GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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.

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 cranking speed is acceptable. Refer to Engine Cranks Slowly in Engine Electrical.
    • There is adequate fuel in the fuel tank.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

2

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. With a scan tool, observe the DTC information.

Does the scan tool display DTCs P0068, P0107, P0335, P0601, P0602, P0603, P0604, P0606, P0607, P0651, P1621, P1631, P1680, P1681, or P1682?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

Go to Step 3

3

Does the scan tool display any vehicle theft deterrent (VTD) DTCs?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Probe both sides of the ETC fuse with a test lamp connected to a good ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate on at least one side of the fuse?

 

Go to Step 5

Go to Powertrain Relay Diagnosis

5

Command the fuel pump ON with a scan tool.

Does the fuel pump turn ON?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Fuel Pump Electrical Circuit Diagnosis

6

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Remove an ignition coil. Refer to Ignition Coil Replacement.
  3. Install the J 26792 Spark Tester to the coil boot.
  4. Attempt to start the engine.

Does the spark tester spark?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis

7

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the multi-way harness connector of the fuel injectors. Refer to Inline Harness Connector End Views in Wiring Systems.
  3. Connect a test lamp between the ignition 1 voltage circuit of the fuel injector, fuse side, and a fuel injector control circuit, powertrain control module (PCM) side.
  4. Crank the engine.

Does the test lamp flash when cranking the engine?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Fuel Injector Circuit Diagnosis

8

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

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

334-375 kPa

(48-54 psi)

Go to Step 9

Go to Fuel System Diagnosis

9

Inspect for the following conditions:

    • A collapsed air intake duct
    • A restricted air filter element--Refer to Air Cleaner Element Replacement.
    • Contaminated fuel--Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis.
    • The spark plugs for being gas or coolant fouled--Refer to Spark Plug Inspection. If the spark plugs are fouled, determine what caused the condition.
    • An engine mechanical condition (worn timing chain, gears and low compression)--Refer to Engine Compression Test and Symptoms - Engine Mechanical in Engine Mechanical.
    • A restricted exhaust system--Refer to Restricted Exhaust in Engine Exhaust.
    • An engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor that has shifted in value. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance.
    • Compare MAP/BARO parameters to another vehicle. The parameters should be close in value.

Did you complete the action?

--

Go to Step 10

--

10

  1. Clear the DTCs with a scan tool.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Attempt to start the engine.

Does the engine start and continue to run?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 2

11

  1. Allow the engine to reach operating temperature.
  2. Observe the DTC information with a scan tool.

Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

System OK