OK, lets start with the basics.

Disconnect the battery for at least 30 seconds. This causes the ECU to reset
itself.

Turn on the IGN. The check engine light (CEL) should come on, then go off
after about 10 seconds. There should not be any error code output. There may
still be one (non-critical) if the CEL is off.

Try to start. It probably won't. You should hear a click from the MPI relay
(probably behind the radio).

Now to check for fuel at the engine. CAREFULLY undo (but not remove) the two
M6 bolts that secure the fuel hose to the fuel rail. Wiggle the hose: there
should be some residual fuel pressure that leaks out. I suspect you have low
to none. do the bolts up again.

Lets say yes, no fuel pressure. There's several possibilities:

1. the fuel filter (the can on the firewall end of the fuel hose) is
blocked. To check, take if off (the input pipe fitting will be a bear to
undo), and give it bang or two and reverse blast with compressed air. Can't
hurt, and often unblocks the filter until you can replace it.

2. There's crud in the fuel tank thats blocking the pump filter. As a last
resort, you can drain the tank from the drain cock on the underside of the
tank.

3. The fuel pump is not running, either because its not getting power or it
worn out. You get access to the pump from a plate under the rear seat or in
the trunk (depends on the car model).  The MPI relay is what provides power
to the pump. When you turn to START, the relay provides power to the pump,
and once the engine is running, the ECU controls the relay. So ... put a
multmeter on the wires going into the pump. You should be able to hear the
pump whirring, even from the driver's seat. If you don't have power on the
pump, trace the wires back. There's another connector block somewhere under
carpet near the B pillar. You 'll probably have to take the radio out to
check the output of the MPI relay. MPI relays do fail.

Stewart DIBBS
www.vysor.com/lancerproject