Chrysler Repair: 2000 Dodge Avenger: no start, dodge avenger, count numbers

Question
Driven to work with no problem.  After work, cranks but does not start.  tank filled about 100 miles ago.

Where do I start?


Answer
Hi Ion,
Fortunately my '00 Avenger manual says that you can use the ignition key to get the fault codes that might tell us what the engine controller has noticed as the possible cause of the 'no start':" on-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing that in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then watch the 'check engine' light, which remains 'on', to begin to flash, pause, flash, etc. Count the number of flashes before each pause. Then repeat the ignition key routine and do a recount to be sure of accuracy. Then group the count numbers in pairs to form the 2-digit fault codes. Then write me back and tell me the numbers and we'll go from there.
Roland
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Roland

No codes are set. Checked with scantool. Also check fire at several plugs using sparkplug substitute clipped to ground - no firesprayed choke cleaner into t. hrottle body while chanking, no hit.

Hi Ion,
I assume that the code reader gave you some sort of indication that it was communicating with the engine computer so there are truly no codes, correct?
If you have the 2.5L V-6 then you could check the distributor rotor for continuity in case that was 'open'. That would not be detected by the engine controller and thus no code would be set.
If you have a voltemeter and want to check out the two engine rotation sensors (crank and cam) then that would be worth a try. I described how to do that yesterday to another 2.5 owner:
"Do you hear the fuel pump run for about 1 second when you first turn the ignition switch to the 'run' position then that would verify that the ASD relay is OK, that is normal. If not, then you can check the relay which is mounted on the firewall of the engine comparment in front of the driver position.  
If it is the case that the pump is running for 1 second, then the real question is why isn't the relay closing again when you start cranking it over(you can verify that by checking for 12V on the black/red wire at the relay)? For the ASD relay to close it has to be activated by the engine controller, and the engine controller will only do that if it is getting pusled signals from the crank sensor (is mounted at the seam between the engine and transmission on the back side of the engine, just above the trans housing (it has a 3-wire plug)) and from the cam sensor (located in the distributor). I suspect that one or the other of those sensors is not working. If you had a fault code reader you could tell which. Another way is to measure for voltage pulsing on each sensor while you turn the crankshaft with a ratchet on the crank pulley bolt, and the ignition switch in the 'run' position. You will find the wires for the cam sensor on the 6-wire plug of the distributor (pins 1,2,3), and the crank sensor has its own plug.  Pin 2 (yellow) of both is an 8V power line for the crystal. The signal that pulses would be seen by measuring between pins 1 and 3 of each sensor. You can take a fine straight pin and probe through the insulation to reach the internal wire. As you turn the engine you should observe the voltage to pulse between 5V and 0.3V several times per rotation. So I would check for that as cause of your no spark first."
Good luck.
Roland