95 Rodeo, 6cyl., 4wd, Auto, 230k mi.

My engine died while idling at a traffic light, transmission in "Drive", and at normal operating temp. and will not start. After trying to start it about a dozen times, the "Check Trans" idiot light began to flash three times every time I fired the starter motor (never previously).

I have plenty of battery and a new starter that has never been a problem and sounds strong. So I got a tow thinking that I had a Fuel delivery issue.

The fuel pump is working.
I have spark all around.
The engine sounds normal when I engage the starter but it won't turn over.
Never had issues with transmission, trans. fluid is full and in acceptable condition.

I've got a minor oil slick ringing the plugs at the base of the push tube that has been present for about two years from dying tube-seals but has caused no trouble to date. I've cleaned all the oil from the tubes and replaced the plugs but I get the same result.

Anybody know of something else I can troubleshoot before I drive it over a cliff?!

I'd sure appreciate any ideas. Thanks.

 

I'd pick up a code reader (if the '95s support them, which I'm sure they have a diagnostics port somewhere) and hook it up to get a better answer. The transmission light is probably sending a code to the ECU, telling it where the problem may be. Maybe you also have more than one code/problem.

Yeah I'd also get those plug well seals changed out. It's not extremely likely unless you have a LOT of oil build up in the wells in the future, but it can cause a short in the ignition and create a mis-fire.

You said that the engine sounds normal, but the starter won't turn over. How are you hearing the engine, if the starter won't rotate then engine?? Did you mean that the starter IS turning the engine over (rotating the flywheel) but the engine just isn't firing up??? If so, it could be a crank position sensor or something. But if the starter is NOT rotating the engine then it'd be a problem with the starter. Could be the solenoid, could be wiring, could be a heavy-duty fuse (or even a regular fuse), etc. If the starter isn't rotating the engine let us know what you hear when you try to engage the starter with the ignition switch. Do you hear the starter doing ANYTHING???

 

My guess though is that with over 230k miles it's something simple like a sensor that has never been replaced. Not saying that if it's a simple issue that it'll be simply to fix (crank position sensors are always a PAIN IN THE A$$), but it might not mean pulling the motor out is what I'm getting at.

Another of my thoughts is that the transmission light might be unrelated to why your engine won't start, unless there's a SERIOUS transmission issue and it has somehow sent a kill-code to the ECU.

-Andrew

 

i would check the cat they have been known to do this when they are clogged. just a fyi hope it helps.