After looking thru the site for similar posts, here are the precipitating factors with questions following:
Car was running fine. Battery died due to lights being left on. Had someone help for a jump that put the cables on the wrong posts on their car. Switched them, got enough charge to crank/start the engine then cut out. New battery. Checked relays & fusible links-all are fine. When trying to start, the key does not advance past the 'on' position. Lights and door chimes work. Relays click, but no fuel pump prime. While troubleshooting, smelt something burning under the dash. Disconnected the battery. Couple days later checked for burnt, melted wiring/connectors- none that I could see. Hooked up battery and immediately the burning smell started again. Felt around for hot wires or connectors and found the ECU to be HOT and stinky.

1-Would a new battery cause the ecu to overheat?

2-Is it likely that a new ecu will correct the ignition problem of not moving to start?

 

you fried the ecu and probably melted something in the ignition switch. possible you have the steering wheel over enough to stop the key from turning but that is a long shot.

 

Thx rogerz. Steering wheel moves freely, so its got to be something else. Maybe I missed it, but does the fsm give instructions for removal of the ecu? If not, where's the best place to reference.

 

The ecu is very easy to remove. Its in the drivers side of the car in the wall say... next to your left leg. A couple Philips screws for the cover and 10mm bolts for the ecu. harness snaps off with a retaining clip.

 

Thanks- doing electrics is not my cup of tea.