Expert: Skip Bollinger - 4/14/2007

Question
QUESTION: have replaced numerous sensors, read the chilton books, toured the forum sites, and am now totally baffled. just replaced timing chain, battery, starter, o2 and crankshaft pos. sensor. had ignition control mod. and coils tested. new plugs,wires. rewired each sensor under hood.tested alt/gen,new starter/sol. Damn thing will crank but not turn over. this is the 3.1 multiport(non-turbo).Could I have missed something? computer? how do I test the ECM? PLEASE ASSIST ME!
ANSWER: Ward,
 WOW, you have done an extensive amount of work on this vehicle. I MUST tell you I'm a Parts Specialist, (Please look at my Profile) NOT a Tech but will offer these thoughts. I am NOT Qualified to answer this question, Okay??? Here are my thoughts, however, to try to help you:
  I know it may sound stupid but does it have gas in the tank? Is it getting fuel to the injectors? Is it getting spark to the plugs?
  You have given me a lot of information but leave the door open to a lot of questions. I need your help for me to attempt to help you. Have you been able to pull any codes from the computer to help us diagnose the possible problem??
  Ward, until I get more information from you, we are at a standstill. I look forward to hearing from you so we can get your car back on the road..
Skip

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION:  Thanks Skip for attempting this most frustrating situation. Yes,there's gas in the tank. Got spark. Yes, fuel to the injectors. What about the computer?? How do I know if it's bad? No codes from the computer.  The only way I know to get at the codes is to disconnect the battery for few minutes and short the two upper right plug holes on the diagnostic port. All I get is 1-2, 1-2, 1-2.
Still frustrated, but appreciative for your effort!
Please ask me any other questions you can muster or possible suggestions that you might have!
Ward

Answer
Ward,
  Remember I'm just a dumb ass Parts Professional, NOT a Tech.
  Do NOT disconnect the battery!! That erases all the codes set in the computer. When you try to retrieve them, there will be a sequence you need to know. You will have erased them.
  Do you have any way to check the fuel pressure at the injectors? You can have fuel but not enough for the engine to run. Check what is listed below... If all is OKAY, try spraying starting fluid in the throttle body to see if it starts. IF it does, look at the fuel filter, fuel pump, pressure regulator or a clogged "sock" in the tank. This thing is 17 years old and could have "rust scale" in the tank clogging the "sock".
  I called a friend of mine and she offered the following information: a 1-2 code tells you the computer is trying to do a self diagnosis but since you disconnected the battery, the computer lost all and any codes set. Any codes set would come after the 1-2.
  She also asked if you pulled the distributor?
  Are you SURE the timing marks are lined up on the timing chain?
  Ward, let's keep this open until we get that car back on the road. Let me know...
Skip