Ghost in the machine

[tempoleftys]

Greetings, 2013 Ram 1500 3.6L. Died suddenly, had it at 2 shops including dealer. 1st shop couldn't fix, dealer wanted 17K for new engine. We got her running but is in limp mode. Codes present: P0523, P2305. Pending: P300, P2317. 0V at 02 sensor (B2S1). Replaced sensor with non-OEM=same results. Replaced with OEM=same results. Grounds are good. Checked continuity from O2 sensor connector to PCM connector: ground good/heater control supply good/ signal good/ O2 return has no continuity to PCM, but does to ground. Is this normal?, I'm seeing that the return may be a 2nd ground? On OBD II we are not getting any data for the Short Term Fuel Trims. Air Fuel Ratio reading is good (14.7), but does not fluctuate with throttle. Previously replaced the PCM (remanufactured), Ignition module, IAT, MAF. Yes we loaded the parts cannon but have not been able to get any improvement. I never knew how much fun it is tearing into wire looms; no wonder no one ever shows this on fix it videos. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[Burla]

How old is the battery and plugs? Swap plugs and coil pack with #2?

 

[tempoleftys]

Burla,
The battery is new (from dealer for the bargain price of $400). Just for clarification, are you saying to get new plug and coil for cylinder #2?. Thanks

 

[tempoleftys]

Also, plugs are not new but looked pretty good upon inspection.

 

[Burla]

Burla,
The battery is new (from dealer for the bargain price of $400). Just for clarification, are you saying to get new plug and coil for cylinder #2?. Thanks

No, good question, always swap with another coil plug combo to see if code travels or new code pops up. #2 is a weak guess due to the fact you didn't have 0302, but worth a shot. Just swap with any other close cylinder. I'd also test voltages in coil packs with multi meter.

Mind you two dealers cant fix it so we are tossing terds at this point.

 

[tempoleftys]

Understood; thanks. As far as the two dealers, one was Midas who to their credit suggested that I take it to a dealer (no charge). The other was a Dodge dealer that ran up $700 in diagnostics + the battery and told me I needed a new engine @ $17K. Their work was very suspect. They never got the truck started and had no codes.

 

[Marshall]

My take on it is your dealer don't have a clue what the hell they are doing.
did they even put a meter on it/, Don't sound like it , charging for BS.

 

[04fxdwgi]

Never assume a part is good, just because it's "NEW". Seen many bad "new out of the package" parts, including batteries.

Trust, but verify.

Find another dealer. Any service facility that replaces parts, charges you for those parts and labor and doesn't repair the problem, is not a repair shop. It is a rip off shop.