Description
The Engine Cranks but Does Not Run diagnostic table is an organized approach to identifying a condition that causes an engine not to start. The Engine Cranks but Does Not Run diagnostic table directs the service technician to the appropriate system diagnosis. In order for the engine to start and run, the correct amount of good quality fuel must be properly delivered to each cylinder. The timing of the valve train operation in relation to piston position is also critical, as is mechanical compression of the air/fuel mixture.
The Engine Cranks but Does Not Run diagnostic table assumes the following:
| • | The battery is completely charged. Refer to Battery Inspection/Test in Engine Electrical. |
| • | The engine cranking speed is acceptable. Refer to Engine Cranks Slowly in Engine Electrical. |
| • | There is adequate fuel in the fuel tank. |
Diagnostic Aids
Inspect for any of the following conditions:
| • | Insufficient fuel can cause a no start condition. Thoroughly inspect the fuel delivery system for sufficient fuel volume to the fuel injectors. Inspect the fuel supply components for partial blockage or restrictions. |
| • | Fuel injectors with partially blocked and restricted nozzles, or a malfunctioning solenoid, can cause a no start condition. Refer to Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test and Fuel Injector Balance Test with Tech 2 . |
| • | There may be fuel spray at the fuel injectors and the indicated fuel pressure may be correct, yet there may not be enough fuel to start the engine. If the fuel injectors and the injector circuit are OK, and fuel spray is detected, the fuel injector ON time may be inadequate. If the powertrain control module (PCM) receives incorrect inputs from the various information sensors, the fuel delivered by the fuel injectors may be inadequate to start the engine. Check all the engine data parameters with a scan tool and compare the values indicated with the expected values or the values from a known good vehicle. |
| • | Check the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor engine reference signal with a scan tool. Observe the Engine Speed parameter while cranking the engine. The scan tool should indicate a steady 200-300 RPM while cranking. If erratic values, such as sudden spikes in the engine speed are displayed, the engine reference signal is not stable enough for the engine to start and run properly. |
| • | Inspect the engine for good secure electrical grounds. Refer to Engine Controls Schematics . |
| • | If the engine almost starts and then stalls, check for an open in the ground circuits of the CKP sensor and the camshaft position (CMP) sensor. |
| • | Water or foreign material in the fuel can cause a no start or engine will not stay running condition. During freezing weather water can freeze inside the fuel system. The engine may start after 30 minutes in a heated repair shop. The malfunction may not recur until parked overnight in freezing temperatures. Extreme weather conditions can cause contaminated fuel to prevent the vehicle from starting. |
| • | A vehicle that starts and runs after being brought to the repair shop for a no start complaint may have an ignition system that is susceptible to moisture. Spray water on the ignition system components and the wiring in order to check for an engine starting or will not stay running concern. |
An intermittent malfunction may be caused by a fault in any of the critical information or component electrical circuits. Inspect the wiring harness and the components for an intermittent condition. Refer to Intermittent Conditions .
Repair any electrical circuit faults that were found. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
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The Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prompts the technician to complete some basic checks and store the Freeze Frame data on the scan tool, if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data taken when the fault occurred. The information is then stored in the scan tool for later reference.
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The listed DTCs can cause a no start. If a DTC is set, diagnose the DTC before using this diagnostic procedure.
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A theft deterrent system condition may cause a no start. If a theft deterrent DTC is set, diagnose the DTC before using this diagnostic procedure.
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If a CKP sensor is disconnected, a no start condition occurs without setting a DTC. If there is a condition with both CKP sensor circuits, a no start condition occurs without setting a DTC.
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This step verifies if there is any fuel pressure. If there is no fuel pressure, the fuel system diagnosis must be performed.
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This step verifies if the engine will start and run. The repair that may have led to this step may only have been a secondary cause of the no start condition, such as fouled spark plugs. The diagnostics in this table may need to be performed a second time in order to discover the root cause of the no start condition.
Step | Action | Values | Yes | No | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics Connector End View Reference: Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views or Engine Controls Connector End Views | ||||||||||||||||||||
Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle? | -- | Go to Step 2 | Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information | |||||||||||||||||
Does the scan tool display DTC P0118, P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0205, P0206, P0602, P1621, P1630, or P1631? | -- | Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information | Go to Step 3 | |||||||||||||||||
Observe the theft deterrent DTC information with a scan tool. Does the scan tool display any theft deterrent DTCs? | -- | Go to Symptoms - Theft Deterrent in Theft Deterrent | Go to Step 4 | |||||||||||||||||
Crank the engine over for 10 seconds, while you observe the engine speed parameter with a scan tool. Is engine speed displayed on the scan tool? | -- | Go to Step 5 | ||||||||||||||||||
5 |
Was there a crisp blue spark for both ignition coils tested? | -- | Go to Step 6 | |||||||||||||||||
6 | Command the fuel pump ON with a scan tool. Refer to Scan Tool Output Controls . Does the fuel pump turn ON? | -- | Go to Step 7 | |||||||||||||||||
Is the fuel pressure within the specified range while the fuel pump is operating? | 330-382 kPa (48-56 psi) | Go to Step 8 | Go to Fuel System Diagnosis | |||||||||||||||||
8 | Inspect for the following conditions:
Did you complete the action? | -- | Go to Step 9 | -- | ||||||||||||||||
Does the engine start and continue to operate? | -- | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 2 | |||||||||||||||||
10 |
Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed? | -- | Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information | System OK | ||||||||||||||||
