97 Villager cannot start car

[Librarian]

My villager was running smoothly without any symptoms of any problems. Tried taking it out this morning and the car won't start. The starter will crank but the engine will not turn on.

1997 3L V6 @110000mi

I checked the battery voltage and it came out at 11.9v which I took to be a dead battery. I went and bought a new battery and with that one installed I am still only getting 12.28v.

The only thing else I noticed was that the 3-4 sec hum (fuel pump?)that I always hear when I turn the ignition to ON does not happen now, only silence. If there is anymore information I need to give please ask. Thank you.

//Did not see the thread below mine but figured starting my own would be better with my limited experience

[tempfixit]

Not hearing the humming noise when you turn the key on makes me think it its the fuel pump?? First thing I would try is using a 2x4 or rubber mallet tap on the bottom of gas tank and then try starting vehicle or have some trying to start it when taping on gas tank. If it does start and run you will need to replace fuel pump as it will leave you stranded again.

IF that does not work check your fuse for fuel pump and do a fuel pressure test with a gauge that you can rent from autozone with a deposit that is returned when tool is returned.

ANother thing you can do is take off the distrubtor cap and crank the engine to make sure distributor rotor is turning, if not you have a broken timing belt. Buy the way the engine is non-interference so don't worry about bent valves if belt is broken.

Is the check engine light on???

Hopefully this helps and let us know what you find out.

[Librarian]

I have done some of the checks you recommended and will do the others later today. The fuse for the fuel pump is fine (how can I check the relay?). The check engine light is on but the only code I get from it is 0325, which I believe is the knock sensor. I will do the rest of your suggestions and post again.

[Librarian]

I looked at the fuel shutoff switch and it is depressed (is that in cutoff state?).

[tempfixit]

Not sure about inerta switch, but the haynes book says to press the reset button and test terminals 2 and 3 for continity. Also on the 97 model there is a fuse for the fuel pump in the passenger department labeled RELAY (10amp) and another in the engine compartment labeled FUEL (15 amp).

P0325 is for a knock sensor but do not change the knock sensor, this code is present because something else is causing a knock and setting it.

Haynes book says to test remove relay from engine compartment relay box. Check for battery voltage at terminals 2 and 3. You could also check for voltaage back of vehicle by the fuel pump connecto on the fuel pump.

[tempfixit]

Also you can go to autozone.com and register for the online service manual. You should be able to find info on testing relay and such.