Some new developments...

Got deep into the wiring last night. Unfurled, cleaned, checked all connectors I could get to, and replaced Throttle Position Sensor (TPS), as that was the code I was getting.

Now, no code. ECU is giving A-OK signal again. But no starty and no sparky.

In exasperation (and maybe a subconscious desire to end it all for both of us), I tried another shot of ether. After that didn't help I tried it on the Montero.

By God, a couple times I SWEAR I heard / felt a little life out of her. Just a short chug-a-lug.

Is it possible that the fuel pump is KINDA working, and occasionally it is sending enough fuel pressure to motivate the lazy-ass ECU to order spark? Am I hallucinating? Will enough ether (administered to the vehicle, not the driver) lower point of combustion to the point that I'm getting diesel ignitions w/out spark?

Another thing...if the TPS is now ok, shouldn't I have had to d/c battery neg to reset the ECU??? It spontaneously did so. I never d/c'd batt neg.

My next parts swap might have to be to swap in another Montero and see if that helps...

Should I just buy a new fuel pump and see?