The dealer told me that the ECU needed replacing on 96. It runs,but it now is slow to crank. Anyone have any info.

 

Was that(ecu) what the diagnostic pin-pointed?

 

It says crank pos sen(ref)

 

Can I assume you tried re-setting the ecu(disconnecting the battery and leaving it overnight) before you took it to the dealer?

In my experience with my brother's old 96, he just swapped out the ecu with another one from one at the salvage yard, if it really is the ECU there is not much you can do except to swap one out or to shell out some cash on a new one from the dealer.

 

I did not disconnect the battery, should I? I am thinking about taking it to another dealer tomorrow.

Would the ecu keep it from cranking up right away. Before the check engine light came on it would crank in 1 to 2 seconds. Now, it takes 4 to 6 seconds. Will this hurt it.

 

So it is slow to crank? That's it? I sure as heck check other things before condemning the ecu based on that...

 

If the diagnostic computer at pin-pointed the ECU, then there is no other thing but to replace it(with a new or used one).

Before you take it to the dealer tomorrow, reset it today and leave it disconnected overnight, try her out tomorrow.

 

Your ECU has NOTHING to do with a slow crank. A slow crank is caused by a weak battery or failing starter. Please don't go back to that dealer again, there taking you for a ride.

You have a sensor failure, Crank Pos. Sensor (REF). That will cause a no start condition if it's failed completely. Replace that sensor, reset your ECU and you'll be all set.

If you've been having a no start condition, continuously trying to start the car is going to weaken your battery eventually causing a slow crank.

 

That what I think too.

If it is the ECU should I replace with factory or another brand.

 

But it sounds like the battery has plenty of power.

 

Go get it tested at your local automotive shop. Only two things cause a slow crank, a lack of juice or a bad starter. Not your ECU! Your car is running and your ECU is telling you the Crank Pos. Sensor is bad. Why would you replace the ECU? It's working correctly and allerting you to a problem. Fix the problem, leave the ECU alone, it's doing it's job.

 

Take care of that CEL first. It may be coincidental but it may also be the problem

Also make sure maintenance items have been taken care of ie. fuel filter, throttle body cleaning. TB cleaning solved the long cranks I used to have in the winter time, for instance.