Another "No Start" Thread

[Cludseph]

Ok, here's my ordeal. Two friday's ago my car ran great. The following morning, I went to start the car and it had a terrible rough idle and was pumping out gray smoke. I turned the car off and disconnected the battery to reset the ecu. Been doing that for some time due to the afm code constantly popping on even after 3 afm's. Doing that would give me 2-4 days of driving. Anywho, after I did that, the car refused to start. The only code it throws now is code 12. I've replaced the cps and ecu, repaired a ground, and had someone locally come by and test their working ignitor and cps on the car. I set the cps and motor to TDC, checked all fuses and still got nothing. The tach moves when trying to start the car, but nothing happens. The only thing I've noticed is when trying to start, the starter will kinda cut out like it gets a surge of low voltage, then continues to spin. It even happens while being jumped. The car also sometimes gives off a little back fire after I stop cranking. I've jiggled the cps wires, no improvement. I'm gonna check the spark plugs, but have little faith that those are the issue since they were done two months ago with new wires. Car gets fuel and know that from the fuel smell after trying to start it after some time. Has anyone else had this problem and know how to fix it? I'm at a loss with it and don't know what else to do or check.

[bgrieger]

Welcome.

Code 12 is the RPM signal error - the ECU did not get signal within 2 seconds of cranking. The TSRM says it's likely CPS or wiring, and I concur, the wiring often fails at this age. Given you have likely wiring issues with the AFM as well, I'd start here. You might check the CPS timing again though, as this is something that is can be a pain to get set properly.

[Cludseph]

I've checked the wiring on the cps and on the afm. The wiring on the afm was bad and did the necessary repairs about a month ago. I will check the cps again, but did set it according to the TSRM. I'm still just stumped on how three cps units could fail, especially with two coming from running vehicles. It's still odd how the starter will lightly cut out during startup...I'll have to look into that some more.

*Edit*
Forgot to mention that if I try to start the car without a jump for a few mins, the battery drains. After the battery has drained, it will sometimes come back to a decent charge if left alone. Maybe an alternator is the source of this madness?

[bgrieger]

that recovery is a bit of a chemical process. All batteries "come back" a little bit and will give a few more cranks where they are in a fast drain situation, but they're still pretty much flat. The multiple CPS's with problems and getting code 12 still suggests the wiring. If you have a spare alternator around give it a shot too, but I wouldn't count on it. You might put a multimeter from the glovebox to the CPS and see if what the resistance is, or if there's a break in the main harness. You can also check the CPS's themselves to see if the pickups are adjusted correctly too. The method is in the TSRM for sure, but might also be in the Haynes manual if that is what you have.