I just purchased a 2002 350 van with a 5.9 gas engine. I was working fine a year ago when it was set up. The problems are as follows.

Engine light is on, air bag light is on, and starter will not engage from the key, a/c clutch will not engage from the switch, speedometer doesn't work, the windshield wipers will work if you turn the ignition switch off and on a few times and continues to work until you turn the ignition off.

I checked the power to distribution centers and metered all fuses for continuity. All OK. Swapped out relays, no help.
Son in law checked for error codes and there were none.

With all the problems I think it has to be related to the ecm?
HELP ME PLEASE. All suggestions appreciated. I'm from the old school and all the electronics make it difficult to trouble shoot.
thanks..............

 

Starter: Check for hot power to large wire at all times, then check for power at the small wire when the key is turned to start. If power when the key is turned to start replace defective starter. If no power to starter's small wire then look for a three wire connector on the back left side of the transmission, pull the plug and with a continuity meter check that while the transmission is in park that there is continuity between the center pin of the switch on the transmission and its case, if not replace the defective switch. The outer two pins are for the reverse lamps.

The AC will not engage unless the engine is running, I would not worry about it until the engine is able to run.

For the Check Engine lamp do the key dance and look at the digital odometer for what codes it will display. Key dance is with out starting the engine Key on-off-on-off-on with in 5 seconds. Once you have the codes post them here.

Airbag lamp will have to be diagnosed by Chrysler with their DRB-III scanner. Or someone whom has that ability on their scanner, most store bought scanners under $300.00 can not do that.

What voltage and condition is the battery at this time? Has it been charged up after setting for a year?

 

For one, your engine size is a 5.9L/360cid.

1. check to make sure your van has the right part for the CTM ... http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2000/08-26-00.htm

2. Replace the the ignition switch since starting with the key and messing around with it to get the wipers working.

3. You need to do the instrument cluster "test all gauges" routine to verify that the BCM is working correctly.

 

All of these issues can be caused by a bad ignition switch. I agree with stev that it needs to be replaced.

 

The engine runs great after I jumper 12v to the starter solenoid. Also jumpered power to the compressor. fan in front works fine but rear ac fan doesn't.
codes on the speedo are p0500, p0645, p0462
Will see about a new ingition sw tomorrow.
thanks folks, every little bit of info helps. ... Leroy

 

P0462 1T: Fuel Level Sensing Unit Low Input Conditions: Key on or engine running; system voltage over 10.5v and the PCM detected the fuel level sensing unit signal indicated less than 0.98v, condition met for 200 seconds. No MIL. Possible Causes: Fuel level sending unit signal circuit shorted to Sensor ground Fuel level sending unit signal circuit shorted to chassis ground Fuel level sensing unit is damaged or the fuel tank is damaged BCM or PCM has failed.

P0500 1T: Vehicle Speed Sensor Circuit Fault Conditions: Engine started; engine runtime over 31 seconds, ECT Sensor more than 180°F, transaxle not in Park or Neutral, brakes not applied, engine speed over 1800 rpm, MAP Sensor less than 11" Hg, and the PCM did not detect a VSS signal from the TCM for over 11 seconds. Possible Causes: VSS or OSS signal circuit to the PCM is open or shorted to ground VSS or OSS power circuit (8v) is open or shorted to ground VSS or OSS ground circuit to the PCM is open Speedometer pinion or the VSS is damaged or has failed.

P0645 1T: A/C Clutch Relay Circuit Malfunction Conditions: Engine started; system voltage over 10.0v, A/C switch "on". The PCM detected an unexpected voltage condition (open or shorted condition) on the A/C Clutch relay control circuit during the CCM test. Possible Causes: Internally fused ignition switch output circuit is faulty A/C relay clutch control circuit is open or it is shorted to ground A/C relay clutch power supply (fused ignition) circuit is open A/C relay is damaged or it has failed PCM has failed.

 

After looking at the codes you posted IMO, you need to be looking at the wiring harness for corrosion/damage or if a squirrel has been munching on your van while you sleep. That area up under the shroud is a very popular place within the critter community. However, that's going on PCM codes alone. You need the codes from the rest of the modules to get you started on the right track. It's just all speculation for now.

 

The circuits for all three of those trouble codes are powered by the ignition circuit. So once again the common point is the ignition switch.

 

Installed new battery and new speed sensor on top of differential.
Still no speedometer. Only code now is the 0500, will reconnect the a/c clutch wires and see what happens. Wipers now ok and fuel gauge ok.
Also had a mechanic test the ecu and other than the 0500 code the ecu tested fine. Fuel mileage came up from 6 to about 11.
he couldn't access the bcm without buying a new program.

 

All fixed, thanks for the input. Turned out to be the plug on the ingnition
switch wasn't locked in.
Thanks folks......... Leroy