New Member 92 LS Not starting

[xeauto2010]

Hello group. I just recently purchased a 1992 Galant LS. I have
intentions on fixing it, but if worst comes to worst I will part it
out. I have wanted one of these late 80s early 90 galants for years.
I just finally bought one! 147,000 miles. New ECM. Comlete car, just
$100.

Well, the problem with the car that the seller stated was that it
would start and run fine, but then eventually turn off. It would idle
fine, but just shut off (as if you were to turn the key). He also
said it would need a new battery (just put one in).

Now that I have it, I turn the key to start it and it turns over, but
does not start. Sounds like it is just about to, but nothing. I might
not have re-connected the ECM correctly (I re-plugged the three snap
in pugs to their size, but there is also a random round-ended metal
wire that i just allached to the body with a screw -guessing it was a
ground-- does it have a place to plug in?)

I also put some more gas and gas treatment in it. Just cannot figure out what it needs, althought I haven't tried much.

I asked the prev. owner what he did to try to fix it, he said he
replaced the ECM and that was all. I looked in the trunk and found an
old fuel filter, distributor cap, and some other mechanical piece that I am not sure of what it goes to, so I am thinking he has done a few other repairs.

I just recently installed a new battery and a new set of spark plugs, wires, dist. cap and rotor.

Any ideas what to try??? fuses/wiring/broken parts/stuff to replace?
Anything a common problem with this car and it not starting?

It is an automatic w/ overdrive. and Econo/Power modes, 4 cyl. engine. Mostly base.

Any suggestions are very much appreicated!
Sorry to make you read so much. If there is anything that can help
you make a conclusion, let me know. I can send photos to anyone if
you belive it would help.

Thanks!!!
Brian.

[ken inn]

(I re-plugged the three snap
in pugs to their size, but there is also a random round-ended metal
wire that i just allached to the body with a screw -guessing it was a
ground-- does it have a place to plug in?)

if this wire has a metal tab with an 8mm hole in it, i think it is black with red stripes, this is the main ground. the ecu is bolted in with a 8 X 12mm nut on one side, and an 8 X 12mm BOLT on the near side. this ground goes on that bolt. it is the main ground for the ecu, and you MUST use this ground, or-the car wont start.

[xeauto2010]

Thanks for the advice. Yes, it is a black wire with red stripes and is now conneted correctly. But it is still not starting. It acts just as it did before, getting right to the point but no start.

Any other ideas???

[ken inn]

my first guess would be the caps in the ecu. in ALL the vr4's and 1g t/e/l, the caps leak out and destroy the curcuit board. usually right before this happens, the car starts dying a lot, and the mfi relay starts clicking like a mad dog. if you can remove the ecu, and if it smells like rotten fish, most likely it is done. another way is to test power from the ecu, you have to tap into the o2 sensor test lead, which is in the harness going to the ecu. when you turn the ignition on, but do not start, the voltage should be rock steady. if it fluctuates at all, more than likely the caps are done. if the mfi relay dont get steady power, it will shut down the injectors and the fuel pump.