How to Fix Diagnostic Code P1698

by

🚨 Diagnostic Profile

Vehicle Make: Dodge

Description: No CCD Messages Received From PCM. The powertrain control module is not communicating on the CCD data bus, so other modules such as the instrument cluster, ABS, or body controllers may report no communication or set related codes.

🚨 Repair Difficulty Tier

Tier: [Intermediate]

Diagnosis requires a scan tool, a digital multimeter, and familiarity with multiplexed bus networks. The repair itself may range from a simple power or ground repair to a wiring harness or module replacement, depending on the root cause.

🛠️ Resolution Steps

Step 1: Preliminary Inspection

  • Verify battery state of charge (should read approximately 12.4-12.6V resting) and load-test the battery. Confirm charging system output is within normal alternator range (typically 13.5-14.7V with engine running).
  • Inspect battery cable terminals and main engine-to-body/chassis ground straps for corrosion, looseness, or damage, as CCD bus communication faults are frequently traced to poor grounds.
  • Check the PCM-related fuses and relays in the Power Distribution Center (PDC) under the hood and/or the interior junction block, referencing the fuse/relay diagram on the PDC cover or in service information for this specific model year.
  • Inspect the PCM connector pins for corrosion, spread terminals, moisture intrusion, or backed-out pins. Pay close attention to the CCD Bus (+) and CCD Bus (-) terminal cavities.
  • Inspect the wiring harness near the PCM, under the dash at the body control module/junction block, and at the engine bay firewall grommet for chafing, pinched wires, rodent damage, or heat damage along the twisted-pair CCD bus circuit.
  • Confirm there are no recent aftermarket installations, such as remote starters, alarms, stereo modules, or trailer wiring harnesses, that could have been spliced into the CCD bus circuit and disturbed network communication.

Step 2: Diagnostic Verification

  • Connect a scan tool capable of Chrysler CCD bus communication (such as a factory-level or aftermarket tool with DaimlerChrysler protocol support) and attempt communication with the PCM and all other CCD-equipped modules (BCM, instrument cluster, ABS, airbag). Record all active and stored DTCs from every accessible module, including U-codes indicating lost communication.
  • Verify PCM power supply (B+/ignition feed) circuits using a digital multimeter, confirming battery voltage is present at the PCM connector with the ignition in the ON position, and that voltage drop under load does not exceed approximately 0.5V.
  • Verify PCM ground circuits by measuring voltage drop (should be less than 0.2V) between the PCM ground pin and a known good chassis ground with the circuit under load, or measure resistance (should be near 0 ohms) with the battery disconnected.
  • On the 16-pin OBD-II diagnostic connector, the CCD bus circuits are typically located at pin 3 (CCD Bus +) and pin 11 (CCD Bus -) on most Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep CCD-equipped vehicles; confirm this assignment against the specific service information for this model year before testing. With the ignition off and all modules connected, measure resistance between CCD Bus(+) and CCD Bus(-); Chrysler CCD bus networks are designed with parallel bias resistors in multiple modules and commonly read in the range of roughly 55-65 ohms end-to-end when the network is healthy — a reading of infinite resistance (open) or near 0 ohms (shorted) indicates a wiring or module fault.
  • With the key on, verify that both CCD Bus(+) and CCD Bus(-) lines show a stable bias voltage against ground (both circuits typically bias to a similar mid-range voltage near each other, per a differential bus design) and that neither line is shorted to battery voltage or to ground.
  • Check for a short to voltage or short to ground on each CCD bus circuit by probing the harness at accessible connectors (PCM connector, diagnostic connector, body control module connector) working outward from the PCM.
  • Check for an open circuit on each CCD bus wire by measuring continuity/resistance between the PCM connector and the diagnostic connector with the harness disconnected at both ends; resistance should be very low (near 0 ohms) on a good circuit.
  • Isolate the PCM from the rest of the bus by systematically disconnecting other CCD-equipped modules (BCM, cluster, ABS) one at a time with the key off, then recheck bus resistance and communication to determine whether a shorted module, rather than the PCM or wiring, is pulling the network down.

Step 3: Resolution & Reset Process

  • Repair any identified power, ground, or fuse fault, or repair/replace the damaged CCD bus wiring segment using solder-and-heat-shrink or equivalent OEM-approved splice and connector repair procedures (avoid simple crimp-only butt connectors on data bus circuits due to resistance and corrosion concerns).
  • Clean or repair corroded/spread PCM connector terminals using approved terminal repair tools and dielectric grease where specified. Replace the PCM only after all wiring, power, and ground checks pass and the module itself is confirmed faulty by substitution or bench testing.
  • Clear all stored DTCs across all modules with the scan tool after the repair is completed.
  • Perform PCM reprogramming/reflash using the latest calibration file if a replacement PCM was installed, or if directed by an applicable Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) for CCD bus communication concerns on this model and year.
  • Disconnect the negative battery terminal for a minimum of 5 minutes (or per the specific service information relearn procedure) to allow all modules to power down and reset, or use the scan tool’s module reset/relearn function if equipped.
  • Road test the vehicle and confirm all modules communicate with no loss-of-communication (U-code) DTCs returning, and that the instrument cluster, engine control functions, and any ABS/body control features operate normally.

📦 Parts, Labor, and Budget Estimates

Required Components/Software:

  • PCM-related fuses, relays, and/or connector terminal repair pins as needed based on diagnosis
  • CCD bus wiring repair kit (OEM-style twisted-pair wire, solder, adhesive-lined heat shrink)
  • Replacement PCM (new or remanufactured), only if confirmed faulty
  • Factory diagnostic/reprogramming software subscription (e.g., Chrysler wiTECH or equivalent factory scan tool access) for module reflash and relearn procedures

Average Component Price:

  • Fuses and relays: $5 – $25 each
  • Wiring repair materials (connectors, wire, heat shrink): $20 – $75
  • PCM (remanufactured): $250 – $650; PCM (new/dealer OEM): $600 – $1,300, before programming
  • Programming or reflash service (dealer or qualified independent shop): $100 – $250

Estimated Labor Hours:

  • Diagnostic time (bus testing, module isolation, wiring inspection): 1.0 – 2.5 hours
  • Repair time (wiring splice repair or connector/fuse repair): 0.5 – 2.0 hours; PCM replacement (R&R): 0.8 – 1.5 hours depending on vehicle platform
  • Programming, reset, and verification road test: 0.5 – 1.5 hours