GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Saturn 🢒 2002 🢒 VUE - FWD 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 3.0L (L81) 🢒 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 Beginning in Symptoms - Engine Controls .
    • Inspect the engine control module (ECM) 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 .

Fuel System
    • Verify there is adequate fuel .
    • Inspect the fuel pump operation. Refer to Fuel Pump Electrical Circuit Diagnosis .
    • Test the fuel injectors. Refer to Fuel Injector Balance Test with Special Tool and Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test .
    • 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
    • In order to properly inspect the spark plugs or to correct a condition, refer to the following procedures:
       -  Spark Plug Inspection
       -  Spark Plug Replacement
    • Remove spark plugs and inspect for the following:
       - Correct heat range
       - Wet plugs
       - Cracks
       - Wear
       - Improper gap
       - Burned electrodes
       - Heavy deposits
       - Spark plugs are of the correct type.
    • Inspect for proper secondary ignition voltage output with J 26792 (SA9199Z) Spark Tester .
    • An improper spark plug gap will cause a driveability condition. Gap the spark plugs using a wire gauge gap tool.
    • If the spark plugs are found to be fouled, determine the cause before replacing the spark plugs.
    • Inspect for damaged or misaligned spark plug boots.
    • Inspect the ignition module for a proper ground connection.

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.
    • Improper valve timing.
    • Broken or worn valve springs
    • Combustion chambers for excessive carbon buildup--Clean the chambers using top engine cleaner. Follow the instructions on the can.
    • Incorrect, worn, or damaged basic engine parts--Inspect the following:
       - The camshaft
       - 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.
    • Inspect for excessive crankshaft endplay that will cause the CKP sensor reluctor wheel to move out of alignment with the CKP sensor. Refer to Crankshaft and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection in Engine Mechanical. This could result in any of the following conditions:
       - A no start
       - A start and stall
       - Erratic performance

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.