TCM HELP....please. CODE P1698
 

Hey gang,

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

Fuses? The TCM is a weird lookin square fuse. Mine went out and it did similar stuff... amazing how tranny control makes the rest of the truck go crazy.

I'm actually running and shifting fine....just screwed up electronics. Head lights, tail lights on with no switch control, no wipers, blinkers, etc.

I just got my hands on a service manual.....I'm still hoping to resolve this myself, but any advice is needed and appreciated.

I think your power distribution box might be the problem here. No switch control since the relays aren't operating. Probably the box.

Thanks, I'll give that a look.

I also discovered last night that I have the same symptoms when I don't start the engine, and only turn the key on. Not sure if this changes anything...it kind of confused me.