Former User

Connect a wire to the (+) battery post. When the engine is hot and the starter won't crank with the key, put the transmission in neutral and then touch the wire attached to the battery to the starter solenoid terminal. Does the starter crank reproducibly? If so, verify that the starter still won't crank with the key.

Leon999

Yes.

Former User

How do you interpret this^ result together with results in your last two posts with respect to what the problem may be?

Former User

By the way, these^ voltage readings should have been approximately 0 V. Or did you mean:

starter cut relay - V between blk/wht, blk to clutch switch:

Former User

What voltage do you read at the large Blk wire on the starter if you use the (-) battery post as ground like you did for the solenoid voltage test? Of course, voltage comparisons when the starter cranks versus won't are the most informative.

Leon999

Progress...bad connector on starter solenoid - SOFABITCH; replaced connector and now cranks strong when hot. Batt still good. I believe starter electrical circuit is all good.

However, when hot doesn't start. So we have a hot crank, no start situation now. Any ideas? Thanks.

Former User

CEL codes?

Spark at plugs bright white?

Fuel pump primes?

Leon999

I apologize. I have a PO118 ECT code so I'm wondering if this hi voltage situation on this sensor is causing an issue with the brain not allowing the car to start. Chk engine light goes on as soon as car is started cold. Runs for 15 min with chk eng light on.

Former User

Fix P0118.

Leon999

Ok. thanks.

Leon999

I checked radiator fluid to make sure. thermostat working. disconnected ECT sensor connector; measured resistance when cold laying dormant @ 0.3 ohm. Started cold start fine, but check engine light was on even though sensor was disconnected. This tells me that the check engine light might be because of the ECT sensor connection into the PGM.

Im going to measure ohms at sensor after car runs for about 15-20 minutes and see.

Former User

Measure resistance across the two unplugged ECT sensor terminals when the engine is fully warmed up. The reading should be between 200-400 Ohms.

Leon999

Measured resistance on unplugged ECT sensor pins when the engine was fully warm and resistance was 0.1 ohm. Was 0 when engine was cold. What do you think my next step should be?

Also, tried to start hot and cranked fine, but no start. Tried to start hot with sensor unplugged and same - cranked real good, but no start.

Former User

The sensor is clearly bad. Replace it.

I am assuming you tested the 2-wire sensor located below the distributor. If you're unsure, post a picture.

Leon999

Confident I got the right sensor. Compared to picture out of chilton. Will replace and let you know. Thanks.

Leon999

Ron, fixing PO118 resolved the problem. everything works fine. thanks for your help.