I just finished the installation of a used engine in my son's 2002 LS 430. The engine came out of a 2002. I replaced the water pump, timing belt and tensioner. When I removed the old belt and reinstalled the new one, I was meticulous. Nothing moved and all the marks lined up. Every thing went together perfectly. Now the engine won't start. I have verified spark to the plugs and the engine shows good compression. The throttle butterfly operates as it should. The engine turns over but will not fire, even using starting fluid. The only other (possible) mitigating factor is the ignition key fob broke. It still turns the engine over and I am still getting spark. Any help is appreciated!
Larry

 

Hey get a new key fob if the chip is not touching the key it I'll not start the motor due to the anti theft system that is linked to the ecu the motor will turn over it will just not start up. If that dosnt work a motor needs 3 things spark, air, fuel, you verified it has the spark and air I would check the fuel injectors and lines etc to make sure it's not clogged with debris or a fuel line got pinched something along those lines let us know what you find out.

 

Is your ECU programmed to your ignition module? If the injectors were clogged then it should have tried to start with the starting fluid or at least run roughly on the poor injectors. I suspect your ignition module wants nothing to do with the parts it doesn't recognise. Have you tried pulling codes? A Techstream unit ($40 Chinese knockoffs are on eBay) could give you more info too.

 

would recommend making sure to program your keys to operate with the vehicle. since a new engine - I have no idea if the programming of keys is easy here. Good luck.

 

a) Do you hear the fuel pump turning on?
b) There is a fuel pump relay in the underhood fusebox - did you test it? Try tapping it a couple of times and turning over the engine.
c) Have you connected a Techstream unit and pulled OBD codes? Or simply pulled ANY OBD codes?
d) While installing engine, did you make sure all grounds were correctly installed? I have not pulled an LS430 engine but there has to be multiple grounds on a car with this many electronic devices.
e) Do you have a second key or are you stuck with the one key that is broken?

It's kind of tough to help diagnose a non-start issue from the internet.

p.s: If you do find a solution, advise that you post back in thread with the resolution so others who may search can find the same. Thanks.

 

Thanks to all for the advice.

• I have eliminated the key as a possible problem.
• I didn't replace any computer components, only the engine, so nothing should need reprogramed.
• I check computer freeze frame data and DTC's when the engine failed, now the computer shows no data or DTC's. I am assuming this is because the battery was disconnected for an extended period of time.
• Fuel isn't the issue since it won't fire on starting fluid.
• All grounds were connected.
• I removed a valve cover and verified the valve timing.

I need to check the spark timing. When I turn the engine over manually using the crankshaft, with the ignition on, I get no spark. When I turn the engine over using the starter I get spark, however, this is to rapid for me the check the spark timing.
Thanks again for all the ideas

 

Good luck, and keep at it. I wish I had your capabilities and could attempt what you're doing, for whatever it's worth!

looking forward to hearing the good news when she's running....

 

A defective/dead crankshaft position sensor would exhibit the exact same symptoms. I would also check the camshaft position sensor while you're at it.

 

I removed all of the spark plugs and, using the starter, rotated the engine. This was after I installed the new timing belt and related components and while the engine was still on the stand. Everything appeared to be operating properly.
My next step is to check the crank and cam sensors. To check these I need to know the input and output voltage range for each sensor. I have not been able to find this information. Does anyone know where I can obtain service manuals without spending a fortune. I prefer to have manuals in print. I have found some on CD on the secondhand market, but am skeptical of them being cheap/bad copies. Has anyone found any good, SAFE downloads of manuals? In the interest of time, I have resolved to subscribe to ALLDATA. Has anyone used ALLDATA before, and what was your impression?

 

to properly and accurately check those sensors is a scope not a volt meter. it will also show you if your timing marks are correct because those sensors can't be on the same slop and you'd see on a scope. ALLDATA is good info. those sensors read in range of 0-5v reference and varies as engine rotates FYI

 

probably not the case, but is it in Park or similar issue preventing it from turning over? Not sure if relevant since worked on the engine only, but hey, you never know if this was impacted in the process. good luck!

 

Sounds like the anti theft system has kicked in. In this mode it will almost start engine but not quite. I know you said you didnt replace the engine ecu, but i would try initializing the engine ecu with the engine anyway and see if it works. I had to do this when i replaced my engine ecu. (Again i know you didnt replace the ecu, but you did replace the engine) From memory you have to bridge a few terminals at the obd plug then turn ignition to on position (not turn over) and leave for several minutes then turn off and start engine.

 

I'm still trying!
I replaced the cam and crank sensors. The engine still won't fire.
Can anyone give me the process for initializing the ECU?
Does anyone think it may be the ant-theft function, and if so,how can I reset (clear) it?
Thanks again,
Larry

 

When replacing the ECM of vehicles with the optional dynamic radar/laser cruise control system, it is necessary to configure the ECM for this option. Be sure to perform the following procedures after replacing the ECM.
(1) Turn the ignition switch ON.
(2) Turn the cruise main switch ON.
(3) With the brake pedal depressed, set the cruise control main switch to RES/ACC 3 times within 3 seconds. Check that the VSC buzzer sounds at this time.
(4) Turn the ignition switch OFF.

However, I don't think this would cause a no-start condition. What does your security indicator light blink? There are codes thrown when unregistered keys are inserted and for various failures involving the immobilser system.

Are you using Techstream or a basic OBD2 reader to check for codes? You need Techstream to see the full details of the extended codes that basic readers may not even show you. Don't disconnect the battery so you can preserve any DTCs.

Have you checked the fuel pump, fuel pump relay, circuit and connectors? Fuel injectors? All fuses and relays?

 

The timing belt has arrows marked on the outside surface indicating the location of the timing marks. Should these marks point towards the front or rear of the engine?