The Engine Computer is the last thing to suspect. It causes very little trouble on this model. The only thing you can do to damage a computer is to speed up a running engine while the battery cable is disconnected. The charging system can reach over 30 volts, so obviously, don't do that.
Why did you replace the computer? What was the problem you were trying to solve? Have you read the diagnostic fault codes?
You're a couple of steps ahead of most people with the diagnosis. You found both spark and fuel missing. Those are two separate systems in the computer, so you have to look at what they have in common. That is the crankshaft position sensor, the camshaft position sensor inside the distributor, and the automatic shutdown, (ASD) and fuel pump relays. The two relays are turned on at the same time by one circuit.
If you haven't read the fault codes yet, Chrysler made doing that yourself much easier than any other manufacturer. Cycle the ignition switch from "off" to "run" three times within five seconds without cranking the engine, leave it in "run", then count the flashes of the Check Engine light. Check this page for the procedure and the code definitions:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/retrieve-trouble-codes-for-chrysler-dodge-plymouth-odb1-1995-and-earlier-car-mini-van-and-light-trucks
or I can interpret them for you. Be aware any fault codes in the old computer are erased once it was unplugged, so that valuable information was lost. Fault codes for these two sensors often do not set just from cranking the engine. They commonly need more time to set, as in when a stalled engine is coasting to a stop from highway speed. For that reason, we can't rule anything out just because there is no fault code related to either of these sensors.
When you do get a fault code for a sensor, it never says to replace it or it is bad. Fault codes only indicate the circuit or system that needs further diagnosis, or the unacceptable operating condition. First we have to rule out wiring and connector terminal problems, and things like that.
When you do not have a code set related to a crank/no-start, professionals use a scanner to view live data and see what the computer is seeing and responding to. If you're lucky enough to have a scanner, display the cam and crank sensors, and observe the state they're listed in. Mine lists them as "Present" or "No". Both will be listed as "No", or signal missing, when the ignition switch is on, but they should both switch to "Present" or some similar indication when the engine is rotating, meaning you're cranking the engine. If one doesn't switch to "Present", that is the circuit that needs to be diagnosed.
When you don't have a scanner, you can do this a different way. A test light works best because digital voltmeters don't respond fast enough. Measure the voltage on the dark green / black wire on the ignition coil, or by back-probing into that wire on any injector, or on either of the smaller wires bolted to the back of the alternator. You will see 12 volts on that wire for one second when you turn on the ignition switch, then it will go back to 0 volts. What is important is if that voltage comes back when you crank the engine. If it does not, the signal pulses are missing from one of those sensors.
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Sunday, August 30th, 2020 AT 11:17 AM