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I am working on a 1989 Ford Escort. It has sat for 4 years. I am trying to revive it. I have replaced spark plugs, wires, distributor, cap and rotor, ignition control module and coil and several fuses. I believe that the electrical system experienced an “event” shortly after I put in a car stereo. There is no spark and no gas. I suspect that the Engine control module is fried. How do I test it? What do I need to be aware of when I remove it? I can get a refurbished one for around $40 on the internet. What do I need to be aware of when I buy parts on line? Could there be another culprit?
Thank you
Drew
drewdeloss@yahoo.com
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When you turn the key on without starting the vehicle, do you see the CEL turn on? Also, are you able to pull any codes from the computer via the OBDII port? How about the fuses?
You don’t want to start with a bad PCM as your main suspect. Just because you don’t have spark and fuel, that doesn’t mean your PCM is bad. I’d be looking at the ignition switch circuit and also for a relay that may activate the ignition and fuel pump. You need to verify the operation of everything else before you can condemn the computer. More info on this here.
http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-no-start-problems
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Good luck and keep us updated on your progress.
For starters, any fuel that was in the tank and fuel system when the car was parked 4 years ago is not going to be any good to you at all. And if the tank was empty or nearly so, I wouldn’t trust the internal condition of the tank as far as rust goes, unless this car has a plastic fuel tank. Even with a plastic tank, you could have quite a bit of condensed water in the bottom of the tank.
If the electric in-tank pump still operates, but the pump’s screen is damaged or missing, you could have pumped quite a bit of rust and old gelled fuel deposits into the lines, restricting fuel delivery, and the lines will need to be flushed or replaced. If your pump pickup screen is in good shape, it could be clogged with crap as well.
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