1995 Windstar 3.8 Computer Problem?? Need Help

[hcowt]

I have a 95 Windstar with 205,000 miles so its been a decent car. Now the car will not crank. It will turn over but no fire to the coil pack and the fuel pump does not activate. I have replace the Constant Control Relay Module and the Ignition Control module because of Recommendations from mechanic type friends. The wierd thing is that if I connect an OBD-II code reader to the port under the steering column th car cranks and idles and drives perfectly. But if I disconnect the OBD-II reader from the car there is no fire and no fuel pump activity. You can hear the fuel pump activate as quick as you connect the reader. The PCM is my next thought but I really have no idea what I am doing. I would appreciate any input. Thanks

[LeSabre97mint]

Originally Posted by hcowt

I have a 95 Windstar with 205,000 miles so its been a decent car. Now the car will not crank. It will turn over but no fire to the coil pack and the fuel pump does not activate. I have replace the Constant Control Relay Module and the Ignition Control module because of Recommendations from mechanic type friends. The wierd thing is that if I connect an OBD-II code reader to the port under the steering column th car cranks and idles and drives perfectly. But if I disconnect the OBD-II reader from the car there is no fire and no fuel pump activity. You can hear the fuel pump activate as quick as you connect the reader. The PCM is my next thought but I really have no idea what I am doing. I would appreciate any input. Thanks

Hcowt

Have you gotten any codes when you had the OBDII connected? Replacing a computer isn't really that hard. Get a manual, read, spend some time under the dash pulling the items the book mentions. Get a used computer from a bone yard. Used computers work until they get damaged. (like yours).

Just remember, remove the battery cable before working with your computer.

Regards

Dan

[hcowt]

The reader comes back with no codes

[12Ounce]

I first would throughly examine the wiring to the test connector. It seems to me that your plugging in the tester re-makes some vital elect path that is loose or something.

[LeSabre97mint]

Originally Posted by 12Ounce

I first would throughly examine the wiring to the test connector. It seems to me that your plugging in the tester re-makes some vital elect path that is loose or something.

Good point 12Ounce!

Dan

[12Ounce]

And thinking on the matter a bit further ... it could be that hooking up the tester is merely establishing "ground" a bit better. So your problem could be that some ground terminal has gotten a bit corroded ... perhaps one close to the PCM (or whatever it's called on the '95, GEM perhaps??) bears checking/cleaning.

[hcowt]

I have found something new. PIN # 5 on the Data link Connector (DLC) is labeled as Ground (Power). If I take a wire and grounnd it to the body of the car and then stick the other end of the wir to the PIN #5 the car cranks and runs. Any Thoughts. It is also labeled Circuit 570. Thanks for all of your help. Do yall have any idea how to trak down the faulty ground?

[LeSabre97mint]

Originally Posted by hcowt

I have found something new. PIN # 5 on the Data link Connector (DLC) is labeled as Ground (Power). If I take a wire and grounnd it to the body of the car and then stick the other end of the wir to the PIN #5 the car cranks and runs. Any Thoughts. It is also labeled Circuit 570. Thanks for all of your help. Do yall have any idea how to trak down the faulty ground?

Hcowt

Open the hood and start looking around. Look for bolts with wires attached to the frame/body parts. Take the nut/bolt off, clean the wires and the place where they connected. Do not over look the terminal the wire is connected. The wire may be corroded before or at the terminal.

I would expect the ground that grounds the computer is bad.

Regards

Dan