Title sounds fairly stupid, but its more involved then what you read there.

Just purchased a 99 Dodge 24V Auto.

When you go to start the truck, you turn the key on, the dash lights all light up EXCEPT for the "wait to start" light. About 5 seconds later the "wait to start" light will light up and go out.

If you crank it over before the light comes on and goes out, it will just sit and crank. Sometimes, while cranking it the wait to start light will switch on and off and then immediately start.

Other times, the wait to start light will not show up for 20-30 seconds sometimes, and once it comes on and off, then it will fire right up, but NOT before.

What gives?

Thanks in advance.

 

Just throwing out some ideas...

something in the ignition when you turn the key on, is not triggering the grid heaters, (light not coming on) and along with that something in the ECM is also not being triggered to let the truck start.

maybe try a smarty reflash of a stock ECM program, its a long shot but, you never know.

try changing out the IAT sensor with someone who has a good one, my wait to start light doesnt even come on in warm weather when the IAT sees that it is warm enough.

look at a wiring schematic and find out if there is something with the grid heater relays/WTS light...may be a bad relay or something thats not working all the time.

 

remove the negative cables on your batterys, turn the key on and let the truck sit for about half an hour. this will drain the ECM (and remove codes) and cause it to reset. be sure to also do an APPS reset when you put the cables back on. This will hopefully fix your problem. It basically points to an ECM that is bad or going bad. My truck does this every time I run the Batteries down. but If I keep 'em fully charged I don't have a problem!


PS: when the wait to start light comes on that is when the ECM is ready to go. do not try starting before the light comes on cause she won't start and after a while you will be rebuilding your starter. You do not, however need to wait for it to go out before you start ( unless its to cold)

 

Disconnected the batteries and reset the app.. Still has issues. Replace the ecm next?

 

hmmmm......are your batteries in good shape???( they're what was giving me trouble)
Bob Wagner on here is who I talked to when I had my troubles, said that means the ECM is bad. Had me do the reset on mine to see if it would resolve it and it did. Although he did say it might not work. You may want to PM him to see what he has to say, I wouldn't want to tell you myself that you need a new ECM, just in case there is something else you can try, like maybe a reflash???
From what I remember the dealer wanted $1200 for a new one

maybe someone else can chime in??

Ryan

 

Batteries are in good shape.. Its getting worse now, sometime it takes a LONG time for the light to come on!

 

Ecm is going south

 

Stupid question, but I'm new to 24 valve stuff.. Where is the ECM on these trucks?

Also, does it have to be 99 specific or what years will work?

Thanks!

 

Look on the drivers side of the block, below the fuel filter and forward of the lift pump. (see picture)

Yes, if you need a new ECM, it is year AND CPL (common parts list) # specific. Also depends on what transmission you have too.

Look above the fuel catch bottle in this picture and you will see the black ECM connector, and part of the ECM.


Here is where to find the CPL #. Drivers side of block, all the way forward. kinda in front of the VP44 injection pump. What you are looking for is the engine data plate that is riveted to the engine. It may be covered in a layer of grease and grime. Here is what it looks like.

 

Copy down your engine serial number while you're there. Cummins up here says that the CPL's are obsolete, they only use the SN.

 

New ECM is in, looks like it fixed the problem!

 

Glad to see that solved the problem, thanks for the update!!!!
how much did the new ECM cost you, if you don't mind telling???

 

Ok, it wasn't new, I got it used for $250.00 from a TDR member. Sorry I posted that it was "new".

 

LOL,........ well, good score then!!