Dead 3.2ATX, Gurus HELP!

[aj_sho]

Hi everyone,
I have a 3.2ATX that isn't starting. It's been sitting for a while so the battery was dead...
no codes in memory. I tried to start it, and I got nothing. I started at the beginning...verified
VREF was in range at the throttle position sensor so I know there's EEC power. Then I checked
for spark - nothing. Then I checked - there's 12V going to the coil pack but when I crank the
engine, the pack's not getting the signal to fire from the DIS module (new plugs & wires). So I
checked the output of the DIS Module, nothing. It is getting 12V though. Now i'm no SHO expert,
but that tells me that either my DIS module, crankshaft position sensor, or camshaft position sensor
is bad. Can someone tell me how to troubleshoot from here?
Oh, by the way, I read the computer which told me 3 3 1 3 3...which i'm assuming is a 33 with
a separator pulse which is some stupid EGR valve error.

Thanks in advance!
-Andrew

 

[sdpatt]

Since you have an ATX (after the codes changed to 3-digits in 1992), your car uses three digit codes. can you give us any more information?

 

[naval-avi8or]

CPS output Engine cranking 0.3-1.2 volts AC
Engine idling 2.0-6.0 volts AC

CID output KOEO 11.32 DCV / Hot idle 5.1-7.2 DCV

Looking for DIS.

 

[aj_sho]

Thanks, I'll check the signals from the sensors when I get home tonite. I can give you whatever info you want. I knew about the 3 digit codes, but I don't know how else to explain a 3 3 1 3 3. I did the 60K a while ago - walve adjustments, seals, timing belt, etc. I started it up and it ran like crap. Turns out that's because I was an idiot and swapped 2 wires at the coil pack, but that was a while ago. It's been sittin in the garage ever since, I went to work on it yesterday to get it put together for the summer and nothing.

I have all the engine manuals and computer code books, basically I'm starting from the beginning, trying to determine why there's no spark. The way I understand, the DIS gets signals from the crank and cam sesors which interprests that information and tells the coil pack which pairs to fire. Right now the coil pack isn't getting the signal from the DIS module to fire, so I'm tryin to figure out why that is... LEt me know what relevant info you guys want.

Thanks!
-Andrew

 

[naval-avi8or]

One big gotcha, make sure the grounding strap from the rear intake manifold strut brace (upper nut and stud)to the body is in good condition and making good contact. Other wise the DIS will not be grounded and will not operate.

 

[AutoSHO]

It sounds a lot like your CPS sensor died. What really sucks is you just did the 60K and you are going to have to take the front of the motor back apart. The CPS reads off the 3 vaned thing (for lack of a better word) on the end of the crank, behind the harmonic balancer and the Accessory belts. Good Luck!

 

[Shoman94]

aj_sho:
Thanks, I'll check the signals from the sensors when I get home tonite. I can give you whatever info you want. I knew about the 3 digit codes, but I don't know how else to explain a 3 3 1 3 3. I did the 60K a while ago - walve adjustments, seals, timing belt, etc. I started it up and it ran like crap. Turns out that's because I was an idiot and swapped 2 wires at the coil pack, but that was a while ago. It's been sittin in the garage ever since, I went to work on it yesterday to get it put together for the summer and nothing.

I have all the engine manuals and computer code books, basically I'm starting from the beginning, trying to determine why there's no spark. The way I understand, the DIS gets signals from the crank and cam sesors which interprests that information and tells the coil pack which pairs to fire. Right now the coil pack isn't getting the signal from the DIS module to fire, so I'm tryin to figure out why that is... LEt me know what relevant info you guys want.

Thanks!
-Andrew

Like Naval said...check that ground. Fwiw: The CID only tells the DIS where the #1 cylinder is at. Even if the the CID is bad it will still spark, just at the wrong time. IMO it is the CPS,DIS or Ground.

Jason