Case Study: Dodge Ram crank/no start and "No Bus" message

Sept. 21, 2023

The owner said his truck stalled a few times while driving, then it would crank but not start. There was also a "No Bus" message displayed in the odometer field of the instrument cluster.

Richard Diegle

Related To: ALLDATA

Vehicle: 1999 Dodge Ram 2500, 4WD, L6-5.9L DSL Turbo, VIN 6, automatic transmission/transaxle

Mileage: 226,562

Problem: The owner’s complaint with his Ram was that it stalled a few times while driving, then it would crank but not start. There was also a "No Bus" message displayed in the odometer field of the instrument cluster.

Case details: Initial checks by the technician discovered that fuse #3 (20A) in the power distribution center (PDC) was blown. It was replaced but blew again. A closer inspection revealed there was rodent damage to the harness, and circuit A40 (RD/LG wire) shorting to ground.

Confirmed repair: The technician repaired the wiring damage and replaced the blown fuse. The engine cranked right up and ran fine.

Reprinted with permission from ALLDATA.

About the Author

Richard Diegle | Senior Automotive Editor for ALLDATA

Rich Diegle has been in the automotive industry since 1978. After graduating from a local community college, he began working at a Nissan dealership as a used car technician. Since then, he’s worked as a Nissan and ASE master automotive technician, shop owner, marketing copywriter, automotive editor, public relations manager, instructor, ALLDATA Tech-Assist team manager, and a senior automotive editor.