GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 GMC_Truck 🢒 1997 🢒 GMC K Pickup - 4WD 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 5.0L, 5.7L, and 7.4L 🢒 Hard Start

Checks

Action

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

Preliminary Checks
    • Refer to Important Preliminary Checks .
    • Make sure the vehicle's 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 greater or less than the ambient air temperature on a cold engine, check for a high resistance in the coolant sensor circuit. Refer to DTC P0118 Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Circuit High Voltage or DTC P1115 Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Circuit Intermittent High Voltage .
    • Check the Throttle Position (TP) sensor. If a sticking throttle shaft or binding linkage causes a high TP sensor voltage (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 faulty 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 Circuit Diagnosis .
    • Check the fuel pressure. Refer to the 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 for the 5.0L, 5.7L or the 7.4L.
    • Check the fuel pump check valve. Refer to the Fuel System Diagnosis .

Ignition System Checks
    • Check for the proper ignition voltage output with J 26792 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 Enhanced Ignition System .

       Important: 
  1. If the engine starts but then immediately stalls, remove the (CKP) sensor.
  2. Check for improper resistance or faulty connections.

    • Check the Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor resistance and connections. Refer to Enhanced Ignition System .

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 Engine Mechanical
    • Check the intake and exhaust manifolds for casting flash. Refer to Engine Mechanical.

Additional Check

Check the Idle Air Control (IAC) operation. Refer to VCM Outputs Diagnosis .