Cranks not start and will not communicate with the scanner

Tiny
ANONYMOUS
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD
  • 138,000 MILES
My car won't communicate with the scanner any more. It was working, now it isn't. My car has no spark, the fuel pump won't come on, and the fan turns on when I turn the key. The car turns over, but that is all.
Thursday, April 4th, 2013 AT 11:38 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
HOMER1967
  • MECHANIC
  • 875 POSTS
The first thing to do is check fuse number 15 in the power distribution box under the hood, if it is good then check all other fuse also.I suspect that you may have a faulty PCM. But on the vehicle diagnosis would have to confirm that.
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Friday, April 5th, 2013 AT 12:05 AM
Tiny
CADIEMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,544 POSTS
First check the connector the scanner is plugging into for a possible bad or loose wiring connection. Next I would get some starting fluid and sprayed it in the intake. If it starts you will know it's a fuel problem. And if it doesn't start you will need to check for power to the coil. It may be as easy as a bad coil wire. Good luck if you need me I'll be here.
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Friday, April 5th, 2013 AT 3:44 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

The first thing I want to focus on is the data link connector (DLC). If it isn't working and communicating with the scanner, you need to confirm it is getting power and has ground.

I attached a pic below which is a schematic of the DLC. What I need you to do is check to make sure pin number 16 has 12v power at all times. If it does, then confirm continuity to ground via pin 5.

Next, the idea that you have no spark and fuel could be related to a faulty power-train control module (PCM). If you look at pic 2, it shows the location. The Power-train Control Module is located behind RH cowl panel. Pic 3 shows a pic of the module and removal process.

Locate the PCM and confirm the connectors are tight and the pins are not damaged or corroded. Make sure the battery is disconnected before disconnecting or connecting the PCM.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions. I suspect if the fuses to the DLC are good and it has a good ground, the PCM will require testing.

Take care,
Joe
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Friday, April 24th, 2020 AT 8:33 PM

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