Hi guys. I've had a couple threads going in the Tech/General Engine area, but since my problem is most definitely electrical related, I thought I'd post something here too.
And please forgive my laziness, but I want to save myself a little typing here, so I'll post links to the two threads in the other section.
A breif description is that the car died while driving. Died just like you turned off the key and hasn't even tried to start since. I have no spark and as a result, no fuel either. I've replaced every ignition component at least once and nothing has helped. I'm starting to think this is VATS related. Oh well, here are the other threads.
Thanks in advance for your help!

Dave

This is the original thread I started the day it broke down:
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech...9;t+died+start

And the continuing saga:
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech...ont-start.html

Thanks again!

 

Do you hear your pump prime when you turn the key?
Do you get fuel pressure at your test port on your fuel rail?

The engine doesn't even attempt to turn over?

And you've used a spark tester to verify you're not getting spark?

 

I can't hear the pump, but my hearing is not so good. I have 42psi at the rail. No spark at plugs, no spark at coil, checked with spark tester. I get 12v to coil with key on, grounds check out good. Injectors not firing either, tested with noid light.
Engine will crank until the battery dies if you let it.
All engine bay wiring checks out good.
I've replaced coil, pickup, distributor, cap, rotor, ecm, module. Nothing has helped.
I've continually dismissed VATS as the problem since the car will crank just fine, but since everything seems ok, I'm taking a second look at it.

Dave

 

VATS doesn't stop spark. It stops fuel. But it stops fuel AND the starter. It uses the ECM to stop fuel, and it uses a relay and the VATS module to stop starting. If you have a buddy with the same computer, try swapping ECM's.

Edit: Just read you swapped ECM's for the spark issue. Hmm. Continue reading.

Seems like your fuel is getting all the way to the injectors, but they're not going. It could be an issue with the wiring to the ECM as well. Check out the VATS article in the tech articles and check the wires that come from the VATS module and go to the ECM. If those are damaged, I'd expect that'd give the ECM the signal that VATS wants it to shut down the injectors.

On your spark issue... O.o That's just intense. There's two modules in my car, but I don't have a speed density. There's the small one in the cap which I think you're referring to, and there's a large one on the relay panel up on the driver's side firewall. Did you replace that one too?

 

My main issue is the lack of spark. My understanding is that the ECM relies on a tach signal (from distributor) to fire the injectors. Since I get no spark (and my tach needle doesn't move while cranking either), I'm assuming the injectors not firing is a result of the lack of a tach signal.
You're right, the problem is intense! I just can't find anything wrong! I have not checked the wiring from the VATS module to the ECM yet, thats next on my list as soon as we get some decent weather (tomorrow is looking good). I've ready every article and post about vats that I can find, but I can't seem to get a definitive answer about whether a malfunctioning vats module can cause a no spark issue.
If you check the second link I posted aboved, there is a vats circuit diagram that leads me to think this is possible, but not sure.
Oh, I only have the one spark module under the distributor cap, it does not have the other one on the firewall.

Dave