Expert: Roland Finston - 7/31/2011

Question
QUESTION: I am trying your suggestion to check the coil for 12v... still nothing. I have no fuel, no spark and no test reader to read the codes. any help would be great at this point

ANSWER: Hi Angela,
Do you hear the fuel pump run for about 1 second when you turn the key to 'run'? It is a humming sound that should come from the fuel tank, under vehicle at the rear. Have a helper listen for that sound.
Is there a history of this no start? Did it just occur out of the blue?
You don't need a code reader to get fault codes. Use your ignition switch. Turn it:"on-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing that in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then watch the check engine llight, which remains "on", to see it begin to flash, pause, flash, etc. Count the number of flashes before each pause. Then repeat the process to be sure of getting an accurate set of counts. Tell me the counts in the order of appearance, and we'll go from there. Also mention which engine you have (L).
I will be available for about an hour, otherwise I will get back to you tomorrow morning.
Roland

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

QUESTION: I have the 3.3Liter engine. I have not had a problem prior to this. went to run the test and my check engine light as well as other dash lights do not come on. I do have power, dome lights and exterior lights work.

Answer
Hi Angela,
All the warning lamps are powered by fuse #15 (10 amps) in the fuse box under the dash on the driver side. If that is OK (but look carefully at the internal wire which might be cracked) then I would believe that a red or an orange 'fusible link' in the multi-link harness connected by a black electirical disconnect to fat blace wire on the + post clamp has burned out. You pull gently on those links to test them for failure. let me know what you find.
Roland

Thanks for the rating/nomination and kind remarks.
I might also mention that if the fuse #15 is OK that the ignition switch internal contacts for that circuit could be corroded. If you have a test light or voltmeter see if the fuse shows 12v on it when the key is in the 'run' position, compared to chassis ground. Test both sides of the fuse to be sure it is conducting.