Not your normal No Bus

basicstencer · Oct 7, 2019

Hey guys, new to the forums. Recently picked up an 01 1500 with the 5.2. Stripper model with AC and auto trans. First thing I noticed was the No Bus. Now, from what I normally see, this is usually a ground or PCM issue. Even with the no bus, the truck runs excellent. Went through after reading a ton of threads and cleaned all my grounds, checked all my connections, etc. After dicking with it for a bit, I found out the cluster does work, but only with the headlights and brights on. It doesn't work under any other scenario. So, has anyone else had this happen? I can at least drive the truck with the brights on, but I'd like to have them off now and then as well.

Thanks

Fast69Mopar · Oct 7, 2019

basicstencer said:
Hey guys, new to the forums. Recently picked up an 01 1500 with the 5.2. Stripper model with AC and auto trans. First thing I noticed was the No Bus. Now, from what I normally see, this is usually a ground or PCM issue. Even with the no bus, the truck runs excellent. Went through after reading a ton of threads and cleaned all my grounds, checked all my connections, etc. After dicking with it for a bit, I found out the cluster does work, but only with the headlights and brights on. It doesn't work under any other scenario. So, has anyone else had this happen? I can at least drive the truck with the brights on, but I'd like to have them off now and then as well.

Thanks

Are you saying that the instrument cluster only works with the headllamp switch turned on and the high-beams on as well?

Like no gauges or warning indicators until the headllamp switch is turned on?

Also, check for water intrusion/corrosion at the ABS Module connector. It is located on the left inner fender.

I have seen plenty of the BR/BE trucks come in with a NO BUS message in the instrument cluster and found water in the ABS connector.

basicstencer · Oct 8, 2019

Warning indicators yes, but when the brights are switched on the warning lights go away and the odometer starts working, along with all the gauges.

I'll recheck the connection tonight when I get home.

Fast69Mopar · Oct 8, 2019

basicstencer said:
Warning indicators yes, but when the brights are switched on the warning lights go away and the odometer starts working, along with all the gauges.

I'll recheck the connection tonight when I get home.

Does the speedometer, tach, oil pressure, volt meter, coolant temp gauges work only when the high-beams are engaged?

basicstencer · Oct 8, 2019

Fast69Mopar said:
Does the speedometer, tach, oil pressure, volt meter, coolant temp gauges work only when the high-beams are engaged?

Yes. With the high beams on everything functions as normal, without nothing works and I get no bus on the cluster.

Fast69Mopar · Oct 8, 2019

basicstencer said:
Yes. With the high beams on everything functions as normal, without nothing works and I get no bus on the cluster.

Okay. I'm looking through the wiring diagram to see which way to go.

Fast69Mopar · Oct 8, 2019

basicstencer said:
Yes. With the high beams on everything functions as normal, without nothing works and I get no bus on the cluster.

Also, check something in the Power Distribution Center under the hood on the left side (driver side).

Take the cover off of the PDC and check the brass screws on the large GEN fuse. They are located at the end of the B+ wires. I have found those screws loose/stripped and unable to allow the correct amount of voltage and amperage to pass through. I have found a couple of these lose and causing the NO BUS message in the cluster.

basicstencer · Oct 8, 2019

Fast69Mopar said:
Also, check something in the Power Distribution Center under the hood on the left side (driver side).

Take the cover off of the PDC and check the brass screws on the large GEN fuse. They are located at the end of the B+ wires. I have found those screws loose/stripped and unable to allow the correct amount of voltage and amperage to pass through. I have found a couple of these lose and causing the NO BUS message in the cluster.

Those have been removed, cleaned, and reinstalled about 4 days ago. It was a little crusty but tightened up nice.

Fast69Mopar · Oct 8, 2019

basicstencer said:
Those have been removed, cleaned, and reinstalled about 4 days ago. It was a little crusty but tightened up nice.

Okay, good. One less thing to worry about. You're going to have to download the 2001 Ram factory service manual from the 2nd Gen DIY forum and look through the wiring diagram for the instrument cluster and the front lighting. It's really easy to follow.

Not your normal No Bus

basicstencer

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