[polyptoton]

Driving home from work yesterday after about five minutes of running, my Rangie died while driving down the street at about 40 mph. I coasted to the shoulder and tried to restart with no luck. The starter is turning the engine, but the engine gives no indication that it wants to fire.

The cap and rotor looked like crap, and 3 years after buying it I have never had a plug out of the engine, so I did replace cap, rotor, plugs, and wires after having the truck towed home. Truck still does not want to start.

I checked the inertia switch... it is okay. Fuses all look okay. Using a timing light, I have spark at all wires including the coil wire. I took the amplifier--remote mounted GM unit by the coil--up to the parts store and they tested it for high rpm and low rpm and both passed.

I have a hard copy of the ETM but there is no diagnostic/troubleshooting procedure for the fuel system in my book. Also, the only ignition troubleshooting seems to related to the starter/solenoid with no mention of the coil/amp/distributor. I'm wondering if there is something I am missing there.

So far, the only parts I have thrown at were parts due for regular tuneup replacement anyway, but now I am stuck with where to go and what to check. Any input is appreciated.

PS, about a week ago the check engine light came on and it was showing a 44. I cleaned the stepper motor without checking further. The plunger was filthy, seat of the pants says it was running better, but the 44 remained. I do not have easy access to a computer to download the rave manual, my online access right now is limited to iPhone.

 

[West Slope Rover]

A code 44 is the left bank O2 sensor. You could start by checking that out. It can only be a problem with fuel, spark or air intake. Start with the easy one, fuel. Have someone help you and have them crawl under your car listen for the sound of the fuel pump when you turn the key to the "run" position. A whirring sound should be heard. If you can hear the pump running then crack the fuel line on the engine side of your fuel filter and see if fuel is passing through the filter. If it is, then check to see if if the fuel is making it past the fuel pressure regulator. Or cut to the chase and pull a spark plug to see if it wet or dry. Wet= fuel, dry= no fuel. Fuel to the rail but dry plugs can indicate your injectors are not firing. Rover engines don't run very well when their plugs are soaked and some times cleaning and drying them is needed to get the beast to start again after cranking it for awhile without it starting.

If you find you have fuel flow then check for GOOD spark. You want to see bright white park, not yellowish or orangish.

First thing I would do is pull a plug and have a look. Good Luck!