p0147 code-no start/shift trouble-help meee

Hi,
I am going to cut to the chase here. 96 blazer 4.3l 4x4- started the no shift from 2nd to 3rd thing. So I parked it. Changed the Tran fluid and filter no trouble there dirty but no burn or metal flakes. So it has clean fluid and filter. weather made me wait a few days to get to it. When I go to start the beast it would not start just turned and turned but would not fire. I figure the shift thing and the no start thing have to be related?
Well after reading on this forum I figure I need the codes from the VCM. I already cleared the codes before I understood that I needed them. But I got the obd2 reader and got only a code p0147. from what I gather that should not stop the blazer from starting. I have a ton of info from the scanner. If that will help. But How can I get the thing to start? I don't think that replacing the o2 sensor will make it start up. I am more then sure that there were many more codes stored before I pulled the negative cable for 30 minutes.
Any ideas or input as to what My next step should be?

Has it got gas in tank?
How is the fuel pressure?
60/66?
Spark to more than one cylinder?
Does security light come on and go off key on bulb check?

A full engine /transmission capable scannner will read transmission codes and also read out history cdes.

Ive got a 1/2 tank gas.
I have not checked fuel pressure But I dont think lack of fuel is the problem I pored some in the throttle body and it would not even act like it was firing.
But I can check it.
Gonna check the spark as soon as im done typing this.
I have a actron cp9176l to scan .
The only code it had was po147. However there was a ton more info that I have no idea what it means. Like dt that caused freeze frame ,fuel trim,map sensor 31kpa and a bunch more. That was all under freeze data.
Didn't want to type it all out but if can help I will.
I am going to go check for spark now and I 2will post back.
Thanks for any help.

O.K just checked spark pulled 2 wires had spark on both. It was not the bright blue I thought it should be was yellow looking.

Fuel pressure test.
Post back pressure readings.
And all code no.

Doing that now.

Had to hit the neighbor up for that one.
We came out with 63 for the fuel pressure.
I stuck the scanner back on it just to see what would happen. It showed no codes for some reason. So I tried to start it but still would not fire. I have worn the battery down at this point and have to jump it to attempt a start

Was that engine cranking?
Or still. will fuel pressure come up to 85 or more with return line blocked off?
You need 64-65 lbs of pressure on a cold start.
Also make sure battery is up good and cranking good.
Try a little carb cleaner spray into intake and see if that will start it.
Are the spark plugs wet or dry on the end?

Had the neighbor do the fuel pressure check. He had me crank it a few times so I assume that that would be with the engine cranking. I don't know about the blocking the return line. That being said I can pull him, back over here again
To do the checks and get more info. ( I don't have the fuel pressure gauge the neighbor does. He is kinda funny about helping people with auto stuff.)
As far as the battery I have to jump it to get a good crank! I assume that is do to trying to start it so many times.
I tried spraying starter fluid into the intake no dice WOULD NOT FIRE.
I have not pulled any spark plugs to check for wet or dry.
Just to reconfirm I think I have weak spark. When I pulled a wire and put a screw driver in put it next to a good ground the spark was very yellow not blue.
That's all the info I have MT. Point me in a direction what's the next step?:I am doing this ---> banghead:

I thought that bang head thing would be an avatar. oops

You need to get the battery charged up and cranking good.
Check the plugs end for wet or dry.
Make sure that fuel pressure is up when cranking.
You might pull dist cap and check for moisture /or cracks or cross firing.

Spark should jump a 1/4 or more and have good spark to all plugs.

Just getting to it. I am going to go through the things in your last post.
I'll post back as soon as I get all that done.

O.k while I was waiting on the neighbor with pressure gauge. I tested The coil and it was bad. Put A knew one in she runs. thanks for all the help MT.
But I still have the shifting issue. It has no codes after running it down the road for about 15 min. It will shift into third and drive just have to rev it up and then back of the gas. Seems fine once it gets into gear. 1st, 2nd, and reverse are perfect. Any Ideas where to start on that one?

Get it on a transmission capable scanner and read out all shift data and transmission codes.
Post back any codes.

96 had some problems with the VCM wiring.
Check for TSB on it and see if it needs wiring repair kit.

K I will check that out. Gonna be a bit before I can get it to a trans shop for the codes. I assume the one I rented from auto zone is not good enough to do that?

I assume the one I rented from auto zone is not good enough to do that?

Right!!!

K replaced the coil fired up ran great. Sat one day and again no start with week yellow spark. Can't move it to get trans code till it starts again. Any ideas?

Where are you testing spark?
At coil or plug wire?
Is engine craking good?
Good 12 volts ign to coil?
Try a known good coil?

tested the spark at three plugs. They were all dry but had a week yellow looking spark. Put a brand new coil started up almost instantly with a turn of the key and ran great. Now about 1 day after I am back to the same thing week yellow spark from the plug wires at the spark plug end. The coil has to be good I just put it in and did the check that chilton's said to do on the coil and All came out good. The cap, wires,plugs are less then a year old. Engine is turning over free and fast. Just will not actually fire up.Not even with starter fluid. Makes me think I need to figure out what is causing this poor spark.
Any ideas?

Check spark at coil.
Year old or brand new can be bad.