Instru cluster/start circuit integration

From time to time on this and other forums you read about the dreaded no start situation sometimes concurrent with dead speedos or tachs. They bang on the dash and bingo Bob - it starts. Then you read the fix is resoldering bad solder joints on the instrument cluster circuit board or connector. I don't recall reading specifically how the cluster ties into the start system. I can see wiring common to the BCM and PCM and cluster but, labeling doesn't lend itself to clearify it. Does anyone have specifics on the integration and which contacts on the cluster causes the no start? :dunno:

I'm more interested in 3rd gen vans but, any info on any gen will help us all.

Just looking for more info for the toolbox. No problem to fix.

Looking at the prints, I don't see a reason for the no start except for one thing, the connection to the CCD Bus. The BCM(Body Control Module),PCM(Powertrain Control Module),TCM(Transmission Control Module),Air Bag System Diagnostic Module, ABS Module, Travel Module(If Equipped),Full ATS Display Head and the Instrument Cluster all communicate or take info off of the CCD Bus. It is possible that the CCD bus is disabled when the wiring is messed up on the Inst Cluster or there is some mandatory software handshaking that does not take place. For instance, the PCM may require status from the Cluster that it is capable of turning on the Check Engine Light if required before a start is allowed. I tend to think there is more than one variety of connection problem the Cluster can exhibit because some folks display just blanks out while going down the road and the engine stays running. Some you can't even start.
Just my opinion

Thanks for hopin on this. When you say prints are you saying factory service manual prints? Ya have to agree the CCD bus is the likely suspect. Just wish there were prints available that made it crystal clear. Lots of info rides on that bus but specifics on why this or that fails is a mystery. Got a hunch this won't be answered until I can find prints and narratives on internal PCM/TCM/BCM and cluster functions. The day that happens is when we all win the lottery.

Yes I have a 2000 Factory Service Manual with wiring prints and a couple of 2000 Diagnostic Manuals(these Deal mostly with power train diagnostics and ABS diags.) I did buy the 2006 Wiring Diagram Book, but have not sprung for the main 2006 Service Manual yet. If they had a book that explains the software, it would make a lot of things clearer, but there is no way they would do that. The only source for some of that info. might be factory training course materials. For an instance of intermodule comm., I noticed once, that if the BCM looses communications on the CCD Bus with the ABS controller, it will assume the ABS is unable to turn on the ABS light, and the BCM will then turn it on.

Hi you guys,
Like you, I too really wanted to find the common thread, I have a subscription to alldata and printed out all the related schematics, never was able to determine exact relationship.
Some clues that may help:
once the car is running it will stay running, the effect of the solder joint opening is strictly the gauges going dead and then coming back to life.
if the engine fails to start you get three chances to try again, if those next attempts fail as well you get locked out of the starting system completly (as though the anti theft system is locking you out(?)) Perhaps the Tach input is being monitored by the PCM through the CCD bus and is missing the signal or ground(?) dont know! as I said I studied it for quite some time but was never able to connect the dots, PLEASE, if you do find the common link please post the answer.
Thanks a ton,
Bob

I have this same problem as stated in the opening post on this thread. I wish I coud fix it! About a year ago my 97 caravan would start and then quit running after 10 seconds. I noticed the speedometer and tach lights were out. Towed to dealer he couldn't fix it. Problem continued, however I read on this sight that if you hit the dash above the intrument panel the speedometer and tach lights would come on and the car would start. I tried this and to my amazement and laughing out loud it worked. I have continued to do this about one a month and now lately once a week. Only on two occations I couldn't slap the thing to run. I am starting to get nervous now that every time I drive tha car I might get stranded, plus the needles in the speedometer and tach fell off due to the slapping:banghead:

Does anyone have a fix for this yet? I was thinking of buying a used instrument cluster to try to fix the problem. Is this where the circut board is located in the above posts?

For those electrically inclined here is a link to the interconnection diagram of the CCD Bus for a 1998 minivan.
http://www.autotechonwheels.com/images/smmar05/Figure4.jpg
here is the link to some repair info. on the instrument cluster.
http://www.ingriddijkers.com/CaravanPics.html

Thanks Stretch! That is exactly what I was looking for. I will post the results in a couple of weeks.

Thanks again!

Rustypierce - Read through this thread and while there check out the forum:http://forum.chryslerminivan.net/showthread.php?t=6310

Stretch58 - A schematic with contact numbers! What a concept! Thanks

This is absolutely the best thread that I have ever used!!! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Complete job only took about an hour. The directions in this photo show could not have been any clearer. The exact pin and solder point was broken in my caravan under examination through magnifing glass.

Thank You 98t&c

98T&c post below!

I made a tutorial photoshow to get you through.
I am hoping the Caravan is pretty close to the Town and Country.

Click on the link below and then 'watch', the show will play. Turn up the sound and you can sing along. If you want to study any pictures in more detail or download them, just click the 'Album' tab after the movie is done playing.

Let me know if you like it. Or if you have any questions.

http://photoshow.comcast.net/watch/uQ6gE3nV (http://photoshow.comcast.net/watch/uQ6gE3nV)

Regards,
Randy
http://forum.chryslerminivan.net/images/buttons/post_thanks.gif (http://forum.chryslerminivan.net/showthread.php?do=post_thanks_add&p=50516)

Rip

Also a big Thank You to you for directing me to the other forum!!!

Much appreciated!

Too Cool Randy!!
Sweet video!, and congratulations on getting it fixed!
Well done,
Bob