The plot thickens. The red light by the clock is constant red all the time once ignition is on.
but. With a squirt of easy start it has fired up. It will run but very very lumpy. It will only rev up a little at a time. The air flow meter makes no difference is connected or not.
there is no chip in the key that I can see.

im more confused than before. There is obviously no diagnostic port on the car