Rep Power: 0

Is there any way to test the ECU without taking the car to a shop? My repair manual says to use a test harness, which I can't find anywhere. The car won't start, sounds like it slipped timing but the belt is positioned correctly. It is getting fuel and spark. I've tested everything except the ECU. The check engine light comes on for two seconds and goes off when the key is turned on.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 
Rep Power: 241

only way is to get it to a auto parts store where they have a scanner to look for free. or you can buy a scanner. they usually retail about 300 bux. but they are well worth it.

 
Rep Power: 302

get a scanner. like buds302 said there well worth it

 
Rep Power: 453

let me ask you a question, how exactly are you testing for spark and fuel?

its highly likely that your ecu is faulty. its a possibility, but not likely.

also if the timing belt was off, you would know by hearing the pistons hitting the valves upon cranking over the engine.

 
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Your problem sounds alot like either the cam or crank sensor not pluged in or faulty. My suggestion is to recheck all your sensors. Or you could buy my ECU I have for sale on the forums.

 
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I tested for fuel by unhooking the hose between the fuel filter and fuel rail and verifying that fuel flows when the key is turned on. I checked for spark by hooking a spark tester to the plugs.

I'll recheck the sensors. The other problem though is that the check engine light doesn't stay on, which I think it should for either the ECU or the sensors, and there are no codes with the test socket jumped.

This is why I generally don't work on cars made after 1969.

Thanks for the help.

 
Rep Power: 453

ok just some FIY for you. just cause fuel comes out at the rail doesnt mean your fuel pump is doing its job. you need pressure and volume for your car to run. you may have enough volume, but if there is no pressure to it, your not starting. same as if you had enough pressure, but not enough volume of fuel. you need a fuel pressure tester to verify. I ran into the same issue with my car, fuel pump failed but I still had fuel at the rail, but when the pressure was tested, it had 0 PSI.

now you shouldnt be jumping any pins at the diagnostic connecter. this is OBDII, not OBDI. besides if you jump the wrong pins, you could risk sending power into a ground circuit right back to the ecu and damaging it.

check your fuel pressure first.

 
Rep Power: 0

That sounded like good advice. I ordered a pressure tester on line because Sears didn't have it in stock. I went out and tried it again for laughs and it started up. It hasn't run since August. Ran weakly at first, but now runs fine. Makes a very slight tinny sound at start-up that seems to get fainter every time I start it.

Not sure how to interpret this. Something in the fuel that worked its way out? It's like a murder mystery where the answer is the body came back to life.