car won't turn over, DIC says reduced engine power

[genki]

'05 GP base, 3.8l non SC engine

I was driving with no sign of problem today until about 4:30 PM when I parked and left for a local event. When I came back to my car at 9:30, I noticed that it cranks but it won't turn over and the DIC is displaying "Reduced Engine Power" and check engine light. No other message.

Fuel wasn't the problem, I filled up back on Wednesday and ran 180 miles without any issue. I rechecked the connector (and found what looks like thin red plastic straw next to air filter) but it won't turn over. I waited few minutes, and again after 10 minutes. It still won't turn over, it's like there's no spark in all of the spark plugs or that I am completely out of gas. :th_scratchhead:

Since it was already dark outside and the only tool I had was a flashlight, I had to leave my car and get a ride home. Going to come back tomorrow morning with my Dad's truck and a dolly to tow if the car still won't start.

What could cause what seemed like a perfectly normal problem-free driving go right to dead just sitting there?

 

[Fivefingerdeathpunch]

Try unplugging the MAF sensor and seeing if it will start.

 

[Bills1997GTP]

Have you checked if there was sound from the fuel pump?

 

[stealthee]

If it cranks it is turning over. You mean to say it cranks but won't start, or turns over, but wont start.

 

[genki]

Yeah won't start. Will have to check in the morning for fuel pump sound and for maf sensor

 

[Timing]

Sounds like a fuel pump to me. When my pump died it was running perfect , pulled up in front of store, shut it off, came out and the pump was dead.

 

[genki]

Just got to my car. Fuel pump is running, engine still won't start. Tried maf sensor, still no go. It's been towed back to my house for now (Sunday, usually no auto shop are open at all) and it will be hauled to a mechanic tomorrow.

I'm going to poke around the throttle body and fuel injector. Maybe something's sticking and retarded fuel flow to the combustion chambers? Or the new ICM I got 2 weeks ago needs to be rechecked. Don't have OBD reader. The cheap unit (around $50) only reads engine code afaik and won't help if there's transmission or ABS problem. The pricier one that do is out of my range for the moment.

 

[Fivefingerdeathpunch]

Pull 2 plug wires off the same coil, crank the engine and see if it sparks between the two.

Also check all IGN fuses or anything related to having spark.