Will Not start with Ether either

Hello,
I tried to start my van Express 2000 van (5.0 L engine) today and would crank but not fire to start. The day before it started up fine. (did notice a poor start (battey could be low). I began my diagnosis and checked all fuses, checked the fuel pump and it would prime upon attempting to start (the buzzing sound for 2 seconds). I read in these forums that the issue could be related to the passlock feature of this vehicle. Attempted the 15 minutes of leaving the key on the "on" position and no sucess. I then had to go in my house due to the deluge here in Chicago. After going through my diagnosis at home in my head, I figured that the distributor and cap could have condensation due to the high humidity and 2 days of rain here. Have any of you all seen this before. Tomorrow I intend to take the engine cover off and attempt to get at the distributor and diagnose it. Any help would be great!

Welcome to AF.
Go easy on the eather or starting fluid or you will blow it up.
Only use carb cleaner as a start helper.
Anti theft will let it start normal but only run about 2 seconds and quit.
If no start check for good hot blue spark to all plugs and check for fuel pressure.

Make sure battery and charging system is good.
What is the mileage and when was the last tune up?
Any check engine lights on or flashing.

Hard start cold points to low fuel pressure.

The only true test on a fuel pump is to check the direct fuel pressure from fuel pump.
A quick test is to block off the return line and see if fuel pressure comes up to 75-85 lbs.
But do not run the pump at full pressure very long.
Also when testing fuel pump and pressure you need to tape a gauge to outside windshield or outside mirror and drive it on the road for 20 -30 minutes
until the pump gets has run a while to check for a pump fading out after hot.

Hard to start cold or hot and fuel pressure testing guide lines.
Check cold start fuel pressure.
Check engine running fuel pressure.
Check engine running on the road fuel pressure.
Then shut it off and watch for fast leak down.
Pinch off at rubber part or block off return line and check full pressure.
If pump has full pressure with return line blocked and low pressure without it blocked most usually the fuel pressure regulator is leaking or not holding pressure.
Later V6 and V8 gm engines should have 60-66 fuel pressure.
Cold start should be 64-65 lbs of pressure.
If you do not have full fuel pressure on a cold start the injectors will not squirt fuel.
Do not leave home without it.
Engine running should be 60-66 lbs pressure depending on engine load.
Full pressure with return pinched off should be 75-85 or more.
And if it has a fast leak down after shut off you have a leak in system.
Post back fuel pressure readings.

MT

Thanks for your reply
This morning I went out to buy a new battery since the old one was old. I put in the new battery and the engine would attempt to start and sputter on the first and second attempt. Finally after the third, attempt, the engine started, but as if there was trash in the fuel system it started out rough. I noticed that the "Service engine soon" light came on. Something I had not seen before. I ran the truck to the store and back and no problems whatsover (no sputtering) I brought the truck back and turned it off and on again. This time on the first attempt, but also noticed a slight hard start, with the continued service light on.

Thanks,

Get the code checked and post back code no.
Check the fuel pressure and tune up end to.
MT