2002 SE, 180k miles. I had been driving it everyday normally but since this morning it won't start. It cranks normally so I don't think battery or starter was the cause. I did check the cam shafts and they turned when engine cranked so the timing chain is not broken. Now, I run out of ideas as to where to check. I know it's either not getting the spark or not getting fuel but what's the easy way I can tell without disconnecting many things? I also have an OBD-II thing but I don't think it will tell anything if the engine couldn't even start.

 

Pull out one of the front coils and take out the plug. Put the plug back in the coil and set on top of the engine or radiator support (ground). Crank it and if you see spark you are good there. Then pull off the fuel line on the driver side of the engine and see if you get fuel when you crank. If one of the above things is missing you found your problem.

 

Check for codes. It might have something. All you need is the ignition turned on to read codes. The engine does not have to be running.

Is the red security led on solid while you are cranking the engine? If yes, the NATS has disabled the car.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I just checked the code. They are P1610 and P1612. From the service manual, they translate to NATS MALFUNCTION. I assume this would prevent the engine from start?

By the way the security LED is not lit.

 

Well, actually, the security LED does come ON after leaving the ignition key at ON position for about 5 sec,

 

Start searching from the easiest, i.e. check fusibles first.

 

When you say the security light is on do you mean a solid light or a flashing light? Go crank the car and watch the light. If solid then that is your problem.

Were there any symptoms or recent work prior to this? No random lights or anything?

 

Yes, the security LED is on solid for as long as I leave the key at ON position.
No recent services and no check engine light before this happend.

I remove the battery yesterday for recharge because it was drained after the repeated cranking. So the code check was done after the re-installation of the battery.

I did check the fuses that has connections to NATS and ignition control.

 

Do a search for the common NATS issue. That seems to be your problem. It has never happened to me but I think you can have a locksmith come over and reprogram it for you. Not terribly expensive.

 

Yes it points to NATS problem. The factory manual says to us Consult II to reprogram the NATS with keys. You think a locksmith has the necessary tool to reprogram the NATS unit?

 

From what I have read on others threads (and from a coworkers story) it is possible to have a locksmith come to you. Otherwise you are looking at a tow fee and a dealership fee. You just have to find the locksmith that can do it. Maybe someone that has done it before can chime in and tell you exactly what you need the locksmith to be capable of.

The FSM is a great tool. But of course it will say you need the dealership. They won't tell you there is a cheaper and more convenient option.

 

Check the post I started for some Info regarding to this. I Along with a lot of other people are seeming to have this problem more and more.

Theres some info about half way down by me that should help.