SES Light on, Can't check codes

[tehbawb]

Ok, a couple weeks ago the van wasn't starting (wasn't getting a great spark, but it seemed like it should have at least fired a little), and after some troubleshooting, I was out of ideas and sunlight, so I put it all back together for the night. The next morning, it fires right up, but it's running really rough, and the Service Engine Soon light is on. The problem is, when I use the paperclip trick to try to check the codes, nothing happens (the light works, as it stays on, but doesn't flash like it should).

After a short test drive, it has a rather high idle (only when warm), and doesn't seem to shift into first, and the throttle isn't very responsive (it's very slow to accelerate, and if I'm going 40 and take my foot off of it it'll still be going 39 in a quarter mile or so).

So, what could cause problems checking the codes? And if anyone has any suggestions about the performance problems I'm having, those would be appreciated too

[Matrixx]

Hi tehbawb
The speed is normal if the the choke is still on (Hi idle). The thought that comes to mind first is Temp Sensor or an Air Leak without being able to read the codes. Hope this helps

[LiftedAWDAstro]

I can't help with the code reading, sorry.

Without knowing the codes it almost sounds like a plugged catalytic converter. It could also be a vacuum leak, mis adjusted TV cable or maybe needs a tune-up. Let us know if you made any head way on this yet.

[tehbawb]

Well, I drove it to meet my wife for lunch yesterday, and when I got back in to head home, it wouldn't start. This time it won't even crank; when I turn the key (with all lights, radio, etc off), it just dims the clock on the radio like it normally would, but there is no sound (even from under the hood). The headlights work, and I've tried jumpstarting it, so I'm pretty sure it's not the battery, but I didn't have a chance to check anything else, as it was pouring down rain pretty hard when I was there last.

So, I'm getting it towed to my apartment today. What do I need to check? Is the starting system the only thing that could cause it not to crank? I've replaced the started in my Mustang (a couple times, actually), so I don't think I'll have too hard of a time once I figure out what's wrong, I'm just not very knowledgeable about cars yet so I'm not great at diagnosing. Oh, and I have the Haynes manual, but it's not the greatest so any advice would be appreciated.

Boy, I'm starting to hate this thing

[LiftedAWDAstro]

If it dims the lights when it is trying to crank, it sounds like the starter is junk. You could check all the connections on the starter first though.