My guess is the crank sensor. They are problematic and intermittent, and hard to figure out. Could also be a fuel pump, but unlikely. I doubt it's the computer.

i can change the Crank sensor if i knew where it was. The cam sensor is not something i can get to... i read where it is in an earlier post....

The reason im leaning toward ECM and the fact that everyone seems to be reading over is that i have a Service Engine light coming on when the car is OFF and the key is in my POCKET. But no Engine light while the car is running.

Will the Crank sensor throw that kind of code?

Also when the car wouldnt start, it had been unplugged from the battery for several months. Some said it may have needed to reset itself.


(i really think the PO tried to jumpstart the vehicle, switched the cables, and now my ECM, or all of the sensors are having trouble. Im getting a low oil light, with plenty of oil on the stick. Random Brake lights on the dash. Crazy SES light with the car off. So im leaning to engine computer. Other signs are, the battery was bought 12/07, they stopped driving the car in March 08... so my guess is they f____d it up. and dumbass me bought it) I just think the ECM is easier to replace, and if im still getting odd codes, ill start with sensors. or sell the POS.

is the PCM syonomous with ECM? I already tried the BCM and nothing changed when i unplugged it, so i plugged it back up. still trying to find time to get the ECM uncovered and unplug it to see if the light goes off. if it does ill replace it with a new one from Oreilly. its easier than hunting a used one. then if it doenst work ill just take it back. too bad none of you experts are nearby, im in Greenville SC

PCM = Powertrain Control Module
BCM = Body Control Module

Ill go buy one when i get a chance, and try it out. Im hoping hoping its the problem. And ill send an update when i do!!

UPdate. got the ECM out from under the dash. bought a new one, and the orange socket is green on the new one and the tracks dont match. The store is going to try to match it up tomorrow and see what the problem is.

i should only have to plug and play, and not change any of the wiring connectors, correct?

Yes, ECM should not require a rewire. your guess about the PO might be right on.

Albertj

update again. i should have it this time. i gave them the wrong year for the car... duh.

i was telling them 91 and its a 1990... " I hate a dumbass" hahaha

anyway they ordered the part and i go pick it up later this morning. It should work. ill let everyone know, as promised....

the problem is not that im a dumb butt, i do have 7 cars and a motorhome to keep up with and i have a bad habbit of trying to keep everything in memory.

OK. new ECM in, no funny warning lights, no Service Engine light with the key out of the ignition. all good on that front. Still shifting way too soon.

how do you adjust the TPS?

Same problem! 92 riv w/ 70k on it. Starts up fine (or with only a moderate struggle) 95% of the time. However, as it did last night, sometimes it won't start at all. I've had, in the last week, two different no starts. First time, the engine was turning over but not catching, like it was out of gas or something. After about 15 mins of trying, I got it to start. Second time, I put the key in the ignition, turn it, and nothing happens. Silence. The lights dimmed a little, but NO movement under the hood.I let it sit for 15 mins, and, sure enough, it started. Both times I had recently driven the car for 10-15 mins. Crank sensor? Help...