2000 Dodge Dakota I Changed the battery

RUSS_DELANEY

MEMBER
2000 DODGE DAKOTA
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
115,000 MILES

I just replaced the original battery. New battery purchased at autozone, it's smaller in physical size, but they assured me it was compatable. After installing this new battery (I attached the possitive lead first) none of my gages work, almost all my caution lights on on and the digital read-out for my mialage says No buS. What's wrong, any ideas on how to fix?

Monday, December 29th, 2008 AT 12:52 PM

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi:

The "BUS" is the system Chrysler uses for it's computers to communicate on this truck. The error in the odometer means that the cluster is not receiving any messages. Any of the computers on the truck can bring down the BUS. Ie pcm, abs, airbag, ctm, cluster, overhead mssg center, etc. The wiring in between can also be the cause.

Were there any problems before this happened?

Joe

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Monday, December 29th, 2008 AT 3:33 PM

RUSS_DELANEY

MEMBER
2 POSTS

There were no problems before I changed the battery. I brought my truck in to a Dodge dealership today, and they say its the "cluster" on the instrument pannel that is bad, and that it will cost $800 to purchase a new one.

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Tuesday, December 30th, 2008 AT 8:12 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi again:
Have you given them the ok to replace the cluster? It just doesn't sound right to me. The nobus indicates there is no signal to the cluster. If there is no signal, how did they identify the cluster as bad? By replacing a battery, I can't believe the cluster went. I feel there is a bad connection at the main power distribution center or a problem at the body control module (BCM). If possible, and only if you want, you may want a second opinion before going through with the new cluster. I'm not 100 % sure it isn't bad, but better safe than sorry.

Let me know what you decide.

Joe

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Tuesday, December 30th, 2008 AT 10:20 PM