How to Fix Diagnostic Code P1698

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🚨 Diagnostic Profile

Vehicle Make: Chrysler

Description: No CCD Messages Received From PCM. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is not communicating on the CCD (Chrysler Collision Detection) data bus, so other modules that depend on PCM data may log communication faults or fail to respond.

🚨 Repair Difficulty Tier

Tier: [Intermediate]

Diagnosis requires bus communication testing, wiring inspection, and module power and ground verification. Repair may range from a simple connector or wiring fix to PCM replacement and reprogramming, depending on the root cause.

🛠️ Resolution Steps

Step 1: Preliminary Inspection

  • Verify battery state of charge; resting voltage should read approximately 12.4–12.6V with the engine off, and 13.5–14.5V with the engine running.
  • Inspect battery terminals, main power cables, and the engine-to-chassis and engine-to-body ground straps for corrosion, looseness, or damage.
  • Check the PCM-related fuses in the Power Distribution Center (underhood) and Junction Block (under dash) for blown elements, and verify the related PCM/ASD relay seats fully and shows no scorching.
  • Inspect the PCM connectors (typically a 60-pin and 40-pin, or similar multi-pin configuration depending on model year/engine) for corrosion, bent pins, spread terminals, or moisture intrusion.
  • Inspect the CCD bus wiring (typically a twisted pair of similarly colored wires carrying the CCD+ and CCD- signals) for chafing, cuts, pinch points near the engine harness routing, or water intrusion, paying close attention to areas near the firewall grommet and PCM harness connector.
  • Review recent repair history for collision work, aftermarket accessory wiring (alarms, remote starts, stereo taps), or water/flood exposure that could introduce a short or open on the bus.

Step 2: Diagnostic Verification

  • Connect a CCD-capable scan tool (factory-level tool such as a DRB III/StarScan, or an aftermarket tool with verified CCD bus support) and confirm whether it can establish communication with the PCM at all, as well as with other CCD-networked modules (BCM, instrument cluster, etc.).
  • Record all active and stored DTCs from every module on the network, not just the PCM, to determine if the fault is isolated or network-wide.
  • With the key on, verify the PCM receives battery (B+) voltage and ignition-switched voltage at its main power feed circuits using a digital multimeter referenced to a known good chassis ground — both should read close to system voltage (approximately 12V or higher).
  • Verify PCM ground circuit integrity by performing a voltage drop test between the PCM ground pin(s) and the battery negative terminal with the engine running; a healthy ground circuit should show minimal voltage drop (under 0.2V as a general diagnostic guideline).
  • With the ignition off and PCM disconnected, test CCD bus wire-to-wire resistance and compare both CCD circuit wires for continuity to the other connected modules; also check each CCD line for continuity to ground and to B+ to rule out a short.
  • Check for shorts to voltage or shorts to ground on the CCD bus lines by performing resistance and voltage measurements at the PCM connector (disconnected) and comparing readings against a known-good reference vehicle or wiring diagram for this specific model and engine combination.
  • Confirm whether the fault is isolated to the PCM (PCM powered/grounded correctly but not transmitting) or whether the entire bus is down (multiple modules unable to communicate), which points toward a shared wiring fault rather than a PCM-internal failure.

Step 3: Resolution & Reset Process

  • Repair any damaged wiring, connectors, or grounds identified in Step 2, and restore any shorted or open circuits using proper soldering and heat-shrink or OEM-spec splice techniques (no crimp-only butt connectors on bus circuits).
  • Replace the PCM only if power, ground, and bus wiring all test within specification and the module itself is confirmed as the fault source (i.e., it fails to transmit on a verified healthy bus).
  • Program or reprogram the replacement PCM using the manufacturer’s authorized diagnostic/programming software (factory dealer-level tool such as wiTECH or StarScan with current software subscription), following VIN-specific calibration procedures.
  • Clear all DTCs across all modules on the network after repairs are complete to eliminate residual communication fault codes.
  • Perform any required relearn or reset procedures appropriate to the replaced module, such as PCM idle relearn, TPS/throttle body relearn, and verifying VIN and module configuration data matches the vehicle.
  • Road test the vehicle through multiple drive cycles and re-scan all modules to confirm there are no returning CCD communication codes or U-codes (bus-related DTCs).

📦 Parts, Labor, and Budget Estimates

Required Components/Software:

  • Wiring repair kit, pigtail connector, or terminal repair set (model/year-specific; part number must be confirmed at a dealer or parts supplier against the vehicle’s VIN)
  • Replacement PCM, if required (model/year/engine-specific; part number must be confirmed against the vehicle’s VIN, as PCMs are not interchangeable across engine/trim variants)
  • Factory diagnostic/programming software access (e.g., wiTECH subscription or equivalent dealer-level programming system)
  • Fuses, relays, or ground hardware, if required (standard ISO/mini blade fuses and OEM ground bolts/straps as applicable)

Average Component Price:

  • Wiring and connector repair: approximately $25–$150 in parts (connectors, terminals, wire, shrink tubing), depending on extent of damage
  • Replacement PCM: approximately $300–$900 for the part alone (new or quality remanufactured), varies significantly by model year and engine
  • Programming/software access: approximately $50–$150 per programming session if performed by an independent shop with subscription access, or included in dealer labor if performed at a dealership

Estimated Labor Hours:

  • Diagnosis and bus/circuit verification: approximately 1.0–2.5 hours, depending on complexity and accessibility of wiring
  • Wiring or connector repair: approximately 0.5–2.0 hours, depending on location and extent of damage
  • PCM replacement, programming, and relearn procedures: approximately 1.0–2.0 hours for R&R plus 0.5–1.0 hour for programming/configuration, totaling approximately 1.5–3.0 hours