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'89 Caravan Won't Start

3 liter six cylinder, 115,000 miles.

Symptoms: Turns over fine but doesn't try to start. Started and ran fine when I drove it home from work last night.

So far I've tried: Check trouble codes with the Check Engine light method. No codes stored;

55 was the one and only message.

Checked cap and rotor (about one year old), both showed wear but looked adequate.

Tried disconnecting MAP sensor. No change.

Checked spark at distributor end of coil wire; spark looked good. This rules out the auto shut down relay (ASR), right? Or does the ASR only shut down the fuel?

Sometimes when I turn the key I hear the fuel pump running for a few seconds, sometimes I don't. How long, typically, will the system stay fully pressurized with the engine not running?

Gas gauge said 1/2 tank. Just to be sure I walked to the nearest station and brought back a gallon. Put 9/10 of it into the tank. No change (still wouldn't start), although the gauge may have moved up a little. Poured a few ounces into the throat. Motor started immediately and ran until the prime ran out.

So obviously, it isn't getting fuel.

Does the lack of a stored error code rule out the throttle position sensor? I have an analog multimeter, but the Haynes manual doesn't say how to test the TPS. Can anyone tell me how to do that?

Also, is the fuel filter that is mounted to the frame under the van the only fuel filter, or is there another fuel filter under the hood?

Reply to
Tony Sivori
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Comments inline.

Excellent. Not many know to do this.

The ASD relay controls both the fuel pump and primary voltage to the ignition coil (and more). So, yes, this rules out the ASD relay.

Ideally, a long time, easily overnight if not longer.

Agree.

Nope.

The TPS has three circuits;

5 volt feed return signal ground I'd love to be able to give you wire colors but my laptop is at work. Using a straightened paper clip or largish sewing needle, back probe alongside the wire going into the TPS connector until contact with the terminal inside is established, connect you voltmeter negative lead to battery negative, key on engine off you should read 5 volts on one wire(5 volt feed), appx. one volt on another wire (return signal) and zero volts on the third (ground) wire. An open ground will result in a full five volts on the signal return, an open 5 volt feed will result in zero volts anywhere, an open in the signal return typically can't cause a no fuel condition. If you're unfamiliar with back probing, see the picture(s) at:
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your meter to ohms, only the ground should show continuity (low ohms) with ground.

Other than the in-tank strainer, it is the only fuel filter.

I think you really need to measure fuel pressure.

Reply to
aarcuda69062

Thanks.

Thanks for the info. It rained today so I couldn't work on it (no garage) but I will check that on Sunday when I'm off.

You're right about that. But first I'll try taking the fuel filter off, and unless it it very open I will try my luck by replacing it. If that doesn't do it, it is time to invest in a fuel pressure gauge.

Reply to
Tony Sivori

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