Sorry that I neglected to explain the diagnostic fault codes better. There's over 2,000 defects the Engine Computer can detect and set a fault code for. Only about half of them refer to things that could adversely affect emissions, and those are the codes that turn on the Check Engine light. A non-running engine can't pollute excessively, so whatever is causing the no-start likely will not turn on the Check Engine light. To add to the misery, some fault codes take some time to set, and the few seconds a stalled engine takes to coast to a stop may not be long enough.
Regardless, reading and recording the fault codes is always the place to start. They never say to replace a part or that one is bad. They only indicate the circuit or system that needs further diagnosis, or the unacceptable operating condition. Mechanics use very expensive scanners to read the fault codes in all of the car's many computers. Simple, inexpensive code readers only read codes in the Engine Computer, which is what you need. The people at many auto parts stores will use one of those readers to read your fault codes for free. A lot of those stores also rent or borrow tools and they are likely to have a code reader you can borrow. All '96 and newer cars have the diagnostic port right under or near the steering column, under the dash.
Wednesday, April 19th, 2017 AT 2:46 AM
