Hello folks,

I've been tracking down problems with this thing ('92 4rnr) for quite some time now, and the latest thing is it won't start. Not only that, the CEL doesn't come on with the key on. I'm a regular at Yotatech, but it seems no one is able to really help. That, or just not interested.
If you please, read the link provided and spare me from having to type everything over again:
http://www.yotatech.com/f116/need-some-assistance-3vze-efi-relay-130498/

This is where I'm at so far. As soon as I can get some pages printed up from the online FSM, I will start a battery of tests at the ECU terminals, distributor pickup, etc. But, for now, I need to know what to make of the coil reading I get. Since the ignition system is new territory for me, I want to make sure whether or not it is bad.

Much thanks to anyone willing to help.

Matthew

Welll, I was testing the pickup coil at the distributor incorrectly the first time. On the second and correct attempt it tested fine. Now, on to the ignition coil. Trying to figure out difference between "primary" and "secondary" and how to test those. I mean, I've found out that each is a primary winding and secondary winding, but how and where to test is still a mystery.

Figured out what primary and secondary were. The resistance on both were the same on a 20m setting. Both read 11.75 on the ignition coil. It's suppose to be much lower on primary, but a mechanic told me that's not really a cause for concern at this point.

Anyone here familiar with 3vze ignition systems?

Found the problem. ECM gone south. Thanks anyway. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />

Water,
You needed to post up that you had a spark problem.
"won't run" problems generally get the standard response:
Is it fuel, air, or spark that's missing?

How'd you confirm it was ECU. An ECU failure w/o a flood is pretty rare.. Have you actually replaced it?

I can appreciate that suggestion, but I did post the link. I'm sorry if no one wants to read it. And, I did say "diagnosing ignition". I'm doing a juggling act on my end with different activities...the details I won't bore you with. So, I was trying to cut my typing time down to a minimum. Apologies... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

So, yeah...no spark. The ECM was exposed to rain when I had a wreck in Jan. I didn't suspect it because at the time after the wreck the vehicle was running. And from all "outward" appearances, there was no corrosion, rust, etc. Apparently, though, time (and a leaking windshield replacment) caught up with it. Tonight, someone at yotatech made a comment that I got curious about and so I followed the hunch. I was afraid of damaging anything by pulling the cover off of the ECM, but did so because I had to know. Yep....1/4th of the ECM had rust and corrosion with some of the circuitry and silicon frizzle fried. So, if it's not the only problem it's a major one. LOL! I do have replacement in the works. Deal hasn't really gone through yet, though.

Thanks for responding.

Make sure you waterproof that new one good before you put it in. I've heard of people putting them in plastic bags. Or use some sillicone

FYI:

Thanks for the replies.

Someone at the Yotatech (the link I posted) had suggested the waterproofing. I plan on using some silicone...definitely. I also found a replacement already. Hopefully, that will be my only problem.

The '93 FSM is what I've been going by troubleshooting. So, I'm familiar with that already. Thank you just the same, though.

I read some things about ECM waterproofing a while back and read 4crawler's method for waterproofing....specifically on the 4rnr 22re. So, I got to thinking about using some dielectric grease at the terminals and connectors. However, I noticed nothing is used from the factory. Is using anything like the di-grease a good idea, or would that interfere with ciruitry or harm the ECM in any way? Also, would the "Noalox" type compound work in this application? I have plenty of that and would save me from buying something else.
In my reading, some people have used di-grease and the like in other electrical applications, but there wasn't much input on using it on the ECM itself.