Failed to crank a week ago. No codes according to my UltraGauge, then I disconnected it. Here's what I have done in order:

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Refreshed all underhood grounds, using sandpaper, carb cleaner, wire brush, dielectric grease. Replaced pos. battery clamp. Checked all fuses, none blown. Swapped starter relay with another for test. Nothing.

Took battery and alternator to parts store for tests. Alternator OK, battery so flat that it couldn't be tested. Went ahead and bought a new battery. No joy.

Installed new ignition switch and cleaned out NSS. Adjusted NSS to factory alignment mark. No joy.

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Pulled starter off and took it apart to clean (parts store closed). Broken pieces came out including magnet bits, a piece of plastic, and a ball bearing. Bought a new one in the morning, cleaned the mounting area, and installed it. Still no joy.

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Today I'll test the new starter with jumper cables, and install new battery cables. I have no helper, so I can't do the ignition-switch-to-solenoid test. Maybe use a jumper from the battery to the solenoid post?

I don't know why the battery was flat. I had no indicators, and I don't have a gauge on the dash. I've been disconnecting the new battery between tests to keep a charge on it. I have a voltmeter, not a good one.

What is left? PCM? How do I get to the link between the ignition switch on the column and the one on the dash?

!!!!!!!!!!

My brain is fried. Any and all suggestions are appreciated.

 

ps. I hear the fuel pump operate.

 

Please don't tell me that I have the mighty CF brain trust stumped...