On our last two camping trips our Dodge pickup (07, Cummins, 5.9L, 3500 dually) has failed to start when it's time to come home. Turn the key, no sound what so ever, but all the accessory stuff works.

The first time it happened my husband got a ride into town to the Dodge dealer (luckily they still have one in Burns, Oregon) and after explaining to the service guy what was going on he said he thought it was a module problem. He took him out to a truck on the lot and showed him how to pull a fuse loose (#11 20A IOD-CCN/RADIO/UNDHOOD LMP/WCM/SDARS/HFM), wait for 20-40 seconds, then push it back in. He said that usually works the first time, but that a module would need to be replaced as soon as possible.

Well, he was right. We got it started and made the five hour trip home. Drove it for 2 or 3 days around town before we could get it into our local Dodge dealer. It ran fine during that time. The dealer replaced the Wireless Command Module.

Last week we were on another trip and it happened again. My husband pulled the fuse, waited, pushed it back in and it started right up.

We took the truck back to our local dealer and they replaced the same module again. They don't have a clue why it happened again, only to think that perhaps the replacement module was a bad one.

Does anyone else have this problem? We go camping in lots of remote places here in Oregon and it makes us kind of leery. The only good thing about it all is that it is still under warranty.

 

I replaced the module the first time it happened to me, but it cost me $500 (Had to get a new key too) since it happened at about 40k miles. I just pull the battery cable now when it happens and reconnect a minute later and it is fine.

Here is my theory - The 3rd gen automatics don't always completely engage park, or at least the square doesn't light up around the P in the cluster. That is why Dodge decided to make the horm honk if you have it in reverse and open the door with the motor running. I think if you shut it down and pull the key when it is not fully in park, it errors the WCM and it won't restart. It has been a long time since this has happened and I consciously look to make sure Park is lit up before I shut it down and pull the key.

Now if your truck is a manual, then my theory is blown...

 

SUBJECT:
No Engine Crank Or No Engine Start Due To Electronic Lockup Of The WCM / SKREEM
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves the replacement of the Wireless Control Module (WCM), and if
equipped, the replacement of the Electric Steering Column Lock (ELV). The WCM is also
referred to as the Sentry Key Remote Entry Module (SKREEM).
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
The customer will experience a no engine crank AND a no engine start condition. Also, the
remote keyless entry (RKE) system will not operate. This condition may be due to an
electrostatic discharge (ESD) from the ignition key into the Wireless Control Module
(WCM), causing the WCM to electronically lockup. This condition may occur more
frequently in dry and/or cold weather conditions where a sufficient electrostatic charge is
NUMBER: 08-007-08 REV. A
GROUP: Electrical
DATE: July 04, 2008
more easily produced. This condition is corrected by the replacement of the WCM.
Make sure your battery connections are clean and tight also.

 

Static electricity. Nice... I wonder why they would replace the WCM if you can get it to work again by disconnecting the batteries. It costs $350 to replace the WCM by itself.