about Chrysler PCM (old style no CAN vehicles). Like swapping it from another car for testing purposes and now the donor has not start condition. It happened because of VTSS system. This system is optional and cwww.iatn.net
I understand that VTSS also includes a security system with sensors on the physical keyed door locks, to prevent someone breaking a window to get inside while locked. I've had it kill the engine on me in my 2000, until I hit the power unlock button inside and tried again. Red dot on the dash also came on in that instance, so the two systems are integrated.
For background, I have two black Chrysler Town & Country vans, both Limited with all the options - the 2000 fwd, and a 2004 AWD that I'm currently driving. The 2004 is the first year of the newer computer system; 2003 and earlier into 3rd gen are basically the same.
That info you cited was ONE POST from a different site, where you can't even read the replies unless you log in and are a member. How many people tried it and failed? From what I've learned on here, the BCM learns the security function and canNOT be unlearned. Once you enable security, that's it, no going back unless you swap out the BCM, PCM, SKIM module and key from another vehicle with the battery removed. People have accidentally added the SKIM module and locked themselves out of their van, requiring an expensive tow to a dealer to fix. I've never heard of this "ground a wire and it goes away" stuff. You usually have to get a replacement BCM that's refurbished and doesn't have that feature activated.
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