No start, coil firing continuously

[nicknorth11]

I was driving down the road and the car started to jerk. The RPMs were dropping quickly and then recovering. I'm pretty sure I heard a relay clicking on and off, which I think may be causing the problem. (Q1: Which coil could this be?). The car finally died and would not start again. It threw a CEL, but the ECU would no longer connect to ECMLink. After some poking around, the relay clicked again and the car started. It got me to the store, but when I came out it wouldn't start again. I popped the hood and and heard something clicking. (Remember, the key was in the on position, but the car was off). I removed a plug-wire from the coilpack and got the shock of a lifetime. (I have a dynatek).

Summary:

Car died due to random RPM dips when driving
No start
No connection to ECMLink
Relay clicking during RPM dips
Coilpack firing continuously with key on and car off
When car did start, I heard the relay click again

 

[ptownracer]

mpi relay, or and ignition wire loose???

 

[nicknorth11]

I'm going to try the MPI relay. I've already pulled mine and I'm waiting to find a new one. I don't think it is a loose wire, as the wiring hasn't been touched in the 300 miles the car has been driven since rebuild. Thanks for the ideas.

Any other thoughts?

 

[misphit]

Could be an intermittent connection on the positive side of the battery.

 

[nicknorth11]

Thanks. I'll look into that.

 

[nicknorth11]

I've tried a new relay and checked the battery connections. The problem persists. Any more thoughts?

 

[slipstream808]

I just stumbled upon this looking for something else. Sounds like the ECU to me. I'd send it to Tom and Dave to have it checked out if you can.

 

[nicknorth11]

Sorry for not updating. You're right. It was the ecu.