Hi all,

I've been having some issues with my van lately.
I believe it to be with the ignition.

The fuel pump died on me again last year, so I replaced that.
I cut a hole in the bed liner now to have an access hatch.
Couple months ago, out of the blue, the van wouldn't start.
I thought ok, might be the fuel pump because I didn't hear it running, so I thumped above the pump, and the truck did start up.

The next day the same thing, the van wouldn't start, However, I could hear the fuel pump running.
Just incase the fuel lines may be pluged, I disconnected the line, and blew air through it.
I then was able to start up the van.

I drove it for a couple days, but it was running very rough. Seems like over 60km, the fuel was getting restricted, or starved (similar to a plugged fuel filter).
Then the engine would cut out and I'd have to pull over.
I made it back home thankfully.
The engine cranks, fuel pump hums, but nothing catches.

I pulled out a spark plug, no spark.
I took apart the distributor cap, cleaned all the contact points (yes, they had white crud on them).
I tested the coil's ohm readings, and they are fine.
I checked that power was going to the coil, it appears there is power there, when cranking.
Still no spark.

I've noticed there are three wires going to the distributor cap for a sensor.
Something like a half circle disk (rotation sensor?)

I've read up maybe issues with a crankshaft sensor. Found the crankshaft sensor.
When I unplug the electrical socket for the crankshaft sensor and reconnect it, the fuel pump engages for 2 seconds.
I'm wondering if that is normal?


Would there be any good suggestions as to what I should try next?

Thanks again,

 

Sorry, but I can't really help you with that, (but I'd replace the ignition coil first), but can you tell me exactly where you cut the hole to get access to the fuel pump. I need to do the same thing on my '94.


Thanks

 

Yes, the ignition coil will be the first thing I will replace.

I don't want to be throwing a lot parts at it, but what would be the next suggested item?
Least expensive items first?

Distributor cap
The sensor in the Distributor
Ignition wires
Crankshaft sensor

 

Take the wire going to the cap from the coil and put a plug on that and see if you have spark. If yes then replace the cap, rotor, and ignition wires. If no then try replacing the Crank position sensor.

Any codes from the computer?

Does your fuel rail have the port to check the fuel pressure? If so what is the pressure at the rail?

 

Thank you Mobile Auto Repair for your reply.
As you can see, it's taken me several months plugging away at the van.
Yes, fuel pump runs, fuel pressure at the port = pressure at the rails.

No Check Engine light that stays on. ODB2 reader doesn't show any errors.
I do the "Key Dance", Engine Light Flash Codes: 12, 42, 55.
12 = Battery has been disconnected in the last 50 key cycles
42 = Fuel pump relay control ckt, Auto shutdown relay control ckt, No ASD relay output voltage at PCM, Fuel level sending unit volts out of range, Fuel level unit No change over miles
55 = End of codes

I finally found the Automatic Shut Down Relay, (Haynes' Manual has misleading location description).
ASD Relay is next to the Fuel Pump Relay and all the fuses in the Power Distribution box, which is on top of the Radiator.
I swapped the relay with the Horn relay. Both relays are functional.
ASD output has a 12V pulse (for a second) when Key is in the ON position, and 11V when Cranking.

I checked the Coils' resistances. Primary and Secondary verified with Haynes' Manual specifications (1.3 Ohms / 9.53 Ohms).
I installed a new coil anyhow since I bought one.

I was not getting any spark from the coil to distributor.
12V voltage is present at the coil when key is on and cranking.

I checked Crankshaft resistance. Verified to Haynes specifications.
I installed a new crankshaft sensor anyhow. No Change.

I checked Camshaft sensor voltages (0 & 5V pulses). 5V pulses are present.
(haven't decided weather to replace it yet)

I took the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) computer module to Lordco because they offer flash updates.
I told them to verify the computer is operational, and if yes then flash it.
They charged me $30 for the flash, but no papers indicating what state its in or version it was flashed too. No body knows or cares.
I re-installed the computer module. No Change.


Electrical Checks I've done:
Coil input:
DarkGreen/Orange wire a 12V pulse when Key is on, and constant 11V when cranking
Gray wire gets a 12V pulse when Key is on, and constant 11V when cranking. I should be 0V
!!! the PCM is not driving the coil (not giving a 0V signal) !!!

Camshaft sensor:
Blk/White wire gets 5V constant when Key is on
Yellow wire alternates 0V and 5V as the half moon disk rotates in the distributor.

Crankshaft sensor:
Purple/White wire gets 5V constant when Key is on
Grey wire gets 0V when Key is on, and pulses when cranking.

Fuel Injector (5th cylinder?)
Green/Orange gets 0V when Key on and when cranking
Gray gets 0V, pulses 12V for a second when Key is on, pulses 11V (firing interval) when cranking.


I have checked for spark from the coil to distributor, and found that I may get ONE spark (neon bulb) when the key is turned to ON and the beginning of Cranking.
I do not believe the spark is of any significance, I have seen it spark (neon bulb) without the input connector connected to the coil.
I have ran an extra ground wire directly from the battery to the coil's iron core, just in case it needs it. No Change.
Connecting a sparkplug to the coil produces no sparks.


PCM Continuity checks:
A4, Sensor Grd: Blk/LtBlu to Pin#2 Camshaft Sensor and Pin#2 Crankshaft Sensor : Good
A7, Coil Driver: Gray to Ignition Coil: Good
A8, CrankPos Sns: Gray/Blk to Pin#3 Crankshaft Sensor : Good
A17, 5V Supply: Pruple/White to Pin#1 Camshaft Sensor and Pin#1 Crankshaft Sensor : Good
A18, CamPos Sns: Tan/Yellow to Pin#3 Camshaft Sensor : Good

Automatic Shutdown Relay Continuity checks:
C5, : DarkGreen/Yellow to Ignition Coil : Good
C5, : DarkGreen/Yellow to Fuel Injectors : Good
C5, : DarkGreen/Yellow to PCM C12, ASD Relay Sens : Good

 

I suspect problems with my PCM, because I'm not getting 0V for Ignition Coil Driver from the PCM.
However, when I do the "Key Dance" I get error code 42.

Recently found a description for #42 error that states:
Fuel pump relay control ckt, Auto shutdown relay control ckt, No ASD relay output voltage at PCM, Fuel level sending unit volts out of range, Fuel level unit No change over miles

Looking back at the history, I'm wondering if it is related to the new fuel pump that was installed.
In the schematics, the fuel pump has a Low Fuel Out Sensor to the PCM.

Could a Low Fuel Out Sensor output from the Fuel Pump cause the PCM to restrict the Ignition Coil Driver from providing 0V to the Ignition coil ??

 

The PCM wasn't giving the ignition coil 0V gound.
This means the coil will not create a spark.
This means you can crank with no results.
The AutoShutDown ASD relay works. The Fuel Relay works.
But the PCM gives the error code 42, open or short on ASD relay.

Tested every wire/connection related to the ASD and Fuel relays. All Good.

Suspected the fuel pump since it was the most recent change, and the dealer service department said error 42 was related to fuel.
But I decided what the hell, even though the PCM works and gives an error code, how about I change out the PCM.

Changed out the PCM, primed the fuel, engine starts right away.




Taking the lord's name in vain
Cos I'm steppin' out on the streets again
Cos I'm tortured by demons, winged beasts and carrions
The air is alive with dagger and poisons
Almost moving me to tears
But you and I both know, the streets are paved with fears
Severe mental fog
Regan's a mad killer dog
London lives up it's ****
These horrors have surely come to pass
I'm twitchin' and sweatin' on the front line
And man's a monster
He's a monster in his own time
He's a monster
I've seen dagger and poison fall
We're fallin'
And carnage rules
So search your heart
And tear it apart
Rip it apart
Hydra-headed fear
Is all around here
Crack
You're under attack
It seems like you've learnt to live in a bubble
But imagine the trouble
When you fall from your wall and burst your balloon
Cos it'll happen soon