GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2004 🢒 Grand Prix 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 3.8L (L26 and L32) 🢒 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
    • Refer to Important Preliminary Inspections Before Starting in Symptoms - Engine Controls .
    • Inspect the powertrain control module (PCM) grounds for being clean, tight, and in the proper locations. Refer to Power and Grounding Component Views in Wiring Systems and Engine Controls Schematics .
    • Search for bulletins.
    • Verify that the driver is using the correct starting procedure as described in the owners manual.

Sensor/System
    • Inspect for an engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor that has shifted in value . Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance .
    • Inspect the mass air flow (MAF) sensor for proper installation. Refer to Mass Airflow Sensor/Intake Air Temperature Sensor Replacement . A damaged MAF sensor may cause a hard start.
    • 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.
    • Verify proper operation of the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor. Refer to Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Diagnosis .
    • Inspect the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system for proper sealing/connections and operation Refer to Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System Description .

Fuel System
    • Verify there is adequate fuel.
    • Inspect the fuel pump 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 conditions:
       - 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.
    • Inspect the ignition control module (ICM) for proper ground connection.
    • Inspect the ignition coils for cracks or carbon tracking.
    • Soak the secondary ignition wires with water may help locate an intermittent problem. Ignition voltage will arc to ground when a secondary component is faulty.

Engine Mechanical

Inspect for the following conditions:

    • Excessive oil in combustion chamber or leaking valve seals--Refer to Oil Consumption Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical.
    • Cylinder compression--Refer to Engine Compression Test in Engine Mechanical.
    • Improper valve timing
    • 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 components:
       - The camshaft--Refer to Camshaft and Bearings Cleaning and Inspection in Engine Mechanical.
       - The cylinder heads--Refer to Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection in Engine Mechanical.
       - The pistons, etc.--Refer to Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection in Engine Mechanical.

Additional
    • Inspect for a restricted exhaust. Refer to Restricted Exhaust in Engine Exhaust.
    • Inspect the air intake ducts for being collapsed, damaged, loose, improperly installed, or leaking, especially between the MAF sensor and the throttle body.