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Pulled codes, now no start

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988 views 5 replies 5 participants last post by  Wade Chamberlain  
G
#1 ·
First decent weekend in forever, and now it won't start!

Started the caqr and backed it out of the garage, then decided for no reason to pull the codes from my ECU -- as I expected the system checked fine on the KOEO test. Went to start car to pull KOER codes and no start.

Checked all fuses visually and with my ohmmeter, they're all okay.

Put timing light on #1 plug, no spark.

Put timing light on coil secondary wire, no spark.

Checked coil primary voltage, 12V with ignition key on.

Checked coil resistances with ohmmeter, all within spec.

Fuel pump runs for 3 secs with key on and shuts off like its supposed to. FPR reads 39.

Cranks and cranks, but not firing, eventually I can smell gas.

So definitely no spark.

Could my code reader have damaged the ECU? It's an A9L and new to me, part of my Mass-Flo install over the winter. The code reader worked fine with my old J4J1 (?) ECU, so I don't think the reader caused a problem. BTW, I can still run the KOEO tests and it shows the system is okay.

I suppose moving the connector for the reader could have jiggled something loose, but before I rip my wiring harness apart I thought I'd see if anybody had any ideas.

What say ye?
 
3
#2 ·
I'm no expert on this but don't do any ripping apart things that are ok. Get some good advice on what to check in this condition without making matters worse. Someone that knows whats up may save you money and time. Modern engine managent is a good thing until it isn't.
 
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G
#3 ·
Fixed

Since I hate threads with a problem but no resolution, I thought I'd post the fix and perhaps save the next guy some troubleshooting time.

It's your TFI, especially if you have the '93 and earlier distributor-mounted ignition module.

Here's what I think happened: I was pulling codes (KOEO) and found the SPOUT in my pocket (I had checked the base timing before starting the KOEO test). Since my next test was to start the car and run the KOER tests, I plugged the SPOUT back in. My ignition _may_ have been on when I plugged the SPOUT in. When I went to start the car for KOER, no start. Troubleshooting eventually led to no spark and no signal on the PIP wire. Went to Autozone and got a Duralast F121 for $40 and it fired right up. (Don't forget to put the heat sink grease on the back of the module -- it comes with the Duralast module, but Radio Shack carries it as well.)

I've read here and on corral.net about how sensitive these thin-film modules are, but my old engine was a '94 and had the external ignition control module. With the new crate motor and Mass-Flo (which came with a Mallory distributor), I'm back to the '93 and earlier set-up with the distributor-mounted module. I think I'll buy a spare F121 to carry with me so I don't get stranded at an auto-x or something.

ggeezer
 
#4 ·
I am glad to hear it wasn't anything big. I believe I'll pick up a spare myself. With my luck, now that I know about it and if I don't get one, mine will fail at the farthest point from home next time out.
 
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#5 ·
Good find and thanks for posting. I carry a spare as well. Oh, and keep one of those special tools for getting the fasteners out. I have one of those as well in the trunk. The tool is cheap and will prevent a lot of frustration if you find you don't have the tool to get the thing removed...

Mark
 
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