Engine Cranks But Does Not Run. Pontiac Firebird 2001

For 1990-2009 cars only

Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2001 🢒 Firebird 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 3.8L 🢒 Engine Cranks But Does Not Run

Circuit Description

Conditions that may cause an Engine Cranks but Does Not Run symptom include a lack of the following items:

•	Fuel in the proper amount, quality, and at the proper time

•	Spark of the proper quality and at the proper time

•	Proper compression

Diagnostic Aids

Using a scan tool, compare engine coolant temperature (ECT) with intake air temperature (IAT) on a completely cool engine. ECT should be within 10°C (50°F) of IAT.

The following table will isolate the failed system and lead to the correct diagnostic procedure.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
With a scan tool, observe the DTC information.
Verify whether the following DTCs are set:

P0230, P0336, P0601, P0602, P0604, P0606, P1626, or P1629

Does the scan tool display any DTCs?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

Go to Step 3

Start the engine.
With a scan tool, monitor the engine RPM parameter while the engine is cranking.

Does the engine RPM parameter display cranking RPM?

Go to Step 4

Go to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis

With a scan tool, command the fuel pump ON.

Does the fuel pump turn ON?

Go to Step 5

Go to Fuel Pump Electrical Circuit Diagnosis

Turn OFF the ignition.
Install the J 34730-1A Fuel Pressure Gage. Refer to Fuel Pressure Gage Installation and Removal .
Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
With a scan tool, command the fuel pump ON.

Is the fuel pressure within the specified range while the fuel pump is operating?

333-376 kPa

(48-55 psi)

Go to Step 6

Go to Fuel System Diagnosis

Turn OFF the ignition.
Disconnect an injector connector.
Install the J 34730-405 Injector Test Lamp to the injector connector.
Attempt to start the engine.

Does the test lamp blink while the engine is cranking?

Go to Step 7

Go to the appropriate fuel injector diagnostic test

Turn OFF the ignition.
Disconnect a spark plug wire.
Install the J 26792 Spark Tester to the spark plug wire.
Start the engine.

Does the spark tester spark?

Go to Step 8

Go to DTC P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0205, or P0206

Inspect for the following conditions:

•	Collapsed air intake duct

•	Restricted air filter element--Refer to Air Cleaner Element Replacement .

•	Spark plugs for being gas or coolant fouled--Refer to Spark Plug Inspection . If the spark plugs are fouled, determine what caused the condition.

•	Engine mechanical condition, such as worn timing chain and gears, or low compression--Refer to Engine Compression Test in Engine Mechanical.

•	Restricted exhaust system--Refer to Restricted Exhaust in Engine Exhaust.

•	If the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is NOT close to the actual engine temperature

•	Comparison of the manifold absolute pressure/barometric pressure (MAP/BARO) parameters--Compare MAP/BARO parameters to another vehicle. The parameters should be close in value. Refer to Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Diagnosis .

•	The throttle position (TP) sensor for being stuck in range

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 9

Go to Diagnostic Aids

With a scan tool, clear the DTCs.
Start the engine.

Does the engine start and continue to operate?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 2

Idle the engine.
Allow the engine to reach operating temperature.
With a scan tool, observe the DTC information.

Are any DTCs displayed?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

Go to Step 11

With a scan tool review the stored information in Capture Info.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK