Cranks but will not start scanner won't read?

Tiny
J.STIEG
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 DODGE RAM
  • 5.2L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
Engine cranks but will not start. There is no spark and the scanner won't read.
Monday, September 8th, 2025 AT 11:51 AM

27 Replies

Tiny
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Hello, have you checked pin 16 of the data link connector for power? Pins 4 and 5 are Grounds also. Ill post a diagram of it
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Monday, September 8th, 2025 AT 12:50 PM
Tiny
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Heres the pinout for the data link connector and the data bus diagram which shows where pin 16 gets its power from (fuse 17 left dash fuse box). I would go through with a test light and check all the fuses in the vehicle. Let us know if you find any blown fuses so we can pull wiring diagrams for those circuits.
Does the Check engine light come on when you turn the key On?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse
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Monday, September 8th, 2025 AT 12:59 PM
Tiny
J.STIEG
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Yes it has power at DLC pin 16 from cigarette lighter fuse, Also has ground at 4 and 5.
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Monday, September 8th, 2025 AT 12:59 PM
Tiny
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Im seeing power for the DLC coming from Fuse 17, thats even on the oem diagrams
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Monday, September 8th, 2025 AT 1:06 PM
Tiny
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Do you have a check engine light coming on at key On for at least a few seconds?
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Monday, September 8th, 2025 AT 1:08 PM
Tiny
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Fuse 9 powers the control side of the Auto shut down relay and fuel pump relay, which is hot with the key on or cranking. It also sends power to the Ignition pin of the PCM.
Fuse 4 in the Power Dist fuse block (engine compartment) powers the load side of the those relays, they power the ignition coil and injectors.
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Monday, September 8th, 2025 AT 1:22 PM
Tiny
J.STIEG
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No check engine light, Just airbag and oil light.
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Monday, September 8th, 2025 AT 1:23 PM
Tiny
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Here are the PCM diagrams for power from the Auto shut down relay, if you have power at the PCM on pin A2, I would also check for a 5volt Reference at the MAP sensor since its the easiest to get to.
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Monday, September 8th, 2025 AT 1:29 PM
Tiny
J.STIEG
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The PCM won't ground ASD relay or the fuel pump relay.
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Monday, September 8th, 2025 AT 1:30 PM
Tiny
J.STIEG
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I get.75 volts at MAP 5 volt reference supply.
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Monday, September 8th, 2025 AT 1:33 PM
Tiny
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Ok, Do you have battery voltage at those relays though? If so, then with the MAP ref voltage being so low, start to unplug any 3 wire sensor that uses a 5 volt reference. Do them one at a time and see if the 5 volts comes back, because if a sensor is shorting the 5volt ref down, it will cause the PCM to go down as well. This is a common fault. The crank sensor also uses a 5volt ref. But start with the MAP, unplug it check for the 5volts, if its still at the same reading, plug the MAP back in and move on to the next 3 wire sensor. You can even just monitor the 5v ref at the MAP while unplugging other sensors. On an older vehicle like this the reference voltage will be a shared 5v. Ill post all the other sensors that use the ref voltage.
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Monday, September 8th, 2025 AT 1:59 PM
Tiny
J.STIEG
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I disconnected the MAP and TPS no change. I can't easily access the other sensors. So I cut both the 5 volt reference wires 8 inches away from pcm, Now with the 5 volt wires going nowhere I measured again and still get.75 volts, Powers and grounds at PCM check to be good as well.
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Monday, September 8th, 2025 AT 2:14 PM
Tiny
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These are all the sensors that use a 5v reference. Ive added the temperature sensors as well, usually 2 wire temperature sensors have their own dedicated 5v ref, which is pulled low according to the resistance of the sensor, and thats how the PCM reads the temp sensors signal. So if you get through the 3 wire sensors with no change, you can check them as well.
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Monday, September 8th, 2025 AT 2:21 PM
Tiny
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Well thats a different situation. Youre getting the same 0.75v on the other 3 wire sensors?
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Monday, September 8th, 2025 AT 2:23 PM
Tiny
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Try unplugging some temperature sensors. I like your diag style I must say though, its right to the point.
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Monday, September 8th, 2025 AT 2:24 PM
Tiny
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Did you load test powers and grounds for the PCM? I use a higher amperage test light to do so, such as a turn signal bulb, so it will make sure the circuit can carry some current. Just make sure the PCM connectors are unplugged.
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Monday, September 8th, 2025 AT 2:26 PM
Tiny
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And you continuity from the ASD relay control wire to the PCM I assume?
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Monday, September 8th, 2025 AT 2:30 PM
Tiny
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I do see a connector (C125) on the control side of the ASD relay to the PCM.
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Monday, September 8th, 2025 AT 2:39 PM
Tiny
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Assuming there is power at the ASD location
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Monday, September 8th, 2025 AT 2:41 PM
Tiny
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I did not try the light bulb test. I back probed the PCM with a back probed and the power is not dropping while connected and in use.
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Monday, September 8th, 2025 AT 2:48 PM

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