My truck dies but seems to lose contact with computer the low fuel symbol comes on the odometer window flashes 3 times and shows No buS and the gas gauge won't work and will not start while that is sh

Dear Billy,

Here is a link to understand how the code procedure works ,as well as, a hot link to determine which one it is , or, look at the entire list of coding to determine your order of faulting. Then proceed Dakota Trouble Codes .

The "NO BUS" points to PCM communication failure. Disconnect the battery negative then unplug and plug back in the PCM connectors. Reconnect battery and run engine. Try pulling (diagnostic trouble code) DTCs with a code scanner. If the PCM won't communicate, it's probably fried. I just put a reman PCM on my '02 (DTC P0601- internal controller failure) Bought it from ecudirect.com @$400. Installed it in about a half hour. This opinion is from UDM Columbia Mo. GO to this forum link
No Bus message


Another view from Kingston Ontario to consider follows by Jeff C. You most likely have a shortted sensor somewhere in the engine or transmission harness, when this happens the 5 volt reference shorts and the pcm shuts itself off to prevent damage from the excess current going back to the pcm. To determine which sensor unplug one at a time and cycle the key to see when communication returns. On Dodges of most types and years it's the crank sensor or cam sensor but I've seen it be the tps, the A/C sensors and switches, 02's and I've heard of solenoids in the transmission doing it as well. The crank sensor is the most common and I know you stated it's new but I've seen and read about huindreds of repeat failures with aftemarket brand crank sensors on Dodges that if it's not a dealer part I also replace it. when you have the no bus message you also won't have the check engine light illuminated so if you don't have a scanner hooked up when you cycle the key look for it to illuminate, unplug the crank sensor first and the the 02's. this is assuming of course that you've checked the powers and grounds circuits to the pcm and that your replacement isn't defective. Here is the link.
02 Dodge Dakota 3 9 v6 NO BUS .

Here is the last point of view for you to examine. On 3.7L V6 and 4.7L V8 engines the camshaft position sensor may fail causing the engine to crank but not start or it can cause intermittent stalling. A failed camshaft position sensor will require replacement. The opinion is offered by repair pal at this link ...Cam Sensor Failure Causing no Start or Stalling Dodge Dakota Common


There can be many attachment codes that may follow to a fault reader. It is best to sort out what can be sensible then follow the complete ladder diagram of the coding to where the PCM points to the location. When a major reaction has affected the PCM a variety of codes can appear due to short circuit. Again remember to remove the negative terminal for five minutes in order for the PCM to clear all the fault codes and reset. Remember to do this step each and every time a location has been checked and verified to be known before moving forward.


In conclusion, please note one problem can exhibit multiple codes. So use common sense in the order of trouble-shooting. Most times resetting the PCM will cancel other identifiers'. SO remember this step and follow the advice closely.


You have three good opinions to get started.

Fare. Well. ...

Body control module and IP cluster communication problem on the bus.