GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2003 🢒 Chevy K Silverado - 4WD 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Electrical 🢒 Hard Start

Checks

Action

DEFINITION: The engine cranks normally, but does not start in a normal amount of time. The engine does eventually run, or may start but immediately dies.

Preliminary Checks
    • Refer to Symptoms - Engine Controls .
    • Make sure the vehicle operator is using the correct starting procedure.

Sensor Checks
    • Check the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor with the scan tool. Compare the engine coolant temperature with the ambient air temperature on a cold engine. If the coolant temperature reading is more than 5 degrees more or less than the ambient air temperature on a cold engine, check for a high resistance in the coolant sensor circuit.
    • Check the throttle position (TP) sensor. If a sticking throttle shaft or binding linkage causes a high TP sensor voltage, or an open throttle indication, the control module will not control the idle. While monitoring the TP sensor voltage, the scan tool should display less than 0.85 volt with the throttle closed.

Fuel System Checks

       Important: A damaged in-tank fuel pump check valve will allow the fuel in the lines to drain back to the tank after the engine stops.

    • Check the fuel pump relay for proper operation. The fuel pump should operate for the first 2 seconds when turning ON the ignition. Refer to Fuel Pump Electrical Circuit Diagnosis .
    • Check the fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Check for water contamination in the fuel.
    • Perform the fuel injector coil test. Refer to Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test .
    • Perform the fuel injector balance test. Refer to Fuel Injector Balance Test with Tech 2 .
    • Check the fuel pump check valve. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .

Ignition System Checks
    • Check for the proper ignition voltage output with J 26792 Spark Tester or the equivalent.
    • Check the spark plugs for the following conditions:
       - Wet plugs
       - Cracks
       - Wear
       - Improper gap
       - Burned electrodes
       - Heavy deposits
    • Check for bare or shorted ignition wires.
    • Check for moisture in the distributor cap, if applicable.
    • Check for loose ignition coil connections.
    • Check for loose ignition control module connections.
    • Check for a faulty control module or ignition system grounds.
    • Check the ignition control (IC) circuit for an open or short to ground. Refer to Ignition Relay Diagnosis .

Engine Mechanical Checks
    • Check for the following:
       - Improper valve timing
       - Low compression
       - Bent pushrods
       - Worn rocker arms
       - Broken or weak valve springs
       - Worn camshaft lobes--Refer to Upper Engine Noise, Regardless of Engine Speed in Engine Mechanical 4.3L.
    • Check the intake and exhaust manifolds for casting flash.

Additional Check
    • Check the idle air control (IAC) operation. Refer to Idle Air Control (IAC) System Diagnosis .
    • Check for a restricted exhaust. Refer to Restricted Exhaust in Engine Exhaust.