GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2003 🢒 S10 Pickup - 2WD 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Electrical 🢒 Hard Start

Inspection/Test

Action

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

Preliminary
    • Verify that the driver is using the correct starting procedure as described in the owner's manual.
    • Refer to Important Preliminary Inspections Before Starting in Symptoms - Engine Controls .
    • Verify that the powertrain control module (PCM) grounds are clean, tight, and in the proper locations. Refer to Power and Grounding Component Views in Wiring Systems, and Engine Controls Schematics .
    • Search for bulletins.

Sensor/System
    • Verify that the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is not shifted in value. Connect a scan tool. Compare the engine coolant temperature to the intake air temperature (IAT) on a cold engine. The ECT and IAT sensor values should be within ± 3°C (5°F) of each other. If the ECT sensor is out of range with the IAT sensor, measure the resistance of the ECT sensor. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance for resistance specifications.
    • Inspect the camshaft position (CMP) sensor for proper mounting and/or a bad connection. An extended crank occurs if the PCM does not receive a CMP signal.
    • Inspect the following components for proper operation:
       - The MAP sensor--Refer to DTC P0105 .
       - The TP sensor--Refer to DTC P0105 .
       - The IAC valve--Refer to Idle Air Control (IAC) System Diagnosis .

Fuel System
    • Inspect the fuel pump relay operation. The fuel pump should turn ON for 2 seconds when you turn ON the ignition. Refer to Fuel Pump Electrical Circuit Diagnosis .
    • A faulty in-tank fuel pump check valve allows the fuel in the lines to drain back to the tank after the engine stops. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Inspect for incorrect fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Inspect for a restricted fuel filter. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Inspect for a contaminated fuel condition. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .

Ignition System
    • Inspect for proper ignition voltage output with the J 26792 Spark Tester. Refer to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis .
    • Remove the spark plugs and inspect for the following:
       - Correct heat range
       - Wet plugs
       - Cracks
       - Wear
       - Improper gap
       - Burned electrodes
       - Heavy deposits

Refer to Spark Plug Inspection .

    • Determine the cause of the conditions before replacing the spark plugs.
    • Inspect for bare or shorted ignition wires. Refer to Spark Plug Wire Inspection .
    • Inspect for loose ignition coil grounds. Refer to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis .

Engine Mechanical

Inspect for the following conditions:

    • Excessive oil in combustion chamber or leaking valve seals--Refer to Oil Consumption Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical.
    • Low cylinder compression--Refer to Engine Compression Test in Engine Mechanical.
    • Combustion chambers for excessive carbon buildup--Clean the chambers using top engine cleaner. Follow the instructions on the can.
    • Incorrect basic engine parts--Inspect the following:
       - Cylinder heads
       - Camshaft
       - Pistons, etc.

Refer to Engine/Engine Mechanical.