Hard Start Symptom
Step
| Action
| Value(s)
| Yes
| No
|
Definition: Engine cranks OK, but does not start for a long time. Does
eventually run, or may start but immediately stalls.
|
1
| Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic(OBD)
System Check performed?
| --
|
Go to Step 2
| Go to the
Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check
|
2
|
- Perform a bulletin search.
- If a bulletin that addresses the symptom is found, correct the
condition as instructed in the bulletin.
Was a bulletin found that addresses the symptom?
| --
|
Go to Step 20
|
Go to Step 3
|
3
| Was visual/physical check performed?
| --
|
Go to Step 4
| Go to Visual/Physical Checks
|
4
| Check Engine Coolant
Temperature (ECT) sensor for being shifted in value. With the engine completely
cool, compare Engine Coolant Temperature to Intake Air Temperature.
Are ECT and IAT within the specified value of each other?
| ±3°C (±5°F)
|
Go to Step 8
|
Go to Step 5
|
5
|
- Using a Scan Tool, display engine coolant temperature and note
value.
- Check resistance of engine coolant temperature sensor. Refer to Temperature vs Resistance
.
Is resistance value near the resistance for the temperature noted?
| --
|
Go to Step 7
|
Go to Step 6
|
6
| Replace the ECT sensor.
Refer to
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement
.
Is action complete?
| --
|
Go to Step 20
| --
|
7
| Locate and repair high resistance or poor
connection in the ECT signal circuit or the ECT sensor ground. Refer to Repair
Procedures in Electrical Diagnosis.
Is action complete?
| --
|
Go to Step 20
| --
|
8
|
- Check for faulty, plugged, or incorrectly installed crankcase
ventilation valve. Refer to
Crankcase Ventilation System
.
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 20
|
Go to Step 9
|
9
|
- Check for contaminated fuel. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Testing Procedure
.
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 20
|
Go to Step 10
|
10
|
- Check Fuel System Pressure. Refer to
Fuel System Pressure Test
.
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 20
|
Go to Step 11
|
11
|
- Visually/Physically inspect secondary ignition wires. Check for
the following conditions:
• | Check all Ignition wire resistances; should be less than the specified
value. |
• | Ignition wires for cross firing. |
• | Ignition wires arcing to ground. |
• | Ignition wires for improper routing. |
Important: Spraying the secondary ignition wires with a light mist of water may
help locate an intermittent problem. Ignition components will arc to ground
when a secondary component is faulty. Refer to Electronic Ignition System
On-Vehicle Service.
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| 30K ohms (30,000 ohms)
|
Go to Step 20
|
Go to Step 12
|
12
|
- Check for proper ignition coil output voltage with spark tester J 26792
:
- | Clip the spark tester to engine ground. |
- | Connect one end of a spark plug wire to the spark tester; connect
the other end of the spark plug wire 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; a crisp blue
spark should be observed. |
- | Repeat the above steps for each coil. |
- If adequate spark is not present at all coils, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 20
|
Go to Step 13
|
13
|
- Remove spark plugs, check for wet plugs, cracks, wear, improper
gap, burned electrodes, or heavy deposits.
Notice: Determine the cause of the oil or gas fouled spark plugs in order to
avoid damage to the new spark plugs.
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 20
|
Go to Step 14
|
14
|
- Check for loose ignition control module ground.
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 20
|
Go to Step 15
|
15
|
- Remove ignition coils and check the ignition coils for cracks
or carbon tracking.
- If a problem is found, replace affected coil(s) as necessary.
Refer to
Ignition Control Module Replacement
.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 20
|
Go to Step 16
|
16
|
- Check ignition coil secondary resistance.
- Replace any coil(s) which are not within the specified values.
Refer to
Ignition Control Module Replacement
.
Did any coil(s) require replacement?
| 5-8K ohms (5000-8000 ohms)
|
Go to Step 20
|
Go to Step 17
|
17
|
- Check IAC operation. Refer to
Idle Air Control (IAC) System Check
.
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 20
|
Go to Step 18
|
18
|
- Check for the following Engine Mechanical problems (Refer to Engine
Mechanical.):
• | Leaking cylinder head gaskets, |
• | Worn or incorrect camshaft |
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 20
|
Go to Step 19
|
19
|
- Review all diagnostic procedures within this table.
- If all procedures have been completed and no malfunctions have
been found, review/inspect the following:
• | Visual/physical inspection. |
• | Freeze Frame data/Failure Records Data. |
• | All electrical connections within a suspected circuit and/or system. |
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 20
| Refer to Technical Service Bulletins
|
20
| Operate the vehicle
to duplicate conditions present when the original symptom was noted.
Is symptom still present?
| --
|
Go to Step 3
| System OK
|