First listen for the hum of the fuel pump for one second right after turning on the ignition switch. If you can't hear it, listen through the removed fuel cap or under the tank when a helper turns on the switch. If you still don't hear it, the pump may be locked up.
Hold the accelerator pedal down 1/4" when cranking the engine. More on that in a minute. Check for spark. If that is missing, given the history, it's a good bet a mouse chewed up some wires.
If you have spark and fuel pressure, the most likely cause is the battery was dead or disconnected. The Engine Computer lost its memory. All the emissions-related data and fuel metering calculations will be rebuilt while you drive without you even knowing it, but certain conditions must be met for it to relearn "minimum throttle". Until that is done, the computer won't know when it must be in control of idle speed. The engine may not start due to idle speed being too low, you won't get the nice "idle flare-up" to 1500 rpm at start-up, and it will tend to stall at stop signs.
To meet the conditions for the relearn to take place, drive at highway speed with the engine warmed up, then coast for at least seven seconds without touching the pedals.
Aug 12, 2015 at 3:25 PM
