2008 apex no start

[stroker94]

I just picked up a 2008 apex on a trade, took it out last night and after about 30 miles it died on me, no lights warning, but once it shut down yellow and red light came on the dash as well as a check engine and coolant indicator. I checked the coolant level, it was fine, didn't feel like it was over heated and by the time I was done it fired right back up. Pointed it towards home and about 10 miles later it died again, this time with all the same lights and an er-1 code. Had to get towed the second time. Believe I'm having an ECU communication issue, more than likely bad wiring somewhere. A service manual and any advice on what to look out for would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

 

[Mooseman]

Had a similar issue on my son's Phazer with the er-1 code. Turned out to be a ground wire issue. Check the spade connector at the battery negative terminal for corrosion. I wound up just cutting it out and soldering and heat shrinking the wire together. If that checks out, check other ground locations and especially the ground distribution block.

 

[stroker94]

Someone has been in there before, which is no surprise to me, this sled has 15,000 miles on it. Found one ground from battery to I'm guessing frame that wasn't hooked up. Terminals look nice and clean and the battery is brand new. Where is the ground distribution block? A wiring schematic would help greatly, feel like I'm chasing my tail without one.

 

[Mooseman]

Ask one of the admin staff and they'll hook you up with the manual for your sled since you're a VIP member.

The ground block is a yellow block with a bunch of black wires running out of it. Usually taped up somewhere in the wiring, maybe near the oil tank. Never looked at mine on the RS however it usually looks like this (except for the burnt part and also has a metal comb in it with a cover):

There could also be a secondary block that looks like this (the black/white one):

 

[Mooseman]

Look on the battery for a smaller ground wire with a spade connector, like in this photo (this one on a Phazer):

 

[stroker94]

Just got the manual for it, thanks for the starting points. I started blindly tearing into it last night until midnight after I got towed to a buddy's shop. At least I have some actual info to work with when I tackle back into it tonight after I get out of work.

 

[RobX-1]

As for location of the ground blocks, here is a post where I link to my original post, with images, of where I found them on my 08 Apex.

 

[stroker94]

After further digging all the grounds tested good, gave the ECU the old hammer test and it fired right up, died again after a minute or so. If I clamp vice grips on it she runs fine, so now I have to find an ECU for a 2008 if anyone has any suggestions on cheapest place to pick one up I'd appreciate it. Scouring Facebook with little luck now.

 

[RobX-1]

Have you check with @hibshman25 of Barn of Parts to see if he has any good used ones. There may be other places/people parting out sleds but have had great success with the parts I've purchased from him.

 

[stroker94]

I'll try to go that route, appreciate the suggestion. Currently out on the trail with a pair of vice grips clamped on the ECU and zip tied up... 20 miles in and no problems so far, have the tow rope on standby. Wish me luck!