97, 240,000 4.6L, Tried to start rolls over normally not even a hint of firing. I was looking for a quick answer so i hooked up the OBD reader which indicated a line failure, checked connections tried again same result. Just to be sure hooked reader to wife's van, reader good. Parts guy at store said PCM is bad, is there a way to check? Haynes has a PCM replacement procedure but nothing on testing.
Or do I need to just bite the bullet and buy a new one?

 

Check the fuel shutoff inertia switch. Check the cig lighter fuse for the reader failure.

 

Your parts store guy is one heck of a good guesser. He could make more money in the repair biz.
Look for a PCM fuse blown, poor seating, PCM power relay faulty etc..
PCMs don't just die that way.
Does the fuel pump run about 1 second at key-on?
If yes the PCM is alive.
Good luck.

 

Checked fuse, swapped PMC power relay, verified inertia switch button pressed, disconnected then reconnected the module (much easier to do with battery tray removed) no joy in mudville. Still no start and line failure indicated on OBD reader. Can the dealer check the module?

 

Check the OBD2 connector. They are female connectors and if the power one is loose....... Does the lighter and power point work? Is there gas in the tank?