Titan Won't Start - Still Dead - Dealer ??

TitanBry04 · 01-03-2008, 11:04 AM

Titan was dead when i tried to start it a couple weeks ago. Local shop diagnosed it as IPDM(ER). Couldn't replace because when replacing it, apparently needs reprogramming and they don't have access to the reprogram tools.

Towed to dealer gave them local shops diagnosis. Dealer says fuel pump, replace the fuel pump, no start. Fuel pump is no charge from dealer. They take local shops reccomendation, replace IPDM(ER). No start. Reprogram keys, NATS etc. No Start.

Just called me, say maybe the remote start I had installed is the cause. Went to dealership, totally removed the remote start, cut the wires, taped her off, remote start back in the box. They reprogram whatever.... No Start!

What in the hell is up!?!? I don't know what to do either, they are pulling no codes on the OBD, I guess I gotta let them just start part swapping.

Ahh soo frustrating!

Shane06fl · 01-04-2008, 03:02 PM

year, Mileage??

Is it not turning over or it turns over but no fire??

The IPDM can be swapped without a reprogram. I know I just replaced mine, took a whole 10 minutes and have 200 miles on it.

Have they even checked spark? with todays super smart vehicles a lot of mechanics forget the basics. Is there fuel pressure in the fuel rails? Have they pulled the timing chain covers too see if the timing chains are good and to verify timing? is it getting air? what about the ECU?

No fuel pressure but new pump. Could be fuel pump relay. check power to pump when starting.

good luck, let us know what they find.

TitanBry04 · 01-04-2008, 04:58 PM

Thanks for the reply. 2004 with about 70,000 miles.

I think they are too damn worried about what the computer says, and their computer is saying nothing. they did have fuel pressure, that much is verified. the original shop that looked at it, had showed me where 4 of the cylinders were not firing and that is why they claimed IPDM.

I have told the dealership multiple times that 4 cylinders were not firing and which ones weren't. They said they don't understand how they can tell me 4 werent firing when they can't get it running!?

I dunno much about engines etc but I know if 4 cylinders aren't firing, it probably will not start!??

Shane06fl · 01-04-2008, 07:17 PM

Ok thats a start. 4 plugs have spark 4 don't. Need to look at what sends power to the coil packs at the plug or maybe those coil packs themselves. There is all sorts of things that can cause this. Timing is one of them. Did they say which plugs had fire. was it scattered are on one bank. if on one bank (one side) then the timing might be the answer. There is ignition module that could be hosed.

I am almost leaning to the ECU for some reason. The IPDM is nothing more than a glorified fuse panel, I bet it has little to do with ignition.

It's going to be something simple that these computer trained ''mechanics'' aren't trained to figure out. I wish I new more about this new electronic stuff.

TitanBry04 · 01-05-2008, 08:14 AM

Thanks for your insight. I pulled out my paperwork from my original local mechanic. It shows the Titan Firing order and which coils aren't firing.

The Titan apparently fires 1,8,7,3,6,5,4,2

My truck is not firing 1,7,6,4 - so every other isn't firing and they are not all on one bank, 2 on one, 2 on the other.

The tech's notes also say replace PCM, I am not sure where I got IPDM, maybe i was thinking PDM, but anyway the IPDM got replaced in my truck still no go.

I have some wiring specs etc and I don't see a "PCM" in our trucks, I see a BCM. I'm thinking maybe ECU.

I'm also wondering if in fact my remote start system could've caused this, I don't see why after 2 years though of having remote starter it would all of a sudden flake.

Shane06fl · 01-05-2008, 03:59 PM

remote start didn't do it.

PCM and ECU could very well be all in the same, if the mechanic is calling the PCM the ''brain'' of the system.

I wonder if a ECU reflash would help??

Something between the ECU and ignition module is telling the plug coils not to fire. It will be in that area. Even though it's all computerized it's still point A to point B and maybe to point C.

TitanBry04 · 01-05-2008, 06:12 PM

Thanks that's what im thinking is that my original mechanic is meaning ECU, that's why he said they couldn't do it, it would need a reflash etc.

I bet the ECU is going to be pricey if that's the case. I wonder what would have caused the ECU to go if that is what it is, have they been having problems?

I didn't think that the Remote start would do it, it doesn't feed into the ECU or tap any wires out of the ECU. I have an AVIC N1 Navi system in there too but nothing taps the ECU.

TitanBry04 · 01-07-2008, 03:37 PM

Update.... They say that they believe the problem lies in the ECU, but they found a blown 40A Master fuse or somthing, and it had to be ordered, won't be in until Tuesday morning, then they can proceed. With what? Who the hell knows!

Shane06fl · 01-07-2008, 06:16 PM

what a PITA for sure. with todays modern computer controled vehicles the Mechanics are helpless unless they can read a code.

At least they are making headway.

animal · 02-29-2008, 12:20 AM

Did you have any luck with the blown fuse? I have a 2005 4x4 Crew Cab LE with the same problem. No codes either. Pump was already replaced.

A mechanic got the truck to start by connecting a wire from a fuse to the coil pack wiring. It starts every time and runs without any problems. Remove this ugly patch and truck goes dead again. Apart from this noone knows the real cause of the problem.

TitanBry04 · 02-29-2008, 06:11 PM

Man, sorry to hear. The real cause will never be known on what broke my truck hell or what fixed it.

They replaced the fuse and the IPDM, and the vehicle wouldn't start. I still am not sure but I think they definately screwed somthing up on the programming. I had already removed the DEI remote starter but had left the harness in. They claimed they needed me to remove the harness as that could be "backfeeding" etc etc.

I removed the harness, next day "automagically" my truck runs. Their claim, DEI Remote starter caused the problem. Will I ever know..... Nope, do I believe that claim.... Nope.

Anywho, "knock on wood" over a month and she is fine. I have 1 year warranty on the work so im not putting the remote start back in, to hell with it. Funny thing is, truck ran fine for nearly 4 years with the remote start.

Who knows..... good luck man!

Burgy · 02-29-2008, 06:55 PM

It seems like once a remote start goes in dealers will blame everything in cluding flat tires on them.

Brianguy · 04-19-2008, 02:30 PM

I hope you figure out what it is because mine wont start either

time to call the stealership

jsnbrd · 05-04-2008, 05:07 PM

My Titan is in the shop this very minute has been for four days now. Local mechanic indicated it could be the ECU. Dealer shop confirmed ECU. now they are saying multiple errors are not allowing the truck to run right after replacing the ECU. Problem originated with 75K miles. I pulled up to the stop sign and it died. would run very rough idle at less than 100 RPMs. ECU is a warranty product for 8 yr 80K. I just wish they would pay the tow of $250. Please tell me that there are only so many issues one truck will go through.

TitanBlue · 05-04-2008, 06:37 PM

Although all vehicles will have some ECU failures, I am not aware of it being a real common problem. But it is a complex computer really, and any failure or cracked circuit board, will shut it down. On the issue above, the 40A fuse should have been found earlier it seems.

I had a two complex seeming failures in one month on fleet vehicles, both caused by loss of ground from Engine to Frame. Ground is typical stranded flat braid material, and it had simply worn and arced in exact middle. I ran a Copper Battery Cable to restore path, and all was well. Ground Path is critical for electronics, and must be like original connection points, as much as possible.