Engine won't start with SPOUT in

[wg3497]

My '94 GT will not start if the SPOUT connector is plugged in. I can pull it out and it will start fine. With the SPOUT in, the engine turns, but doesn't get spark (verified by timing light). Has anyone ever seen this?

To hopefully answer possible questions: The car had a "Superchip", but that's been out for a long time. It has an MSD ignition which is currently unplugged (same situation whether it's plugged in or not). The ignition module passed the tests at AutoZone. It was running fine the day before the problem started.

 

[mo_dingo]

that doesn't make sense man...I don't know what to tell you...so bump for ya.
Scott

 

[shttygtstang]

the spout advances and retards timing .so when you plug it in your ecu is compisating for somthing .whats your timing set at ?
have you ever thought of just locking timing out ive heard of people getting better 1/4 mile times from this

 

[HISSIN50]

Do you know if you have seen IDM codes recently?

 

[wg3497]

In case anyone runs into this problem, the final verdict: bad computer.

 

[CManT1914]

So you got it fixed then? I was thinking maybe the spout was just bad, but all isn't it just a jumper wire basically? A plug that completes the circuit to the PCM, giving it control over the timing? I can't really see how that would go bad.

 

[mo_dingo]

In case anyone runs into this problem, the final verdict: bad computer.

Well glad you figured it out. I didn't want to condemn the computer, but that seems like the only likely solution. Sorry it was your comp. Did you find a new one?

And thanks for posting the results. That really helps us here.
Scott

 

[tmoss]

Anytime a car runs with the Spout plug out but not in - it's the computer!

 

[Methodical]

WG3497 how did you know it was the computer? Did you do a specifc diagnostics that targets the computer?