Doc,

I could be wrong, but following the schematics in the service manual, I find NO battery supply routed thru the Relay Control Module except that which goes thru the Engine Control Relay, Traction Relay, Air Pump Relay, Horn Relay or Fuel Pump Relay - EXCEPT for the Black/Dark Green wire going to the PTCM. I simply don't see the RCM as a "battery B+" path, and I've printed 8W-10-1 to 8W-10-23 of the manual. THere is simply no path there. Now if it was an engine dies, but power to the four ways, etc. is still there, then SURE, it's the RCM!

The best clue he's given us, is that the four ways would not flash. This is largely a Body Control Module issue. So, where does the BCM get it's non-switched battery power? (This is the question to ask, since we know the four ways are powered without the switch AND the four ways are a BCM - operated accessory.) If we can find the failure in power to that circuit, it stands to reason that we can find the failure, period. (I know you'd THINK it was the Illumination Control Module that operates the four-ways, but in this case, it's not.) Answer: Fuses 9, 16 and 19 of the Underhood Accessory Fuse Block.

This power ALL comes from SPLICE BLOCK 100, which is fed by the 200 amp fuse in the little black box near the battery (the one I previously said had grounds in it.) This fuse is powered from the battery with a large cable that is the SMALLER of the two cables coming off the battery positive terminal. Unless the 200 amp fuse is bad (not likely) or the nuts on that fuse are corroded/loose, I still blame the battery/battery connections/battery cables. Sure, one of the other fuses COULD be bad... but I don't see that. I guess opening the fuse box and pulling those fuses to see if they have been allowed to get wet and corroded would be a good idea.

A loose connection on splice block 100 is another guess. Problem is, I cannot find where splice block 100 is - in the box with the RCM/PTCM/BCM???? Does anyone know?

I'm not there, but I STILL wonder about the battery connections, including the tightness of the ground screw on the negative/ground battery cable.


I cannot see where the RCM solder joints could cause this "total power down". But I would open that little black box and verify that the cable from the battery positive terminal going into that box has it's nut TIGHTLY secured to the bus in there!

 

WHAT? Did you have this problem before they did this work?

There are some CHEAP battery cables on the after-market market.

I haven't sent you a check for saying this stuff in a long time. How much do I owe you now?

And remember, I won't even change my own brake pads, it's just that troubleshooting electrical and electronic equipment is how I earned a living for 29 years.

 

I only hope the soapbox I put you on doesn't crumble under the weight of the problem if it isn't fixed! Oh, in case I wasn't clear enough, you already sent the check and I ripped it up. Was going to send it back but I thought, why?... Really, troubleshooting is a special trait that few can master. It all boils down to not getting sidetracked and focusing on simple circuits and finishing one before being led on another. But then again, you already know that! The majority of the post just now is for the confidence in others, on your unique abilities. I think I said it once or twice before, a collective Thank you, for all you have contributed (free of charge) to your and our love of our cars! .

 

GG, you gotta be careful with comments like that, I was recently accused of being a suck-up because I said something nice.

 

Hmmm, I thought suckups were only real when the party to the first part wanted something from the party of the second part. Hmmmm, now I'm thinking of parties, time to get a drink seeing it is after 5 somewhere... Oh, does anyone know if the cliff ride has stopped yet? Oh, hey Geo, Happy New Years to you n yours!


Geo, your not sucking up are you? He he he he he


A tidbit, recently found out Hedy Lamarr was 1/2 of the team responsible for being the creator of the concept of digital spread spectrum cordless phones. Her patent (to which she never made a nickel) was used to prevent jamming of torpedoes during WW II. Check out Wiki under 'what is digital spread spectrum' technology. I learned something new today and I'm pumped!

 

Well, thanks GG. I just hope we get this guy's car to where he trusts it again.
I'm really waiting to hear back, anyone wanna bet that the nut in the little box is loose OR that he unknowingly bought a cheap China-built battery cable that is causing him more problems?

In this case, ordering a overly-costly OEM cable set from Chrysler might have saved him trouble in the long run!

 

Thanks for all the contributions. I did find that it appeared the negative side of the battery connection was loose...barely, but maybe enough to cause the outage. Still intend to follow up and check in on my local european motors service garage and see if they might be a new [better?] source of service.

 

PS - the little nut was not loose!

 

It was the negative side, but you were right! Thanks! BTW, I read up on the RCM and discarded that as well.

 

Twere it me, I'd remove the negative cable, clean the post clamp with one of those battery reamer or brushes, clean the battery post with same tool, then sand the eyelet end with emory paper, as well as the spot on the body where it connects.
Put it all back on nice and tight, kiss the wife and say goodnight.

 

Since your down the road, if you need to bring it by sometime Ill look at it for you if it happens again. WDY

 

Great advice and basically what I planned on doing this weekend (general cleaning, but esp. to the negative side). Battery and cables otherwise are good (no chinese junk) and I have now driven the car to work and back ALL WEEK and am starting to feel more confident in its performance. Good thing, because I LOVE my Crossfire! This is the first car I have owned in my life that is something more than transportation. BTW, after another week of driving without incident I will take your additional advice but I will kiss the husband and say goodnight!!