My 2001 2.5 manual suddenly died. The starter turns the engine over, but I don't get a) fuel (changed the fuel pump) b) spark c) Engine check light. When I plug the OBDII reader in, it simply says "ERROR". No codes, no other language.

While trying to figure it out this morning, after trying to start it 50 times, it actually fired for a few seconds, but then died again.

I checked relays and fuses and nothing seemed bad. I swapped relays around too.

I unplugged the battery, then the computer, but nothing got it to fire again.

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Bill

 

Can you hear the fuel pump run for a couple of seconds when you turn the key to on?

If not, and with your other symptoms, it sure sounds like the ECM, or the power to the ECM.

I'd do everything that I could to verify that the ECM was getting power before I replaced it.

just me .02

hj

 

Thanks HJ. That's kinda where I was heading, and I'm glad to have the notion seconded by someone with your experience!

 

If the computer isn't getting power, the dash warning lights won't light up for their self test at KOEO, before you crank the engine.

If your not getting fuel & don't hear the fuel pump run for a couple of seconds at KOEO, before you crank the engine, check the in cabin fuel pump inertia cutoff switch, located passenger side foot well, above the carpet line, just about where a size 10 shoe would contact it, so if big foot has been in the cab passenger side, check it out.

Even if its not tripped, maybe thump it so it'll trip & the red plunger atop the switch will pop up, then reset it so the contacts are in a fresh location & listen for the pump to run at KOEO.

If the computer is getting power & you don't have B+ at the inertia switch, swap the underhood fuel pump power relay with a known good one, like the A/C power relay & see how it goes.
When a helper switches the ignition on, you should be able to feel & hear the fuel pump power relay click as its contacts close.

If the fuel pump power relay is working but still no B+ to the inertia switch, check for B+ at the power relay output treminal. If B+ is there, look for an open circuit to the inertia switch.
If no power at the relay output terminal back up & find out if you have B+ to the power relay input contact. If none there, suspect something is wrong with the wiring back to the computer firewall connector, or with the computer itself.

More thoughts for consideration, let us know what you find.

 

PawPaw,
Thanks so much for taking the time to write such a thoroughly detailed trouble-shooting plan. I'm printing that out and will follow it as I work on the truck tomorrow. MUCH APPRECIATED, SIR!