Engine won't start gauges show nothing - trouble found

[imaboo2]

New to forum - not a technician!

Yesterday I came here to see if my problem was listed. I found many similar items but nothing perfect to my situation. The mechanic found my trouble today and I wanted to post for others trying to troubleshoot as an FYI.

97 GC 6-cylinder - 157,000 miles

No previous troubles...ever.

Drove the car yesterday then tried to use it later that night and it wouldn't start. The engine cranked but it wouldn't turn over.

Lights, radio, and computer display worked.
None of the gauges registered anything!
When key was on, all dummy lights EXCEPT "check engine" came on.

Mechanic found that my ECM (engine control module) is dead/bad. He said this was the reason I did not see the "check engine" light as this was controlled by ECM.

ECM part number = 56044407AB
Cost = $395
Total repair bill = $505 (ouch)

Hope this helps someone else in the future!

[Dsilver]

Did you check and make sure it wasn't just a bad battery, or alternator or something like that, that was preventing the engine from getting enough electrical power to start?

[imaboo2]

Our mechanic checked all of that stuff and it tested okay. The mechanic is a family friend so we trust him.

Looking back, 1 week before this I noticed the computer's "destination til empty - DTE", which usually reads around 460 on a full tank registered 800+. It didn't stay like that but it was the first time I'd ever seen that. May have been a sign of things to come...