I was driving home in my girlfriends van and it just shut off like it was out of gas. Got it towed home and replaced the coil, nothing. Replaced the crank position sensor, nothing. I had a friend run the codes and it said the cps had no signal, but the reader he has showed that the cps was putting out a signal to the computer. Is that telling me that the computer is bad. If I get a used one will I have to take the van to the dealer to program it. Please guys help me my girl is driving me crazy!!

 

I take it you have the 3.0 eng. Do you have spark at plugs? Have you check the rotor and dis. cap.? spark from coil only?
Went through all fuses? Could be more of an elect. wiring problem. Bad grounds. Bad battery,low on voltage.
This could not be your problem at all though this would be a step to be able to move on to other areas.
Seems unlikely that the ECM would just die though not to rule that out.
Was there any trouble codes when this happened? SES dash light come on. SES light works?(as some call MIL light)
Try the key on,off-on,off than on. What do you see. There will be a code flash, one-two. Than the trouble code flash. Ending with 55.
You may know this? Give this a try and post back. Myself I'm also new,welcome[sm=deal.gif]

 

I did the key key test and its 11 between the 12-55.

 

<LI>Code 11-Intermittent loss of either camshaft or crankshaft position sensors.

<LI>Code 11-Crankshaft position sensor target windows have too much variation.

<LI>Code 11-No crank reference signal detected during engine cranking.

New sensor bad? Your in the right area. Though you said the ECM see the crank sensor
May now need to check into the cam sensor. 3.0 have them in the distributor and requires removel and replacement.
An OBD II Scan is required. The CMP sensor is under the cap. I would trace these wire's down just to make sure there's no brake or short.
Good luck and check back.[sm=signs003.gif]

 

I have a 3.3. Do they have a cam sensor too. I got a new crank sensor from the dealer and got alittle spark. It sputttered like it wanted to start but wouldn't. I tried it again today and not getting any spark again.

 

camshaft position sensors ?
Try the camshaft sensor or have it scaned to see if replaceing is needed.

 

Does the 3.3 have a cam sensor and a crank sensor, or just a crank sensor?

 

Yes, the 3.3L should have a camshaft sensor. (And a crankshaft sensor)
Searching Napa's websites brings up the fact that the 1997 3.3L does not appear to have the "under the distributor cap" kind of camshaft sensor. it has one thats actually on the block.
Refer to the picture, hopefully the sensor is in the same place.

[IMG]local://upfiles/948/82134AAAF39C464F842FBAA5D67E8D96.gif[/IMG]

 

If you have a code for no CPS, that is your problem. Even though it showing a signal, doesn't mean that it is a good one. Its a pain to replace, its at the front of the engine down below the alternator. Usually the three wire connector is stuck to the alternator bracket. You don't need to remove the sensors attaching bolt all the way as the hole in the sensor is slotted.