Chrysler Repair: 1992 3.0L V-6 cranks but wont start, dave thanks, voltage meter


Question
QUESTION: Roland, I have a 1992 lebaron which cranks but won't turnover. I'm getting engine codes 12 and 41 . I'm assuming the 12 is from recharging my battery. I can't here anything coming from the gas tank. The fuel pump was replaced last spring.

ANSWER: Hi Dave,
I wonder if you mean that you don't even hear the fuel pump run for about 1 second when you first turn the key to run, as that you should because that is the normal function of the ASD. You can't easily hear it while you are cranking it over, of course.
Can your tell me which engine you have, as the wiring and other matters differ depending upon the engine.
The 41 code says the alternator field coils are not being properly controlled. have you noticed a too low or too high reading on the voltage meter on the cluster?
It not, might you have misread the code. I would do another code readout to be sure.
Once I have the answers to my questions I can do a better job of helping but you started.
Roland
PS Please use the 'thank/rate' tab below to get back to me quickly without having to wait for me to be 'available' to take a question.
Also while you are at that page please notice a question about "nomination to be expert of the month" which I am in competition to receive, being only 2 votes behind the leader. I would truly appreciate your entering a "yes" for me where you see that question.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Roland, the code was correct 41, turning the key to acc, i still can't here anything from the fuel tank. The engine is a 3.0. Also the gauge is reading approx 12v. Dave

ANSWER: Hi Dave,
Thanks for the clarification and the nomination. I assume that you have the 2-door coupe or convertible Le Baron, if not then I have to change everything that follows :(
Here is how the fuel pump is powered-
first a 20 amp mini-fuse in the power distribution box under hood  (#40-41 on the board) has to be good. Then that power has to get to the fuel pump from the fuel pump relay, also in that box (third from the outside end). You could by-pass the relay to directly testing the pump by removing the relay and jumping from the rear pin to the front pin of the relay socket and listen for the pump. If it works, then the pump is OK. If not, then verify that you have voltage on the rear pin and if you do then either the wire to pump from the front pin of the relay to the pump is open or the pump is no good.
If it worked with the jump you still have the possibility that the relay is no good, so try switching out the relay with another one of the same part # that isn't crucial and see if you then can get the 1 second 'hum' from the pump when you turn the key to run. If so, then the original relay is bad, if not, then there are a couple of possibilities:
Check that the inboard pin of the relay socket shows 12V when you turn the ignition to run. If it does, then the igntion switch that supplies that voltage is ok. If not, then the ignition switch is probably bad and you could check that at the switch by checking the dark blue wire on pin 2 of that switch which should show 12v in the run position. It is supplied to the switch by the large 40 amp fuse in the powerbox (#55) but that has to be good otherwise the starter would work.
If you are getting 12v to the inboard pin of the relay socket, then the only conclusion I could draw is that the connection from the computer pin 51 to the outboard pin of the relay socket is "open" or the computer is bad. The computer is supposed to ground pin 51 and thus the outboard pin of the fuel relay socket for 1 second and it isn't doing it. Check the wire and the grounding performance when you turn the key to 'run'.
I think this covers all the possibilities for why the fuel pump isn't working!
I would check the voltage meter to be sure it reads somewhat above 12V once you get this problem with starting solved, because the 41 code says that there is a lack of control of the alternator output voltage.
Please let me know what you learn, and feel free to give me a second 'nomination' as my competitor appear to be willing to stop at nothing to win.
Roland

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Roland, The car is a 4 door sedan, sorry Dave

Answer
Hi Dave,
I have modified my answer to reflect the fact that you have the LeBaron sedan (same as Spirit, Acclaim):
But before you read the details, PLEASE jump to the end and read the PS and give me a vote. Time is urgent!



Here is how the fuel pump is powered-
first a red fusible-link off of the battery + post black wire  under hood has to be good. Then that power has to get to the autoshutdown relay and to the fuel pump relay. Those are the relays that are closest to the front on the left inner fender (ASD relay) and in-board most one on the strut tower (fuel pump relay). Check to see if
the red/white wire on both of those relay sockets has 12v on it. That wire is connected to the relay sockets' pin that is closest to the metal upon which the holder is mounted. If not then the fusible link is blown. If it is, then probably the ignition switch is not providing power to the dark blue wire of both sockets (if you look down on the relay socket and conside the pin closest to the metal as 12 o'clock this pin would be at 9 o'clock for both relay sockets. Check that pin of both  relay sockets to verify that they show 12V when you turn the ignition to run. If it does, then the igntion switch that supplies that voltage is ok. If not, then the ignition switch is bad and you could check that at the switch by checking the dark blue wire on pin 2 of that switch which should show 12v in the run position.  
If you are getting 12v to the 9 o'clock pins of the relay sockets, then the only conclusion I could draw is that the connection from the computer pin 51 to the 3 o'clock pins (dark blue/yellow)  of the relay sockets are "open" OR the computer is bad. The computer is supposed to ground pin 51 and thus the 3 'oclock pin of the fuel relay socket for 1 second and it isn't doing it. Check the wire and the grounding performance when you turn the key to 'run'.
I think this covers all the possibilities for why the fuel pump isn't working!
I would check the voltage meter on the dash (if you have one) to be sure it reads somewhat above 12V once you get this problem with starting is solved, because the 41 code says that there is a lack of control of the alternator output voltage.
Please let me know what you learn, and feel free to give me a second 'nomination' as my competitor appear to be willing to stop at nothing to win.
Roland
PS You are entitled to give me another vote for "expert of the month" because this is a brand new question/answer. I would really appreciate you doing that because the voting ends in 3 hours (6 pm CST)