Last week, our team at vcdstool.com was called to a dealership to diagnose a perplexing no-start issue on a 2014 Dodge Dart. The vehicle had just undergone a clutch slave cylinder replacement, but post-assembly, it refused to crank or start. The technician on site was facing communication trouble, noting codes related to radio communication loss and no communication with the Central Timer Module (CTM). Could these communication faults, flagged by the scan tool, be the root cause of the no-start condition? The flashing odometer on the instrument cluster hinted at potential PROXI alignment problems after battery disconnection, a known issue in these vehicles. Initial thoughts pointed towards a vehicle configuration or PROXI alignment problem preventing the engine from turning over. The flashing cluster seemed to reinforce this theory.
Further complicating matters, this Dodge Dart was equipped with an aftermarket radio. We quickly learned that for the PROXI alignment procedure to complete successfully, the original factory radio needed to be present and functional. Removing the aftermarket unit wasn’t an option in the vehicle’s configuration. To proceed, we sourced a used radio, matching the original model. However, another hurdle arose: the radio required an activation code. Chrysler dealerships, bound by protocol, couldn’t provide the code, especially as it needed to be tied to the original VIN, not the current one. Thankfully, leveraging our diagnostic software (Witech) and the assistance of a contact, we retrieved the correct code from the configuration data. The technician successfully got the replacement radio operational. I then stepped in to perform a vehicle configuration restore and PROXI learn using our scan tool. Despite these efforts, the Dodge Dart remained stubbornly in a no-start state.
Despite the initial scan tool readings and PROXI concerns, there was no immobilizer lamp illuminated, and scan data indicated a valid start position. Logically, the car should have started. Shifting focus from software and communication glitches, I began to investigate the starter circuit itself. Testing at the upper relay revealed voltage when the ignition key was turned. A Green and Yellow wire, seemingly a robust #10 gauge, ran from the relay towards the starter. It appeared unlikely that this wire was damaged enough to impede current flow. A visual inspection from above didn’t reveal any obvious disconnections. With the day ending and no immediate solution, we paused the diagnosis, asking the service advisor to have the technician thoroughly check the Green and Yellow wire, ground connections, and the starter itself.
Returning the next day, we found the technician had diligently followed up, checking the Green and Yellow wire and even bench-testing the starter – all seemed in order. To further pinpoint the issue, I had the vehicle lifted with the ignition in the ‘on’ position. Using a power probe, I directly applied power to the starter solenoid. Nothing. Puzzled, I then touched the probe to the starter case, expecting a continuity tone indicating a ground. Silence. Visually, the ground strap connected to the transmission appeared secure.
Moving over to the ground strap itself and probing it, the continuity tone rang clear. Back to the starter case – still no tone. Reaching up and physically grasping the ground strap, I discovered it was loose, almost hand-tight at the case connection. From a casual glance, the loose bolt was against the case, masking the problem. Instructing the technician to tighten the bolt, I re-applied power to the starter solenoid with the power probe. The Dodge Dart instantly roared to life.
The crucial takeaway from this Dodge Dart no-start saga is that while sophisticated scan tools are indispensable for modern vehicle diagnostics, they are just one piece of the puzzle. In this instance, the initial scan tool data pointed towards communication and PROXI alignment issues, understandably diverting our attention. However, the root cause was a simple, often overlooked mechanical fault: a loose ground strap. While “starter motor open circuit” codes weren’t present (and perhaps aren’t always necessary), a bit of old-fashioned common sense and methodical circuit testing proved invaluable.
We initially pursued two logical diagnostic paths: information loss due to battery disconnection (supported by the flashing cluster) and potential issues arising from the transmission work. Both were valid considerations. Ultimately, this experience underscores the importance of a balanced diagnostic approach. Scan tools like those offered at vcdstool.com are essential for navigating complex vehicle systems, reading codes, performing PROXI alignments, and accessing crucial data. However, they shouldn’t overshadow the fundamentals of automotive repair. Always remember to check the basics – wiring, connections, and grounds – because sometimes, the solution is simpler than the sophisticated technology might initially suggest. Even if the PROXI issues were genuine and needed addressing, rectifying the ground issue was paramount to getting the vehicle running and allowing further diagnostics, if needed. This case serves as a potent reminder: a comprehensive diagnostic strategy employs both advanced scan tools and time-tested troubleshooting techniques.
