GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Oldsmobile 🢒 1999 🢒 Intrigue 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 3.8L 🢒 Hard Start

Checks

Action

Definition: Engine cranks OK, but does not start for a long time. Does eventually run, or may start but immediately dies.

Preliminary
    • Refer to Important Preliminary Checks Before Starting.
    • Refer to Visual/Physical Checks.
    • Search for bulletins.

Sensor/System
    • Test the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor for being shifted in value. Connect a scan tool and compare the ECT with the intake air temperature (IAT) on a cold engine. The ECT and IAT should be within ± 3°C (5°F) of each other. Test the resistance of the ECT sensor if the temperature is out of range with the IAT sensor. Refer to Temperature vs Resistance . If the ECT sensor resistance is not within the specification, refer to DTC P0117 Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Circuit Low Voltage or DTC P0118 Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Circuit High Voltage .
    • Inspect the mass air flow (MAF) sensor for proper installation. A MAF sensor with a damaged honeycomb may cause a hard start. Refer to Mass Airflow Sensor Replacement .
    • Use a scan tool in order to test the IAC operation. Refer to Idle Air Control (IAC) System Diagnosis .
    • Test for a short between the 18X and 3X Reference inputs to the PCM.
    • Inspect the EGR system for proper sealing/connections and operation. Refer to Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System Description .

Fuel System
    • Test the fuel pump relay circuit for proper operation. Refer to Fuel Pump Electrical Circuit Diagnosis .
    • Test for low fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Pressure Test .
    • Test for fuel contamination. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .

Ignition System
    • Use the following procedure in order to test for the proper ignition voltage output:
       - Clip the J 26792 spark tester to engine ground.
       - Connect one end of a spark plug wire to the spark tester. Leave the other end of the spark plug wire connected to the coil being tested.
       - Connect one end of another spark plug wire to the other coil tower. Connect the other end of the spark plug wire to ground.
       - Crank the engine while observing the spark tester. Spark should be observed.
       - Repeat the above steps for each coil.
    • If adequate spark is not present at the coil(s), inspect for the following conditions:
       - Inspect the coils for cracks, carbon tracking/arcing, or a resistance value outside the range of 5000 - 8000 ohms.
       - Inspect the spark plug wires for signs of arcing/cross firing, cracks, carbon tracking, plug boot damage, pinched wires , improper routing, or a resistance value outside 600 ohms per ft. (1968 ohms per meter).

   Important: Spraying the secondary ignition wires with a light mist of water may help locate an intermittent problem. Ignition components arc to ground when a secondary component is faulty.

       - Test for a defective ignition control module.
       - Inspect the ignition system wiring for a loose ignition module feed or ground connection, or damaged system wiring.
    • Remove spark plugs and inspect for the following:
       - Fouled plugs
       - Cracks
       - Wear
       - Improper gap
       - Burned or damaged electrodes
       - Improper heat range or reach
    • If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of the fouling must be determined before replacing the spark plugs.

Engine Mechanical
    • Test for excessive oil in combustion chamber or leaking valve seals. Refer to Cylinder Leakage Test .
    • Test for low cylinder compression.
    • Inspect for incorrect basic engine parts. Inspect the following:
       - The cylinder heads
       - The camshaft and valve train components
       - The pistons, etc.