93 V6 LE won't start after attempting to replace fuel filter

[theangrytomato]

I've tried searching around and haven't found anything so I figured I'd take a shot here. I attempted to replace the fuel filter - started the engine, pulled the EFI fuse (should have pulled the relay but didn't notice it until much later), removed everything on the intake downstream of the TB, removed the battery, but I didn't have the right wrenches to remove the fuel filter and I didn't have much time left so I decided I'll do this another time. Put the battery back in, reconnected the intake stuff, double checked the main air clamp, PCV clamp, and idle bypass clamp, put the fuse back in. Turned key to on, let the pump run for a bit, tried to turn it over and 'click click click'. Battery was dying. Hooked it up to another car, let it charge, turned to on. Fuel pumping whirring and I hear a hissing coming from the front fuel line but see and smell no gasoline. Try turning it over, starter motor works properly now but still won't turn over. I can't run the thing forever or I'll kill both batteries and I'm pretty sure it shouldnt take that long to pressurize the fuel system anyways.

Theoretically, I blew an EFI fuse, and replaced it. It shouldn't be doing this and I'm kinda out of ideas. There is no hissing anywhere in the fuel system except the front line. Any ideas? Thanks!

[bigbird]

I was gonna suggest the relay, lets see what others think....to the top.

[ghettosled]

are there any electrical connections/sensors on the intake for the v6?

[theangrytomato]

Yesterday we replaced the battery and bought some starter fluid. We also opened the tank up at the pump and fuel was returning through the return line so that was ok. Tried the started fluid, still didn't start. Checked a few basic things related to spark but pretty much ran out of ideas, so we took it to the dealership. They said the AFM wasn't sending out a signal and needed to be replaced at $1300, to which I said no thanks.

Before I attempted to change the filter, I opened the AFM to try the little trick where you can spin the cog forward to lean the mixture out a bit. Started the car after I spun the cog and it ran fine. I had trouble taking the AFM harness off when removing the intake tube & AFM for the filter change so I think that might be it. Going to have it towed back home tomorrow hopefully and I'll fiddle with that and see how it goes.

[lemegacool]

probably damaged the wiring at the connector...

and holy crap!!! 1300$ for an afm change!!! that is just ridiculous!!!

[theangrytomato]

That's what I'm thinking too. I hadn't ever encountered that type of connector before and I don't think I disconnected it right.

That's exactly what I said. $300 for labor for a bolt on job is absurd. Not to mention I can get the AFM for 1/5th of the price they wanted online.

[chuckoff]

Was it was running OK before you worked on it? What was the reason for changing the fuel filter? Sound like the dealer is right about air flow meter $950 for a new one. It is the ole' "try getting it somewhere else" attitude. Try a salvage yard one that doesn't appear to have been opened.