Aura won't crank

[rochvids]

I ordered a used computer from ebay that's programmed to the VIN of my car. It is arriving Friday. I can return it within 30 days if needed. I will post back Friday afternoon/early evening.

[rochvids]

Part did not arrive today. Should be here tomorrow or Monday.

[rochvids]

ECU arrived and installed, it fired right up!!
It appeared inputs were working fine but there were no outputs from the computer, that’s why the fuel pump relay, spark plugs, etc. were disabled.

Now I just need to unfreeze the pulleys of the alternator and the A/C compressor.

Thank you so much guys!! This car kicked my ass but your guidance was very helpful along the way.

I hope this thread helps others, thank you again!!

[imaddicted2u]

Originally Posted by rochvids

ECU arrived and installed, it fired right up!!
It appeared inputs were working fine but there were no outputs from the computer, that’s why the fuel pump relay, spark plugs, etc. were disabled.

Now I just need to unfreeze the pulleys of the alternator and the A/C compressor.

Thank you so much guys!! This car kicked my ass but your guidance was very helpful along the way.

I hope this thread helps others, thank you again!!

Awesome news! Who doesn't like a happy ending...
You may be able to get a socket on the alternator pulley holding nut to turn it. I've used a rubber strap wrench to free alternator pulleys before. A chain vise grip might be a good choice if it's really stuck. Probably a good idea to cover the pulley splines with a piece of serpentine belt or rubber. An AC pulley may need to have the AC clutch jumped so it is engaged. Hopefully the compressor is not seized.

[rochvids]

Originally Posted by imaddicted2u

Awesome news! Who doesn't like a happy ending...
You may be able to get a socket on the alternator pulley holding nut to turn it. I've used a rubber strap wrench to free alternator pulleys before. A chain vise grip might be a good choice if it's really stuck. Probably a good idea to cover the pulley splines with a piece of serpentine belt or rubber. An AC pulley may need to have the AC clutch jumped so it is engaged. Hopefully the compressor is not seized.

Thank you!! It felt so good to hear it running

I tried that and any other way I could think of, but it didn't want to budge. I looked inside and I saw why. Somehow snow or water got in there and everything got rusted up. I went to the salvage yard and picked up an alternator that's in a good shape. As for the a/c compressor, I was able to get it to move, the pulley is turning with some slight force but not spinning freely as I think it should. If I put the belt back on and started the engine, would the rotation help free the bearing?

[imaddicted2u]

Originally Posted by rochvids

Thank you!! It felt so good to hear it running

I tried that and any other way I could think of, but it didn't want to budge. I looked inside and I saw why. Somehow snow or water got in there and everything got rusted up. I went to the salvage yard and picked up an alternator that's in a good shape. As for the a/c compressor, I was able to get it to move, the pulley is turning with some slight force but not spinning freely as I think it should. If I put the belt back on and started the engine, would the rotation help free the bearing?

When the AC clutch is not engaged the pulley should turn freely. It might free up if you run it with the belt on or it could tear up the belt. Did you try to turn the pulley with the AC clutch relay jumped to see if the compressor can be turned? If the AC compressor is stuck, the belt might be destroyed when the engine is running and computer engages the AC clutch. If the compressor can be turned, I think I would pull the AC clutch relay and start the engine with the belt reinstalled and hope it frees up the pulley. If it does then stop the engine, put the relay back in, start it up and try the AC...while hoping for the best...lol.
Here is a video of an AC compressor tear down, might help to understand what's going on with the clutch mechanism.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urFVLKlpf1I

[rochvids]

Hello,
Car is running, but a couple of issues arose.

1. The check engine light is on due to the crank sensor needing a relearn from the new ECU. I am thinking about taking it to the some shop where they can perform the relearn but wanted to check here and see if there is a way to do it without special tools.

2. There is a loud noise coming from the front end, it sounds like the wheel is hitting something but I inspected all suspension parts and didn't see anything wrong. I will open a new thread and post the audio with more details.

[imaddicted2u]

To relearn the crankshaft variation a scanner capable of activating the function in the computer is required. Many shops have tools to carry out the procedure.
It's a pretty simple operation...
http://www.obd2.com/support/reprog/d...turn-crank.pdf

[imaddicted2u]

The noise up front could be the sway bar links. Check them with the wheels on the ground or, if the wheels are off, put a jack under the control arm and raise it up and check the links for play. If the suspension is hanging it's hard to feel any play.
When one of mine was bad it made a hell of a racket.

[rochvids]

Originally Posted by imaddicted2u

To relearn the crankshaft variation a scanner capable of activating the function in the computer is required. Many shops have tools to carry out the procedure.
It's a pretty simple operation...
http://www.obd2.com/support/reprog/d...turn-crank.pdf

I am getting it registered and will stop by a shop to get the relearn done, thank you for the info!

[rochvids]

Originally Posted by imaddicted2u

The noise up front could be the sway bar links. Check them with the wheels on the ground or, if the wheels are off, put a jack under the control arm and raise it up and check the links for play. If the suspension is hanging it's hard to feel any play.
When one of mine was bad it made a hell of a racket.

I will check the sway bar links even though it sounds like it's something else. I am opening a new thread and posting the audio.

[Emt10fire]

Good Evening Folks,
Ok after reading the first 3 pages of this thread I am still in the process of pulling my hair (for what I have left on my head) out over this Gremlin problem.
08 Aura 3.5 the same problem as mentioned in the starting issues for me. I have replaced the starter relay, #43 fuse (15 amp), it started right up 3 times. Dielectric grease was added to the terminals, & terminals were cleaned up too.
HOWEVER after leaving it sit for a few hours, it is back to square 1 of not starting again.

I bought 2 relays from 2 separate Auto Part Stores, (lowering the chance of a bad batch) again the same thing. Leave it sit for a while, replace the relay & it may or may not start.

I bought the module (behind the key ignition insert) for which maybe my next move to replace. The starter & under the hood fuse block was replaced last summer.

Speaking with 1 of the mechanics last evening at my respective VFD, his suggestion was to run a bead of silicone along the edges of the fuse block (to help prevent any further corrosion), this I have not done as of yet though.

I am basically at wits end with this problem to say the least.

My question is basically has anyone been able to finally get a grip on this gremlin problem? or shall I put a shotgun to it?

[Emt10fire]

Checked & replaced the 2 Ground Lugs that I found on the Trans case, just below the throttle unit. The car started up without any problems at least 15 different times. We also pulled all the relays & fuses, cleaned the contacts & used dielectric grease.

My better half took it out, drove it for a while, went to 2 different stores shutting it off & turning it back over with no problems at all.

THEN the damn gremlin showed it's ugly face again by not starting again. I am seriously at my wits end with it now. The next step is to replace the module located right behind the key.