For 1990-2009 cars

Check | Action
--- | ---
DEFINITION: The engine crankshaft cranks OK, but does not start for a long time. It does eventually run, or it may start but immediately dies.
Preliminary Inspections |

• | Refer to Important Preliminary Inspections before starting in Symptoms - Engine Controls .

• | Inspect the engine control system grounds for being clean, tight, and in the correct locations. Refer to Engine Controls Schematics . Ensure the resistance between the engine control module (ECM) housing and the battery negative cable is less than 0.5 ohms.

• | Verify that the ECM and ECM bracket fasteners are at the correct torque.

• | Search for service bulletins that may address this condition.

Sensor/System |

| Important: Allow the engine to cool before performing this test.

• | Inspect the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor for being skewed in value. Compare the ECT sensor value to the intake air temperature (IAT) sensor value on a cold engine. The ECT and IAT sensor values should be within ± 3°C (5°F). If the ECT sensor is out of range with the IAT sensor, test the resistance of the ECT sensor. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor for resistance specifications. Replace the ECT sensor if the resistance is not within the specification. Refer to Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement . If the sensor is within the specification, repair the high resistance in the ECT signal circuit.

• | Inspect the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor for the correct resistance. The sensor resistance may be out of range after a hot soak. Measure that the resistance remains within 700-1,200 ohms at all temperatures.

Fuel System |

• | Test the fuel pump relay operation. The fuel pump should turn ON for 2 seconds when the ignition is turned ON. Refer to Fuel Pump Electrical Circuit Diagnosis .

• | Test for incorrect fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .

• | Test for a restricted fuel filter. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .

• | Test for leaking fuel injectors. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .

• | Test for plugged or restricted injectors. Refer to Fuel Injector Balance Test with Special Tool .

• | Test for a contaminated fuel condition. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .

Ignition System |

• | Inspect for the correct installation of the ignition coil seals. Incorrect installation may allow water to enter the spark plug area. Inspect for moisture and corrosion.

• | Test the ignition voltage output with J 26792 Spark Tester. If you suspect an ignition system condition exists, 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 the following procedures:

• | Spark Plug Replacement

• | Ignition System Specifications

• | Spark Plug Inspection

• | If the spark plugs are gas, coolant, or oil fouled, determine the cause before replacing the spark plugs. Refer to the following procedures:

- | For diagnosis of a rich condition, refer to DTC P2178 or P2180 , DTC P2188 or P2190 , and DTC P2196 or P2198 .

- | For diagnosis of coolant contaminated spark plugs, refer to Loss of Coolant .

- | For diagnosis of oil fouled spark plugs, refer to Oil Consumption Diagnosis .

• | Inspect the spark plug boots and terminals for burning or micro-arcing, corrosion, and damage to the insulation.

Engine Mechanical |

• | Inspect for the following engine mechanical conditions:

- | Excessive oil in combustion chamber or leaking valve seals

- | Low cylinder compression

- | Sticking or leaking valves

- | Worn camshaft lobes

- | Camshaft timing

- | Broken valve springs

- | Excessive carbon buildup in the combustion chambers. Clean the chambers with top engine cleaner. Follow the instructions on the can.

- | For more information, refer to the following procedures:

• | Oil Consumption Diagnosis

• | Engine Compression Test

• | Camshaft Timing Drive Chain Alignment Diagram

• | Setting Camshaft Timing

• | Symptoms - Engine Mechanical

• | Inspect the following components for incorrect basic engine parts:

- | Camshafts

- | Cylinder heads

- | Pistons, connecting rods, or bearings.

- | Refer to the following procedures:

• | Camshaft Timing Drive Components Cleaning and Inspection

• | Camshaft Cleaning and Inspection

• | Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection

• | Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection