12 Valve Engine and Drivetrain Talk about the 12V engine and drivetrain here. This is for 1994-1998.5 engine and drivetrain discussion only.

Lost dash gauges, AC, trans in limp mode, no pcm communication

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Old 07-13-2006 | 01:41 AM
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From: Amherst, WI
Lost dash gauges, AC, trans in limp mode, no pcm communication

I'm down here at Dave Goerends place (forced to stay here because the wheel bearing failed without warning), he just repaired my transmission and now since he has put the transmission in, none of the dash gauges work.

I am not bashing Dave or blaming him for this problem, I just would like a solution.

Since the trans was put in, the dash gauges don't work, the transmission is in LIMP mode (starts in 3rd gear unless manually shifted to low), and the PCM does not communicate with Dave's code reader. The AC compressor will not kick on either.
Dave examined all of the wires by the tranny and confirmed that nothing was cut or grounded that could have resulted from the tranny install.

I checked all of the fuses and we also did a dash gauge check by holding the trip reset button switch, then turning the key on. The gauges all cycle correctly.

Currently, I have to shift the transmission manually and Dave has installed a switch to force the transmission into overdrive.

It would be nice to get this back on the road with a Tach, Speedo and AC.. I'd like to make it to PA on Saturday.

Please advise!

Thanks,
Garrett
Old 07-13-2006 | 01:35 PM
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From: Pattonville, Texas
Hmmm,
Logic says the dash gauge problem is related to the tranny install...
Old 07-13-2006 | 11:38 PM
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Kinda figured that. Can this be moved to 12V general please?

Thanks!
Old 07-14-2006 | 08:51 AM
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Unhook the trans wiring and go key on. If the gauges come back on there's your prob. If not, he was simply at the wrong place at the wrong time. There really is no place for any wiring to get pinched on the trans install IF it is still in the factory loom. If the scan tool still won't communicate with the jtec that issue needs to be resolved first. A prob with any module and some sensors can shut the BUS down. Try unplugging the abs module and check communication. Next I would try the air bag module. The degree of difficulty trying to diag this without being "hands on" is pretty slim.
Old 07-14-2006 | 09:28 AM
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that sucks!!
Old 07-14-2006 | 10:36 AM
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As far as the "No communication" goes,,,the same thing happened to mine after a trani rebuild. The guy that did it had 2 Snap On scanner's and niether one would "Communicate" with my truck. Went to another shop with a high dollar scaner and got the same result's. I thought I had a major problem. Then I went to Advanced Auto and there little cheapy scaner worked like a charm. I called a friend at the dealer and he said he didn't know why it happens, put he has heard of the problem before.

I don't know if your no gauge problem is directly realeted to the no communication or not. Maybe you should try a cheapy scanner. Or heck, maybe you could get the dealer to check it for you real quick.
Old 07-15-2006 | 01:42 AM
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From: Mexico!
Man, you didnt want my 215 pump, now this, im offering you is cheap!!!

I had the very very same problem, on my 98 12 valve, i got cheap cuz of that problem:
No working gauges, no PCM comunication, no AC etc, no charging etc....

after lots of finding out it was the speed sensor (I think its called,) the one on the front low end of the engine!!! the wires where burnt, and made short circuit!

check that one b4 anyhing else!!
Old 07-15-2006 | 10:44 AM
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From: Irricana, Alberta, Canada
Sounds like the Crank Position Sensor may be bad or just to far a way from the damper. If the 98's are like the 96's it is located on the front of the engine passenger side between the alternator and the a/c compressor on top of the vibration damper.When mine died i had no guages, no charge, no tranny shift, because as far as the computer was concerned the engine wasn't running so no need to turn on all this stuff.
Old 07-15-2006 | 11:12 PM
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Originally Posted by ccmckee
Sounds like the Crank Position Sensor may be bad or just to far a way from the damper. If the 98's are like the 96's it is located on the front of the engine passenger side between the alternator and the a/c compressor on top of the vibration damper.When mine died i had no guages, no charge, no tranny shift, because as far as the computer was concerned the engine wasn't running so no need to turn on all this stuff.
exactly!!!! just didnt know how its called!!!
Old 07-18-2006 | 01:12 AM
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My money is also on the CPS, or Engine Speed Sensor(ESS) which are both the same thing. I have a 94 with the RH tranny. I lost overdrive, lockup, my speedo, and tach, my alternator wouldnt charge, and no AC. It was that little sensor on the very front of the motor that go to the crank pulley. Id make sure all that is connected right, and try a new one. Mine was $93 from the dealer. Good luck.

Eric
Old 07-18-2006 | 10:25 AM
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Why would the VOLT meter not work if the ESS was not working right?
Also, I tested the wire for the ESS at the PCM with the key on and got 5.5V, which I understand is within range..
Old 07-18-2006 | 12:08 PM
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Im not sure why it wouldnt work, but my alternator wouldnt charge when mine went dead...

Eric
Old 07-31-2006 | 05:10 PM
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Turned out to be the PCM. Picked one up for $122 shipped.
Old 08-18-2006 | 02:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Bobcat698
Turned out to be the PCM. Picked one up for $122 shipped.
ahhhh good price!!!!

i picked up a new one for 550 bucks, old as core.

and turned out NOT to be the PCM,,, twas the **** crank sensor
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