Bought a non-running 03 a couple weeks ago and it would crank over, but not start. Previous owner said the fuel pump quit, while driving (which I found weird, since this is not normally the case with fuel pumps). He replaced the fuel pump, but still no start. He gave up, and in stepped me.

1) Checked for spark, none.
2) No movement of tach, while cranking engine over.
3) Didn't have my fuel gauge at home, so took owners word for fuel issue (pump not running).

Since 9 times out of 10 it is the crank sensor in this situation...I changed the crank sensor (had a spare). Unfortunately, no change.

Pulled another couple plugs out to verify compression, right bank, all were within 150/160. All good there. However, after pulling the plugs...I could smell fuel. Hmmm? So, I went to the drivers compartment fuse box and checked fuse #14 (coil pack fuse), it was good. Reached over and just touched the ignition relay to remove it (lower left)...and it fell out in my hand. Hmmm? Pushed it back in and turned it over...spark!

It started right up, but ran poorly (plugs are probably toast). I'll change plugs and add fresh gas today.

I'm assuming the previous owner hit a bump and the relay became loose.

Also, I made a sweet tool for holding the upper plug on the crank sensor. I'll take a picture later. Made changing the sensor a breeze.

Brian.

 

Thank you for posting your solution. . We have a lot of threads where people don't respond back. Thank you !

 

Dumped 10 gallons of fresh gas in the tank and squirted a bit of ether in a removed vacuum line...and she fired right up and smoothed out after about ten minutes. Took her for a road test around the block (country block - 4 miles) and all went well.

Now, some pictures of the crank sensor plug tool.

First picture...this is an old obsolete (like me) drum brake tool, used for removing and installing springs.

Second picture...is the two halves, after removing center bolt (which is already missing, took out earlier).

Third picture...shows the hooked end.

Fourth picture...l had to grasp the tool with some vise-grips to give me a better holding postion. The tool fit up between the drivers side inner fender and frame rail. You just snag the upper plug and push the new crank sensor plug in until it locks in place.

Without this tool, or something similar, you are really challenged at getting the plugs put back together. You only have enough room for one hand. Entire job took me ten minutes (vehicle on jack stands already).







Hope this info helps.

​​​​​​​ Brian.

 

Way to go! Great score on the trucks easy fix and that tool looks like something I need to make for my kit.

 

There are some temporary fixes which make you car running until you reach a mechanic. Read Here

 

Or until the fire department arrives.