Crossfire won't start
 

Hi All

I have a 2004 Crossfire convertible which won't start. I have full power across the dashboard but the car is stuck in park and I can't move the gear knob. My rear spoiler came up when I turned the ignition on and now it won't go down and the red light on the spoiler button is flashing. When I turn the ignition there is no sound - no clicking from the starter motor. I have read through several posts on this forum which indicated it was a problem with my relay control module and so I followed the instructions and removed the module, checked out the three poorly soldered connections on the PCB and re-soldered them - still nothing! I have just had an auto electrician come to the car and his diagnostic computer tells him error codes 1039 and 1041. He said there was a problem communicating with the transmission and that it wasn't related to the RCM. He suggested taking the car to the dealer. Can anyone help with these codes? I've looked on line but can't find anything that makes sense to me as to what the problem actually is. Many thanks Anthony in Melbourne, Australia.

Re: Crossfire won't start
 

May be a bad traction control relay on the RCM. Are both of the relays shown closed with the key in the ON position?

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cro...1e139bab0d.jpg

Re: Crossfire won't start
 

Point being, so many just check the solder joints, as time and milage take their toll, the relays themselves pit, burn and just wear out. When DJ rebuilds them, he also checks and replaces the relays as necessary.

Re: Crossfire won't start
 

Wrong, it might not be the RCM, but if the RCM is not powering everything up, you can't communicate between modules.

Yea, do that. Take the car to a Chrysler dealer, they likely know little more about the car than he does. Make sure you leave a blank check with them.


Put key in, turn to start, if it won't start, release key. Wait 45 seconds, does engine fan start running fast and loud? If so, Id order a new RCM. DO NOT search "Chrysler Crossfire", search "2003 Mercedes SLK320 Relay Control Module" (or SLK230).

Re: Crossfire won't start
 

I've been going thru some similar no start problems. If it were mine and suspecting RCM I'd buy one, as I did, and if it doesn't correct the problem you will at least have a spare because sooner or later it will go bad. IMO Pizzaguy is correct about not taking it to a dealer. They hate working on them and, and usually won't, will charge you a fortune and do nothing. Right now on Amazoo, they have RCM's with a PN: RY1562 for $122. It also says free return! Might be the best money you've spent in awhile. Just a suggestion!
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cro...09209a391b.jpg

Duplicate msg deleted!

Re: Crossfire won't start
 

Wow, I have the exact same problem and also a 2004. I have a RCM I bought on the recommendation from folks on this site about 10 years ago. Now, I just have to find it. I did find in the manual how to override it being locked in park, so there's that.

Re: Crossfire won't start
 

Thanks tighed1. I will have some time to check it out this Thursday and will see if the two relays you mention are stuck with the ignition on. When I had the RCM out of the car all the relays looked clean and tidy, no pitting on the contacts or any burning - I'll let you know what happens. Thanks Anthony

Re: Crossfire won't start
 

Hi Pizzaguy

I have no intention of taking it to the dealer. I used to sell Jeeps about 15 years ago and I know they are not the place to take the car to now.

When the ignition is turned on the fan is not working! Could the RCM prevent power to the fan as well?

Re: Crossfire won't start
 

Hi Romad

When I search Amazon from Australia I find a site selling them for $325 - somewhere in the US
https://www.amazon.com.au/Standard-M...s%2C284&sr=8-1

Can you send me the link for the site you found selling them please?
Many thanks
Anthony

Re: Crossfire won't start
 

Okay I checked the relays as you advised and only the one in the middle changed with the ignition on. Also, the fan below the relays is definitely working as I can hear it whirring around.

Do I need to replace the RCM?

Thanks
Anthony

Re: Crossfire won't start
 

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cro...5d7340fbc0.jpg
only the one in the middle moved!

Re: Crossfire won't start
 

Here ya go mate!

Re: Crossfire won't start
 

If there is a fan in the RCM I'm totally unaware of it. I didn't see or hear a fan! I can't say wheather you need a new RCM or not! I bought a new one and it did not correct my "no start" problem. But now I have a spare in case one of my two XF's might need one.

Re: Crossfire won't start
 

We are not referring to the fan in the bottom of the box. While it is good it is runnning, the issue is this: When turning the key to "start", if the starter does not engage\ and you relax the key to "ON" and wait 45 seconds, if the engine cooling fan runs at high speed, your RCM is BAD. Period.

If you can leave the key ON for 45 seconds without the engine fan running fast, there is something else wrong. In every case, when the key is on, the engine control and traction control relays MUST pull in and stay in. The fuel pump relay will pull in and then, if the engien is not started, the pump relay will relax.

If the other two relays do not pull in and stay in, the most likely issue is the RCM. NO ONE should be without a spare.
Search online sources for "2003 Mercedes SLK320 relay control module". The SLK230 relay module works as well, same part, just different part number, that's the one I ordered, as it's $20uSA cheaper.


https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cro...b81555060e.jpg