History: '04, with 107k miles. Just replaced the clutch. Car was up on blocks for ~3months while I found the time. I believe I have everything connected back up correctly
Wouldn't start - battery wouldn't hold a charge, so replaced it any viola! engine runs, car shifts well in all gears and suddenly quits and won't start. I found the post on the RCM, so I pulled it and redid the connections as indicated in another post. They initially looked ok, as they were just large globs of solder, but after removing what was there I discovered one pin wasn't well connected....

Now it starts easily and idles well. Slowly up the revs and when you approach 3000rpm, it misfires (backfire?) and quits. It will restart ~2 times and do the same thing, but doesn't throw a code.

Before I go and replace the CPS, just wanted to check with the group if there may be something else I need to check out, especially since it sat for an extended period and the transmission had been removed ....

 

I wonder if the fuel pump relay points in the RCM may be bad causing low voltage which could cause low fuel pressure. I would check fuel pressure with a test gauge while this is happening.

 

When the fuel pump initializes, the pressure jumps to 60 and settles around 54psi. It drops to 52 when I try starting.

I got it to fire once (but not start), now it just cranks..

 

what is the check engine light code number?

 

There is no CEL at this time ...

 

Here is something to think about. This is from actual experience, no hearsay. I had one of our Blazers in the fleet that wouldn't start without starting fluid. I know that is a horse of a different color.
Fuel pressure was 52 psi at the fuel rail. Absolutely would not start on its own. A shot of starting fluid and you could drive it all day until you turned it off.
A new fuel pump relay did not help so I put a new fuel pump in it and started everytime at 60 psi. Problem solved.

Will it start with a shot?
James

 

Just tried the starting fluid ... nothing. I will check for spark next.

One thing I've seen asked on other posts ... all the dash lights / indicators stay on except the airbag light

 

No spark testing the #4 cylinder ....

 

My guess is, it is still the RCM.

 

 

Found a used RCM at a good price, and O'Reilly's carries the Bosch CPS for $30 ... replaced both and it started right up. Revved it slowly up to 3000 rpm and held steady with no issues (it was shutting off at 3k ..)

We'll take it for a spin around the neighborhood and post the results.

 

I think a Dr. Phil moment is in your future.

 

So you don't know which one was the problem child?

 

Had time to play this weekend ....
Car's been running fine, but with a CEL and P0410, P0171, P0174 codes. Read through the threads, and followed the advice. After replacing some rotted vacuum lines, cleaning ground contact, checking fuses, I decided to put the original RCM back in the car.

Presto, CEL went off. So, the original issue with the car stopping was the CPS.

Now to repair the backup RCM ... just in case ....