'no bus' error .... anyone?
 

Hey,

I had a 'no bus' error on my odometer this afternoon - the car started fine, the airbag light stayed on the tacho and speedo didn't work...

anyone know what this 'no bus' error is?

I googled it and found it comes up in a few forums. Apparently it's just a loss of signal to the instrument panel, from the ECU. The "plug" needs to be pulled, cleaned and replugged with dielectric grease.
Have you tried the actuator test (?spelling)? Similar to reading the codes but it tests the gauge/ECU system. It's used to exclude the gauges as the source of errors.

Try this place:
http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums.../t-523983.html

Actuator test
 

Also;
Here's what my manual says about the acuator test.

The instrument cluster actuator test will put the
cluster into its self-diagnostic mode. In this mode the
cluster will position each of the gauge needles at various
specified calibration points, and turn all of the
CCD data bus message-controlled lamps on and off at
specified time intervals (Fig. 1) or (Fig. 2).
Successful completion of the actuator test will confirm
that the cluster circuitry, gauges, and lamps are
capable of operating as designed. However, there may
still be a problem with the CCD data bus, the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM), the Airbag Control
Module (ACM), or the inputs to one of these modules.
Use a DRB scan tool and the proper Diagnostic Procedures
manual for testing of these components.
If an individual gauge does not respond properly or
at all during the Actuator Test, the instrument cluster
should be removed. However, check the gauge
mounting screws on the printed circuit board for
proper tightness before considering instrument cluster
replacement. If the mounting screws check OK,
replace the faulty cluster.
If an individual indicator lamp does not illuminate
during the Actuator Test, the instrument cluster
should be removed. However, check that the incandescent
lamp bulb is not faulty and that the bulb
holder is properly installed on the circuit board
before considering instrument cluster replacement. If
the bulb and bulb holder check OK, replace the
faulty instrument cluster.
(1) Begin the test with the ignition switch in the
Off position.
(2) Depress the trip odometer reset button.
(3) While holding the trip odometer reset button
depressed, turn the ignition switch to the On position,
but do not start the engine.
(4) Release the trip odometer reset button.
(5) Compare the operation of the suspect gauge(s)
and/or lamp(s) with the chart (Fig. 1) or (Fig. 2).
(6) The cluster will exit the self-diagnostic mode at
the completion of the test, or if the ignition switch is
turned to the Off position.
(7) Go back to Step 1 to repeat the test, if
required.

it's kinda strange, coz the car started fine, i drove out the shopping centre carpark, spotted the code, pulled over to 'have a look in the book' and it just went away? will try the actuator test and see what I get

no bus indicates that your guage cluster is not getting a signal from the CCD bus. reseat the plugs on the back of the cluster, 99% of the time that is the problem.