GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Checks

Action

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

Preliminary

    • Refer to Symptoms - Engine Controls , Important Preliminary Checks Before Starting.
    • Verify that the PCM grounds are clean, tight, and in the correct locations.
    • Search for bulletins.

Sensor or System

    • Check the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor for a shifted 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. Check the resistance of the ECT sensor if the temperature is out of range with the IAT sensor. Refer to Temperature vs Resistance for resistance specifications. Replace the ECT sensor if the resistance is not within the specification. If the sensor is within the specification, repair the high resistance in the ECT signal circuit .
    • Check the mass air flow (MAF) sensor installation.
    • Using a scan tool, monitor the throttle position (TP) sensor voltage. The TP sensor voltage should be less than 0.9 volt at rest. If the TP sensor voltage is more than 0.9 volt, inspect the throttle body and the accelerator cables for binding.
    • Check the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system for correct operation.

Fuel System

    • Check the fuel pump relay operation. The pump should turn ON for 2 seconds when the ignition is turned ON.
    • A faulty in-tank fuel pump check valve will allow the fuel in the lines to drain back to the tank after the engine is stopped. To check for this condition, refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Check the injector fuses for being open. Replace the fuses if necessary and inspect the injector circuits for an intermittent short to ground.
    • Check for a low fuel pressure.
    • Check for a restricted fuel filter.
    • Check for contaminated fuel. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .

Ignition System

Remove the spark plugs and check for the following:

    • Any wet plugs
    • Any cracks
    • Any wear
    • An improper gap
    • Any burned electrodes
    • Any heavy deposits

If the spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of the fouling must be determined before replacing the spark plugs.

    • Check the plugs and the coils for signs of arcing or carbon tracking.
    • Check for the correct ignition voltage output. Refer to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis .
    • Check for loose ignition control module grounds.
    • Check the spark plugs for the correct heat range.

Engine Mechanical

Check for the following conditions:

    • Any excessive oil in the combustion chamber may indicate leaking valve seals. Refer to Oil Consumption Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical.
    • A low cylinder compression--Refer to Engine Compression Test in Engine Mechanical.
    • Any excessive carbon buildup in the combustion chambers--Clean the chambers using Top Engine cleaner. Follow the instructions on the container.
    • Any incorrect basic engine parts--Inspect the following:
       - The cylinder heads
       - The camshaft
       - The pistons, etc.

Refer to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical in Engine Mechanical.

Additional Checks

Using a scan tool, check the idle air control (IAC) operation and the Typical Scan Data values.