Well, unfortunately this isn't that pesky Security/Passlock thing going on (at least I don't think so).

Specs:
98 Blazer 4x4 4.3 V6 CSEFI
Has remote start and the passlock bypass thing, but even after disabling and bypassing it to eliminate it, it still will not start. I checked cap and rotor, plugs/wires. I have spark, but as of right now I cannot see any injector pulse. It started this morning after it being cold for some weeks, and then it was wet and 50 degrees this morning. I thought it was a moisture problem, but after cleaning/drying the cap/rotor, it still wouldn't start. The other thing is that it won't start even with starting fluid. When turning over it stumbles intermittently. While cranking, my scanner shows no ignition advance either. I checked the fuel pump, and it runs fine, 60-62 psi at key on.

Timing chain a possiblity? What is odd is the sudden onset of the no-start condition. ECM bad maybe?

 

I forgot to add, I did a code scan and the dang thing has no codes at all, which lead me to the security/passlock BS, but with no indicator lamp there, couldn't really pin it on that. Monday I might be taking it to a local mechanic I know. If I can do it myself cheaper, great, but sometimes the cards aren't dealt that way.

 

Well, checked and ended up replacing the timing chain, since I was there already. (Anyone notice how stupid that plastic cover is?) After putting it back together, I forgot to plug in the crank sensor, and it popped a code, no problem. Plugged it back in and I have spark just fine. I'm smelling gas, and had a bit on the plugs, so fuel is getting there. I still have no start, and it's driving me nuts. I'm just changing parts without getting anywhere now. I replaced the coil and module, and still no change.

It will also not run even with starting fluid. Spark timing maybe? The scanner still shows no change in the spark advance when starting. It's always stuck on 0.0 degrees.

 

If anyone has been following this, we have results. I finally got the thing able to start again and run. Whenever I made a bit more sudden stop than normal, it would die. At first I was thinking something vacuum related... But, FINALLY, the computer figured out what the heck was going on. Turns out messing with the crankshaft sensor got it running enough for the computer to figure out it's issue. Turns out that was also the intermittent spark/fuel issue. If one went, the other would too, so it was really frustrating! So, tomorrow I pick on up, and hopefully I'm back on the road tomorrow AM (wait, it's almost 4 in the morning here... well, in a few hours we'll get it going...)

BTW, why does this forum add another apostrophe to every one I use? That's weird.

 

trevorus, I am sorry. Somehow through all of your posts, I just now found your thread. I wish I could have replied sooner.

As far as your problem, a malfunctioning CKP (crankshaft position) sensor or a problem with the wiring can definitely cause the symptoms you are experiencing. The CKP is the only sensor giving detailed crankshaft position information to the PCM. In conjunction with the CMP (camshaft position) sensor, the PCM modifies the spark advance. The engine can function without a proper CMP signal, but it cannot function without a proper CKP signal.

About the apostrophies, the server that the forum resides on was hit with a virus quite a while ago and that is one of the lasting effects of the resulting damage. We are still holding out hope that the forum will be upgraded sometime in the not to distant future.

 

Hey, man. It happens. I'm glad I was able to figure it out and at least gain some experience to impart to someone else. The most frustrationg thing about it was the rare but random fire, and the lack of a code set, until I had futzed with a lot of other things. I actually had to take it all apart again tonight and recheck my timing cover, because it had a leak that I had to track down. I tore it down in record time after doing it once already this weekend. It sure helps a ton to remove the skid plate underneath. The next thing on the list is to replace this damned belt that won't stop squeaking. It makes me look like one of those dumb suckers with a nice truck, but it makes a lot of bad noise so it sounds like I'm not taking care of it. At least for me, I can turn up the stereo and drown it out easily. Doesn't work for everyone else