Sorry to know it still has a problem. It sounds like it might be an intermittent problem with the PCM. It might be worth a trip to a Dodge dealer. They have the Dodge DRB3 scan tool and they should be able to communicate with the PCM and the rest of the electrical system in the truck to find out what is wrong. Maybe you could pay just an hour or even a half hour of shop time for the diagnosis, take the truck back home and fix it yourself, once you know for sure what is wrong. If you do need a new PCM there is a place here in Florida, that has a pretty good reputation for selling good quality rebuilt PCM's, and I think they may have new ones too. You can check their website:

http://www.autocomputerexchange.com/Home

Usually when you have a "No Bus" code it means either the PCM is bad or there is an important electrical component like the instrument cluster that can not communicate with the PCM. The dealer can use the DRB scan tool and check the history of stored codes, they can also check the operation of the other electrical parts in your truck and they should be able to tell you what is wrong. At this point it is probably best to let the dealer check it. Just don't pay their prices if you do need a PCM. I checked on autocomputerexchange, a PCM for a V6 Dakota is $249.00. You might find one on ebay even cheaper.

If it turns out not to be the PCM, at least the dealer should be able to run diagnostics and tell you what the problem is. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

Jimmy

 

okay someone told me it could be the crank shaft sensor, so I replaced it today. What a bear, it was in so tight I had to use vice grips to wiggle it out. Put the new one in and it still won't start. I can't take it to a dealer because it won't start to get it there. Any more suggestions?

 

I have a 2000 dakota slt 4x4 3.9l and its been hard to start. Sometimes it starts good but most of the time it will roll and wont start till i put the gas peddle to the floor, and also sometimes it starts but it really struggles to keep the rpms for about 20 secs then it runs fine. No issues with it wen its going. Also, lately the battery has been overcharging every now and again, and i was wondering if this had anything to do with the starting issues? Also, just to narrow it down a little more i have replaced the alternator, new fuel pump, new computer, new batt, batt cables and terminals. Any suggestions would be great, thanks.

 

A lot of earlier dodge trucks have a bad problem with IAC (idle control). I think holding throttle to the floor shuts off injectors to clear up cylinders if flooded, I would try something else you might not have tried. If the IAC is bad or intermitently sticking, Try holding the peddle 1/8 or so open while cranking, if it starts this way, then it could be bad, or in the wiring? but they are a common problem for a lot of dodge vehicles.

 

thanks man i will try that hopefully thats all it is and not electrical, dont really feel like stiping down the eletrical system in the dak. Ill let u no if that is the issue.