GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Checks

Action

DEFINITION: The engine cranks, but the engine does not start for a long time. The engine does eventually run, or the engine may start, but immediately quit.

Preliminary

    • Refer to Important Preliminary Checks Before Starting in Symptoms - Engine Controls .
    • Inspect the powertrain control module (PCM) grounds. Ensure that they are clean, tight, and in the proper locations. Refer to Engine Controls Schematics .
    • Search for bulletins.

Sensor/System

    • Test the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor for being shifted in value. Connect a scan tool. Compare the Engine Coolant Temperature to the intake air temperature (IAT) on a cold engine. The ECT and IAT sensor values should be within ± 3°C (5°F) of each other. If the ECT sensor is out of range with the IAT sensor, test the resistance of the ECT sensor. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance for resistance specifications. If the resistance is not within the specification, replace the ECT sensor . If the sensor is within the specification, repair ECT signal circuit for high resistance.
    • Inspect the mass air flow (MAF) sensor installation. A MAF sensor that is incorrectly installed may cause a hard start. Important: The embossed arrows on the MAF sensor indicate the direction of the intake air flow. The arrows must point toward the engine. Install the MAF in the proper direction. Refer to Mass Airflow Sensor Replacement .
    • If the PCM does not receive a CMP signal, the Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) may cause a long engine crank time.
    • Test the exhaust system for a restriction. Refer to Restricted Exhaust .

Fuel System

    • Test the fuel pump relay operation. When you turn ON the ignition, the fuel pump should turn ON for 2 seconds. 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. In order to test for this condition, refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Inspect both injector fuses for being open. An open injector fuse causes 4  injectors and 4 ignition coils not to operate. Replace the fuse. Inspect the injector circuits and the ignition coil circuits for an intermittent short to ground.
    • Test for incorrect fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Test for a restricted fuel filter. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Test for a contaminated fuel condition. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .

Ignition System

    • Inspect both injector fuses for being open. An open injector fuse causes 4 ignition coils and 4 injectors to not operate. Replace the fuse. Inspect the ignition coil circuits. Inspect the injector circuits for an intermittent short to ground.
    • Inspect for proper ignition voltage output with spark tester J 26792 . Refer to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis .
    • Remove the spark plugs. Inspect for the following conditions:
       - The correct heat range
       - Wet plugs
       - Cracks
       - Wear
       - Improper gap
       - Burned electrodes
       - Heavy deposits
       - Refer to Spark Plug Inspection in Engine Electrical.
    • Before you replace the spark plugs, determine the cause of the fouling. If the spark plugs are fouled, refer to the procedures below:
       - Gas fouled--Refer to DTC P0172 or P0175 .
       - Oil fouled--Refer to Oil Consumption Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical-5.7L.
       - Coolant fouled--Refer to Loss of Coolant in Engine Cooling.
    • Inspect for loose ignition coil grounds. Refer to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis .

Engine Mechanical

Inspect for the following conditions:

    • Excessive oil in the combustion chamber caused by leaking valve seals--Refer to Oil Consumption Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical-5.7L.
    • Test for low cylinder compression. Refer to Engine Compression Test in Engine Mechanical-5.7L.
    • Excessive carbon buildup in the combustion changers--Clean the chambers using top engine cleaner. Follow the instructions on the can.
    • Incorrect basic engine parts--Inspect the following components:
       - The cylinder heads
       - The camshaft
       - The pistons
       - Refer to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical in Engine Mechanical-5.7L.