Hey fans,

Let me describe the issue, let's see what kind of help I can get...please.

2002 Dodge 4dr 1500, 4.7 ltr, 2wd, no remote start.

A week ago, while driving, my dash guages started going haywire. Bouncing around, not working at all, etc....then they would be fine. I would get the warning "ding" before it happened each time. The msg on the dash said NO BUS.

Just this weekend, they stopped working completely, and about a second after starting the engine, I get the "ding", and NO BUS msg again. I've discovered that I have no wipers, my head and tail lights are on (can't turn them off unless engine is off), no brake lights, all dash lights on, etc. My radio does still work.

I took it to Auto Zone to get a code readout and was told the error was a TCM issue (Transmission Control Module). Code P1698

I've already spent a couple hours checking all my harness connections and even disconnecting the battery to reset the computer. Still no change.

I've learned that the TCM will cost me about $360, but I've also been told that it needs to be programmed by a dealership??? Before I make the mistake of taking it to a dealer when not necessary, I thought I'd check with the "real experts" for similar stories/fixes.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Peace,

Fender66/Chris