Let's have a look at this 1998 Dodge Intrepid ES 3.2l V-6 that was towed in for a no start, no crank. Assuming it may be just a simple starter I did not bust out the camera right away but I soon discovered the security light was on. So join me as we have a look into this car to find it is a no communication issue from module to module on the Chrysler PCI BUS however we can still talk to the ECM!? Sounds like fun right!?
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49 thoughts on “Dodge intrepid – no start, no crank, no communication”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Koby Avery says:

    I had one of these cars for about 8 years, when you said you had to find the bcm I literally laughed out loud! Have to lay on your back with your head under the dash to get at it. Love the channel!

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars J Kaehler says:

    This one seems straightforward and simple to me you can communicate with the engine control but the body control module is not communicating it's usually a sign of a bad body control module and also when they go bad they automatically put the car into Anti-Theft. Okay I'll admit it I was wrong. Because the transmission and the instrument cluster communicating either it's not the BCM it's the ECM. THAT JUST GOES TO SHOW DON'T TAKE THE EASY WAY OUT. I naturally assumed it would be the body control module because that's usually the case and I was wrong.

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Andiar Rohnds says:

    man, that DRB-III is gangster…. need to swap that LCD into a jumbo gameboy

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Timothy Cooney says:

    Bravo! Thanks for such an interesting case study. As a backyard hack, I'm in awe of your troubleshooting abilities.

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Lou Sassel says:

    What was the problem..

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Lou Sassel says:

    Your location

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars justin watch says:

    When you plugged the BRB into the BOB I was going to call the BBB on you, BUB. 😂

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars BrentnAnita says:

    Wish I could take my f150 to you. Definitly worth the $$$ when you know you will get a fix.

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Shane Stencil says:

    got a 99 3.2 es thats been running hard sense i changed the fuel filter,..starts and run's,,however a few starts it shuts off,,then starts right back up..Any ideas?..

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars James Anderson says:

    I want you to get a little chuckle on removing an ECM on LH Chrysler body style .

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ron Wade says:

    Show 'em how to polish headlights.

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ron Wade says:

    Pamona, California.

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ray Hope says:

    i have the identical car, year, engine and color with similar problems, if you were not 500 miles away i would have ya fix it!

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars michael weeks says:

    love watching a man at work ! like the way you approach electrical problems and the way you break them down !

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Anthony Coppotelli says:

    No check engine light . There is your first clue

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mark Jackson says:

    — You mean to tell me, a Dodge Intrepid made it 300,000 plus miles? I wouldn't have believed you if you said 30,000 miles.

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Russell Dolter says:

    You mispronounced it Eric it's Dodge decrepid

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Emad Goodie says:

    Excellent video. my question why using 3.9 amp bulb instead of test light?

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Frugal Family Fun says:

    Could this be a problem with a '98 Dodge Intrepid with a 2.7L also

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bill Smith says:

    We has a similar early 1990's model that was bought at auction . It needed a few small items and was going to be sold . After changing the spark plugs , my friend demanded the fuel filter be changed . I would have done a pressure and volume test from the fuel rail . The filter required dropping the tank . No fun .

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars peter sack says:

    thankyou. i have a 96 intrepid, 3.3 litre, 4 door. its got 286,800 miles, and starts good, burns NO OIL. only the front seal, sweats a little. all else works wonderfully. i bought a thinkcar obd scanner, but, i think the cars' tech, is too old for this tool. It says, 'is it properly connected ?' from scotty kilmers' advice, i bought the scanner. thanks for any advice. the cars' engine light is on always, but over the last 5000 plus miles, engine/tranny works good. any ideas ???

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars George Olinger says:

    Is this scanner still available DRB ?

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Detailed Auto Diagnostics says:

    So, this is not a signal in/signal out?? This is a back and forth signal on the same wire??

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars speedster says:

    Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us. if you see this many you can answer a question for me? I have a 2007 nieson aultimer service engine is on. Not all the time but I would say 6 out of 10 times When she comes to a full stop I press gas pedal and she hesitates for a few seconds then drives normal. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks for all you showed us. God Bless you and your family.

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jim Vet says:

    good job……….. I would love to see that car brought back to the best operating condition possible. as long as the rust worms haven't had it's way with it.

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars None None says:

    Junk

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars 44 Hawk says:

    Just install a new string between the two cans.

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars blazeandcyrus says:

    Great, great video brother… Is there are part 2 to this?

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars William White says:

    219k miles and people talk crap about chrysler products.

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kevin Miller says:

    Nothing simple about that diagnosis. Most would have given up and loaded up the parts cannon. Probably cost more than the cars worth unless it was a junkyard part. Great job.

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Andy Citarella says:

    That's some great troubleshooting there. Most shops aren't fixing that problem.

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Zoran S says:

    I have a 2004 Chrysler intrepid and for the last 2 years I have been having a hell of a time trying to figure out why my rad fans are not kicking on when the engine is hot… My thermostat gauge stays normal.. but if I turn off the blower motor for the heater core in the car the car will start boiling over and steam coming from under the hood,. I changed the thermostat switch on the coolant line.. and still nothing.. when I set the HVAC in the car to "windshield" the fans turn on but on a low setting.. most likely for the A/C pump.. from what I have been reading its leading me to believe that the engine modual is controling the fan relay.. has anyone else had this?

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Shane Harrison says:

    Nope naied it

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Vincent Bozzone says:

    Would it be easier to get at it from underneath?

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Paublus Americanus AMERICANUS says:

    I think this was your most difficult to understand diagnosis. I doubt this car goes on the road again because of your formidable area. I grew up in Oregon near the coast and if you got out in the surf the car was a gonner. It rusted out in less than a year and one glance would tell you of any such cars back in the 50's and 60's.

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars slashnburndotcodotuk says:

    As you asked so nicely. I would have unplugged the ECM once i had seen communication on that wire under the bonnet, to see if the comms trace was going in or coming out of the ECM. Had i seen evidence of comms on the scope, i would have unplugged the BCM, noted the scope trace, then reconnected the ECM
    This would have established wiring integrity between the BCM and the ECM, and that communication was only coming from the BCM.
    For the home mechanic without a dual trace scope, an LED test lamp would suffice to see comms between the modules. Greetings from England. Learned a lot from your videos. So thanks for that😁

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Philipverne jules says:

    ..why do we all tolerate this unnecessary complicated stuff in vehicles we buy . Don't need sensors ,catalytic co verters , or ECU .

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars JT H says:

    I see this is a old video but I am working on no com issues now – I have an OTC Bob just like yours and a 4 channel pico scope… I was looking at your procedure to determine which direction the com signal was coming from – I think after you pierced at the pcm you could have just unplugged or pulled the fuse on the BCM to see if the com signals were coming from the BCM or not. If the signal goes away you know three things – wire is good – BCM is good – PCM is bad…. nice video ….

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dakota Stevens says:

    Definitely a very very thorough diagnosis. Im a Chrysler certified tech at a dealer currently and you my friend have more stuff up in your noodle about electrically diag than anyone I’ve truthfully ever seen.

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars the do it myself channel says:

    I'll stay with old school

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Clifford Hill says:

    Is the drb an effective tool to use on today's modern GM's and Chrysler?

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Patrick Allen says:

    is it possible to do a quick ground test / past reading on chry communication systems was a daunting/ right now i have a 00 grand caravan that pretty much doesnt run i think it ran for about almost a minute tried swapping some relays no change no crank no start has some jumper wires for the power seat and a knife switch on bat and no turn signals curious on peicring tool part# i dont have any of your advanced tools i think some of my com to you was somhow deleted in the past patrickallen85@yahoo all i have is a dvom 7a otc3111/ test leads &wires light

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dennis Goodrich says:

    1998 seems like just yesterday, until I do the math. Where did the time go? ! ?

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars jbeez says:

    Can you do a full tutorial on that Bob like you did with the power probe? Not a lot of info online