1997 Tracker lost power, now won't start

[James Ellison]

I have a 97 Tracker with the 1.6 AT 4X4 with 98K miles. For the first 10 years of its life, it ran trouble-free but about a year ago it start losing power (specifically under a load). It began getting more and more difficult to start and now she won't start at all. I am not mechanical but I have had several shade-tree friends work on it with no luck. Now, I am tired and broke from guessing. The most recent guess is that it is either the ecm or the fuel pump. I doubt it is the fuel pump since the plugs are wet but I have no clue how to tell if the computer is shot or if there is any way that it can be tested. Any ideas? There is a replacement ecm on Ebay for a 97 but the last 2 digits are different. Does that matter? The one I have is 33920-72E10 and the one listed on Ebay is 33920-72E20 but I am hesitant to spend another $150 for another guess.

[kelikran]

Is the Check Engine Light on? If not, does it come on with key on, before engine started?

[James Ellison]

Yes it is, I forgot to mention that but I do not know which code is showing.

[ranger88den]

You need to know the code(s). Have Autozone do it for you. Recent tune up? Compression Test? Test fuel pressure? Post answers. I hope it's something minor.

[jtgh]

guessing costs $200 a guess , why do that?
AZ doesnt make house calls in your area, they do here, haahahhaheheheheheh

dont spin it over until you check that the timing belt has NOT slipped or snapped.
you wont be sorry you looked. seriously,

did you skip you 60k tunup ( never to be skipped past 90k ever?)
this included a new Timing belt.

BTW this is an interference engine.

Cranks-but-no-start

once past the belt issue, check for spark.

[jtgh]

almost Never is it an ECU on a 97 , they are very very reliable.
guess that as the last resort.

try checking spark
then apply propane gas or liquid Instant start to see if there life.

but to do so could kill that engine forever ,if you dont check the belt.

any good factory dealer Suz or GM will check the belt first , if he likes his customers.

[James Ellison]

Great Scotts, I never thought about the timing belt. It was replaced at 90K (I did skip the 60K) and then had to go back into the shop again about 2 weeks later because it was bogging down. It ran great for about 2 months after the 2nd time in the shop, then it has gradually worsened since. We have replaced the catalytic converter, the throttle body sensor, the distributer cap, plugs, and plug wires. I cleaned the plenum and the timing has been reset 4X.

[jtgh]

thanks for update.
belt will be fine at 8k
pull codes, OBD2 code reader, barrow, beg, rent or fine one to plug it .
its under dash and had 16 pins. usually by right or left knee.

now check spark, put dummy spark plug on , #1 spark line. closed to you.
ground shell to block or Valve cover,
crank , dont touch it as cranking, and watch for fat spark

tell results.

[JJJoseph]

Originally Posted by jtgh

BTW this is an interference engine.

I believe only the twin-cam (1.8 & 2.0) engines are interference engines. The 8/16v SOHC engines are non-interference. You can drive them until the belt breaks.

[jtgh]

that is incorrect ! sorry but it is.
the 16v are all interference engines.
just read all the posts on this forum where real people blew up their engines.
the FSM says exactly that!

there is no rule, my Miata DOHC is free running. so no rules, you got to read the FSM.
another way to find out. is go to Gates rubber dot com and down load the
timing belt PDF, manual.

shows all the cars made, and a mark , ID, this ID shows who is interference and who is not. One document and all the answers right there. cool huh?

Course the 1.8L is not there cuz it has a CHAIN driven cams.

FSM Page 6A2-15 2nd to last paragraph, 16v. section.
"Do not turn the crankshaft and camshaft independantly of one another ..... interference......"


PS ; got 2 posters this year ,how crashed a chain head, by ignoring the long warning signs. Sad really, that is. Nice engine, too.