I'm new to the Third Gen forum and starting to work once again on the 86 ROCK since I've retired and now have the time. The ROCK is an 86 IROC Z with 305 TPI and automatic transmission. It has been setting for a few years now and of course the fuel in the tank went bad so I'll be changing out the tank, sending unit, pump and filter.
My main issue right now is that it will not crank. I have put in a new battery. When I turn the key I get nothing...no clicking or even an attempt to turn. I do have all accessories, gauges and lights. When I turn the key there is no power drain dimming the lights. I also don't hear the fuel pump going to the priming phase.
I've checked all the fuses and all seem to be good.
One last thing I did was to purchase an OBD1 code scanner. When I plugged it into the module and turned the key, the radiator fan kicked on. Not sure what was going on there. I was getting the code 12 which according to the code book that came with it was the correct code to show if was working.
So any ideas on what to check next to at least get it to the point of cranking?

 

On the lower right hand side of this diagram is your starting circuit . With the key held in the crank position , do you have power on the yellow wire ? If so the ignition switch is OK . Next check will be the purple wire , if no , then your neutral switch could be bad(Or out of adjustment , try putting it in neutral and try to start it while wiggling the shifter around in neutral a bit) , if there is power on the purple at the "S" terminal on the starter solenoid when trying to crank it your starter solenoid could be bad .

As to the fan running while running a diagnostic on the ECM , that is totally normal when the ECM is in data retrieve mode (which BTW can be done by inserting a paperclip into the proper terminals of the ALDL and counting the CEL blinks , no scanner required , a search of "paperclip" here will turn up the procedure) .

Also , code 12 is actually a code saying that the ECM is not receiving any engine (distributor) turning pulses from the ICM , which is totally normal when pulling codes which is done with the engine not running (not running = no turning distributor = no pulses to the ECM) . If you had a situation where the engine cranks on the starter , has proper spark at the plugs , and the properly pressurized injectors won't spray fuel , a code 12 could mean a defective ICM (or ECM) is not producing the engine turning pulses required to spray the injectors . Thankfully this is not your problem here , I just tell you this so you'll know that code 12 CAN mean a problem depending on the symptom being diagnosed .

PS , I'll bet you can't hear the fuel pump prime because it's likely gummed up with the "sitting for a few years" wax that the fuel has turned into , and please don't be surprised when you find the injectors similarly clogged . It really sucks , but fuel left too long has a tendency to turn back into the dinosaurs from which is was made . For a great deal on a set of injectors look to "Southbay fuel injectors" , the guy is a sponsor of this board and is highly regarded here (my car runs a set of Southbay injectors and I'm happy with them) .

 

Thank you so much for the information. This will give me a starting point and a project for the weekend.