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2001 Cummins dead electrical system

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Old May 4, 2020 | 12:51 PM
  #1  
Esequiel's Avatar
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2001 Cummins dead electrical system

I have a 2001 3500 Cummins. I replaced the ecm and PCM about a month ago. I replaced the batteries about two weeks ago with interstate. I drove it yesterday with no problems, parked it for the night. Then today when I went to start it, it wouldn't start I had the alternator tested while it was on the truck and then removed it and had it tested on the bench, and it passed both tests . No lights or gauges work inside or outside. Starter won't turn either. Checked the batteries with a volts meter and they are good. Put the charger on anyway, and still won't start. What could be the problem? I also tried putting the old PCM back on but didn't work still.
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Old May 4, 2020 | 02:28 PM
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From: Austria Europe
I'd guess either a problem in the PDC on the driver's side fender, or a grounds problem.

If you have jump start cables you can try connecting battery negative with the engine block with one of them, followed by connecting battery negative with the chassis or body. See if you get some lights or indications working like that.

Also test the cable going from the drivers side battery into the PDC, check all fuses.

If you have a voltmeter or a test light, put one end on a battery plus, check against chassis ground. Should read 12.x V.
If not, follow the cable from the battery into the PDC, check for voltage between battery plus and the 140A fuse. Should be zero. (Both sides of the fuse)
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Old May 4, 2020 | 03:38 PM
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What do you mean by PDC?
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Old May 4, 2020 | 04:23 PM
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From: Conroe Texas
Originally Posted by Esequiel
What do you mean by PDC?
Power Distribution Center...And welcome to DTR......Ben
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Old May 4, 2020 | 04:34 PM
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Thanks for the welcome. Do our mean the box that holds all the fuses?
Funny thing is that if I disconnect the batteries for a few minutes, the lights and gauges start to work again after reconnecting them. Then once i turn the key to on position, everything stops working again.
​​​​
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Old May 5, 2020 | 01:46 AM
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From: Austria Europe
Originally Posted by Esequiel
Thanks for the welcome. Do our mean the box that holds all the fuses?
Funny thing is that if I disconnect the batteries for a few minutes, the lights and gauges start to work again after reconnecting them. Then once i turn the key to on position, everything stops working again.
​​​​
Do you smell a hint of insulation or heat after you reconnected the batteries?

Also-- you reconnect the batteries, dome light works- how do you know the gauges work? Key on or do you mean "start" kills the truck? Big difference for the diagnosis.

Can you let the headlights burn for 5 minutes, honk the horn, use turn signals without knocking out the electrical system?
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