Engine won't start 3.7L

[rjwilson]

Hey guys, I have a 2008 base model H3 3.7l. Ive replaced the passlock sensor (programmed with the 3* 10 minute cycles). I left for a fishing trip one week ago, when i came back i got into the vehicle and started it right up. However, the next day it would simply crank (normal speed i guess) without starting. I can hear the fuel pump prime and even smell gasoline after trying to turn over a few times. I can't pull any codes from Tourqe (OBD scan tool). The spark plugs were replaced a month ago. I have also tried using a 1000 amp jump start pack and have had a battery maintainer (4Ah) on the battery for the last 36+ hours. Ive followed all the instructions i can find on the other posts, now I'm stuck making my own. All help is appreciated.

 

[alrock]

Any lights on the dash, i.e. like the security light? My only thought is that the replacement sensor isn't working correctly, or you need to go back through the reprogramming.

 

[rjwilson]

Any lights on the dash, i.e. like the security light? My only thought is that the replacement sensor isn't working correctly, or you need to go back through the reprogramming.

Honestly the passlock wasn't even flashing with the last unit, but i remember reading an admin say that it can still cause problems even without triggering the dash lights. So i replaced it and went through the whole not recognized with flashing emblem (also not allowing a crank) to three cycles later a recognized passlock module and cranking, but no start (basically square one).

 

[Jeepwalker]

Have you tried unhooking the battery cables (even taping them together) and let it sit overnight? Not scientific, I know, but seems to cure a lot of ills. Be worth a try to see if anything changes.

 

[rjwilson]

Have you tried unhooking the battery cables (even taping them together) and let it sit overnight? Not scientific, I know, but seems to cure a lot of ills. Be worth a try to see if anything changes.

Disconnecting yes, leaving it overnight no. I'll give it a go. Still open to other suggestions in the mean time.

 

[alrock]

Do you by chance have an aftermarket alarm or remote start installed on your H3?

 

[rjwilson]

Do you by chance have an aftermarket alarm or remote start installed on your H3?

I do not. Sure would be convenient in South Dakota.

 

[Jeepwalker]

Let it sit overnight with cables disconnected and taped together, see what happens. If it doesn't start, note the dash lights, etc. Afterwards, see if the windows go up/down and the key fob successfully locks/unlocks the doors.

 

[rjwilson]

Let it sit overnight with cables disconnected and taped together, see what happens. If it doesn't start, note the dash lights, etc. Afterwards, see if the windows go up/down and the key fob successfully locks/unlocks the doors.

I did that, no dice. I did however disconnect the MAF and bypass everything up to the throttle body, no luck. Then I disconnected the fuel pump relay to try and burn off any extra fuel I may have in it and it ran for maybe two seconds then died from no fuel.

 

[rjwilson]

Update..
The combination of fuel pump relay disconnected with air intake not attached to the TB, but the mass air flow sensor hooked up to the side yields a couple seconds of engine running.

 

[rjwilson]

Hopefully final update.
I got it to start with the filter out and crank case hose disconnected. Let it idle for a minute till smooth, then reattached the crank case hose and reinserted the filter. Drove for a few minutes on some country back roads. Starts up no issues now and idles happy again at 590-610 (Tourque app). I guess maybe bad fuel, girlfriend starting it, moisture and bad luck caused it? Idk. But a couple cycles of burning out the gas in the cylinders without the crank case hose attached seems to have brought it back. At least I don't have to worry about my passlock module for some time.

 

[Jeepwalker]

I hate it when strange things like that happen. But at least it's running (for now).