twinzilla

My brother went out to start his 04' Ram 2500 (HO Cummins, 48RE) this morning and it was dead (wouldn't turn over and no dash lights). However the power windows, lights, stereo, etc all work (batteries are good). He went through all the fuses and they are all good.
If anyone has any ideas what to check next, I would greatly appreciate the advise. As I mentioned earlier the dash/gauges are pretty much dead also. The odometer and "door ajar" light will come on when the door is open but that is it....none of the other lights will come on ("wait to start", "check engine", etc). Thanks.

vzdude

Sounds like a FCM ! May need a scanner to diagnose. Still under any warranty?

twinzilla

Thanks vzdude, I was thinking that may be it also. My brother is the 3rd owner and he didn't get any warranty information with the truck but we'll definitely look into that. It's got the Banks 6-gun tuner, so we'll probably have to pull that before we take it in (if we can't fix it first).

twinzilla

Just put the scanner on it and it said there was no reponse from the computer. I assume this could mean that the computer is just not getting power, or that it is toasted??

Could this be due to a bad ignition switch?

vzdude

Which module were you trying to look at? Some aftermarket scanners may not have the ability to talk to the FCM. They should all do the ECM and PCM via the Generic OBDII ability. You may also try to disconnect the batteries for a time, and see if that will "reset" the FCM.

vzdude

Also..... any codes? Key on, key off 4 times , not starting or cranking any of the times - ending in the on position. Should show P and 4 digits after that. That would be a good start.

vzdude

Where is he/truck at? Maybe someone close can come help?

twinzilla

We just tried to scan through the OBDII port, not sure what module this would look at?? When I get out of work I'll try looking for the codes and disconnect the batteries. What exactly is the FCM? I know what the ECM and PCM are, just not familiar with the FCM.
Thanks again for the help, I appreciate it.

twinzilla

Binghamton, NY area

vzdude

It is called the Front Control Module. Wish I was closer to be able to help! The FCM controls tons of electrical functions like lights, starter relay and almost all the relays and stuff like that. Have heard a lot of problems with them. Have any lightning near you last night? Heard that has messed with a couple of them.

twinzilla

Actually we did have a storm go through last night!

I will try disconnecting the batteries and looking for the codes and if I don't come up with anything I will start with the FCM. Thanks again man, I greatly appreciate it!

Matt S

If it's not under warranty you might try Lang's Diesel. I've used them before. They might be better than Miller Dodge cost and performance wise.

twinzilla

Well, we tried the batteries and replaced the ignition switch and it was a no-go. FCM is next but the local dealership is telling us that if the FCM is bad, the PCM probably went with it. Anyone know if there is any truth to that? Thanks again.

vzdude

Possible, but what the heck, try the FCM, and may still need the PCM, but I wouldn't blindly replace both of them just because.

twinzilla

We just installed the new FCM and it was still a no-go

Whatcha think next, try the PCM? One other point of interest we found while the column was apart and we were replacing the ignition switch is it may of had remote start on it at some point. I'm a little worried this could of been caused by some shoddy installation work of some aftermarket electronics (i.e. remote start that isn't there anymore, theft deterrent, banks 6-gun).

My brother might just need to have it towed to the dealership, but we're really trying to avoid it. Thanks again for the help.