Problem firing new engine

[MORDENENOUGH]

I just installed my rebuilt engine and hsve some electrical issues. Just before I took the engine out fir a rebuild I was having a problem with the engine shutting down. Since re installing the engine this is what is happening, I turn the key and snap the relays click and nothing everything dies, but the interior light flashes. The car has the Clifford XL1000 security system on it but it has never worked in the 7 years I have owned the car. I plan on removing it because it seems some type of immobilizer is the culprit, has anyone else experienced this?

 

[toyman]

I believe most Clifford systems prevent the starter from cranking the engine. Does it crank and not start or is it a cranking issue. Your post would seem to indicate it's a no start and sometimes the engine shutting down when running. If that's the case there are about 3 possible causes. Failing PIP (hall effect sensor), ignition coil and ignition module (TFI). Have you tried to pull the diagnostic codes (DTCs). These codes, if present, will help narrow the search.

 

[MORDENENOUGH]

I believe most Clifford systems prevent the starter from cranking the engine. Does it crank and not start or is it a cranking issue. Your post would seem to indicate it's a no start and sometimes the engine shutting down when running. If that's the case there are about 3 possible causes. Failing PIP (hall effect sensor), ignition coil and ignition module (TFI). Have you tried to pull the diagnostic codes (DTCs). These codes, if present, will help narrow the search.[/QUOTE

OK, I should have provided more details. Last spring I installed an MSD system using the MSD harness no cut wires. Took it out for a spin car made it around the block, then suddenly everything shut off. I removed the MSD and the car started then did the same thing again. I parked the car and ripped the engine out for rebuild which I was planning anyway...HCI Supercharger build. I never solved the problem, stupid on my part no patience. Just prior to this I relocated the battery to the trunk and thought maybe a bad ground. I had rebuilt the distributor the summer before and the TFI module is a brand new Performance Distributors TFI. I have also installed new pillar gauges but I used fuse taps and did not cut any wires. Now it was cranking when I put the new engine but did not start. I adjusted the fuel pressure the the fuel pump stopped and no crank but the interior light is flashing, I dont have as if the immobilzer was tripped somehow.

 

[toyman]

With what you just described I would look to the CCRM. The CCRM has relays that power both the ECU and the fuel pump amongst other things.

 

[945.0]

With what you just described I would look to the CCRM. The CCRM has relays that power both the ECU and the fuel pump amongst other things.

agree with toyman. i just went through this nightmare a few weeks ago. kept redoing dist. and checking everything. my fp would prime but upon turning motor over i would get no fuel pressure. finally decided to take 5 minutes and replace the ccrm. i had an extra. after that i was able to fire up my 347 stroker. if you can hit a junk yard and snag 1 or 2 if they are still there or just buy another one install it if that doesnt cure the problem take it back.

 

[MORDENENOUGH]

I appreciate the responses, the fuel pump was priming now its not even doing that. There was spark and crank but that also stopped. I have an extra TFI an extra distributor and an extra ccrm so hopefully today I can try some trouble shooting. I think I am still going to attempt to remove this archaic security system. I will keep you posted, again thanks for the response.

 

[945.0]

Start with the ccrm first it takes less than five minutes to do. Or check out my thread 347 installed and now no start. There's a lot of helpful info throughout thethread

 

[MORDENENOUGH]

Just a quick update, traced the problem to a bad ground. I also added a couple more between the engine and chassis. Now my latest electrical gremlin is no brake lights, 4 ways or turn signals so I will be trouble shooting the multifunction switch any other suggestions, let me know...

 

[ttocs]

Its funny how everyone rolls their eyes when the idea of checking grounds gets brought up, its even funnier how often it is the problem. Start simple with the lights and pull/check EVERY fuse in the car both under the dash and the hood. Don't bother with the manual takes less time to pull them all and then you can be sure they are all good.

 

[MustangChris]

bad ground killed my CCRM and mine wouldnt fire either. so easy to overlook...

 

[CC'S95GT]

.Now my latest electrical gremlin is no brake lights, 4 ways or turn signals so I will be trouble shooting the multifunction switch any other suggestions, let me know...

The M/F sw is a good place to look and you might also look at the h/l sw connector. A lot of those circuits go through the SW and the connector likes to melt.