1996 3.5L Concorde LX no spark no start

[corning_d3]

The 3.5 won't fire the coils unless it see's a cam signal. I doubt you have a PCM problem(PCM is the correct term..)

[xenon2000]

Originally Posted by corning_d3

The 3.5 won't fire the coils unless it see's a cam signal. I doubt you have a PCM problem(PCM is the correct term..)

lol. I thought my last post just said that the PCM won't pulse the grounds unless it has the signals from the cam sensor. lol.

as of last Saturday, my plan is to test the output of the cam and crankshaft sensors. And then if either fails, check to make sure the belt is good so I don't replace things that don't need replacing.

[chinoboi_17]

The Cam sensor is very easy. It located on top of the driver side cam cover, only one 10mm bolt that holding it. Also the car that I worked didn't have any code in the engine either.

[xenon2000]

Originally Posted by chinoboi_17

The Cam sensor is very easy. It located on top of the driver side cam cover, only one 10mm bolt that holding it. Also the car that I worked didn't have any code in the engine either.

Yeah, the Cam sensor is very easy. It's the crank shaft sensor that I hear is hard to get to. One of these days I will be able to go look at it again during the day. I am really hoping to confirm it's a sensor and not the belt or PCM. I just want to get it fixed so I don't have to hear about it again. Since it's not at my house or my car.

[corning_d3]

If I remember right, the crank sensor controls fuel, and the cam sensor controls spark. It's been a while, so someone correct me if I'm wrong.

[xenon2000]

I guess I will try replacing the Camshaft sensor. I tried testing it in the car and out of the car. Can't get a voltage difference either way. Of course what I hate about testing this way is that since I don't have a known working one, I don't know if I am 100% accurate in my test.

Looks like I can get a new sensor for $40 shipped from Autozone. So I will just try that out... will still be sad if it's a wasted $40, but then I can rule that out and it's still cheaper than a new PCM for over $300.

[xenon2000]

Well, I tried testing the Camshaft sensor... and since I didn't have another sensor that I knew was good to verify if I was doing the test right, I just went ahead an bought a new sensor.

Was only $42 shipped from Autozone. Unfortunately no change, car still has no spark and no apparent ground pulse signals from the PCM. It looks like I am NOT getting the +8 volts on the orange wire at the camshaft sensor, which the manual says should be there when the car is on. But there is a constant +5 volts on the other wire and ground in the middle.

So now I need to trace the wires back and see where I am losing connection. I am starting to go back to my first theory of a dead PCM unit.

[xenon2000]

found a 96 Concorde 3.5L PCM ECU online. But it says it's from a California emmissions car. Does any one know if a California emissions version PCM will work properly in a Federal non-cali vehicle?

[dodgeservice]

If It Cranks But Will Not Start, It Could Be Cam Or Crank Sensors. 3.5 Will Bypass Crank Sensor If It Is Unplugged. Try Unplugging Crank Sensor And See If It Will Start. If It Does Replaced Cam Sensor.

[xenon2000]

Originally Posted by dodgeservice

If It Cranks But Will Not Start, It Could Be Cam Or Crank Sensors. 3.5 Will Bypass Crank Sensor If It Is Unplugged. Try Unplugging Crank Sensor And See If It Will Start. If It Does Replaced Cam Sensor.

huh? You say unplug the "crank shaft" sensor and if it starts, to then replace the "Cam shaft sensor"? First off, I just said that I have already replaced the Camshaft sensor with no luck. And 2nd, if it starts with the Crank sensor unplugged, don't you mean that I should replace that "Crank" sensor?

I think you just did a typo, but I wanted to make sure that you meant what you typed or if it was a typo and you meant to say crank instead of cam at the end of your sentence.

[xenon2000]

Recap.

1. Tested Fuel pressure at the rail. 44psi when fully pressurized.
2. ASD (Auto Shut Down) Relay, tests fine.
3. + Power on the DK Green/Orange wire at each injector and at the ingnition coil pack.
4. No spark from coil.
5. This test I am not sure if I tested accurately. I tested for pulsing grounds on the 3 wires from the PCM to the Ignition coil pack. There are actually 4 wires, 1 is power from the ASD which tests fine. The other 3 are the ground driver signals from the PCM. Using a frequency meter I was not able to get any pulsing grounds on any of the 3 ground driver wires.

Replaced Camshaft sensor, and today I just replaced the PCM. No start.

Still no spark. So... I don't think Test #5 above was done right. So Now I am wondering if it's the Ignition control module.

[xenon2000]

I just replaced the Ignition Control Module coil pack. And still no spark. I now have nothing left that I can think to test or replace.

No codes still either. Does anyone have any other ideas?

[xenon2000]

Well, sadly I am posting again to say that the car has been covered since my last post. I have no more ideas. I even tried replacing the PCM with no luck. I just don't get spark. I am sure it would fire right up if it did. No error codes, etc. Just doesn't make sure. You can re-read all my posts to catch up if you think you might have other suggestions. I am pretty tired of spending money and time on a car that isn't even mine.