DEFINITION: Engine cranks OK, but does not start for a long time. Does eventually run, or may start but immediately stalls.

Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed?

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Go to Step 2

Go to the Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

1. Perform a bulletin search.
2. If a bulletin that addresses the symptom is found, correct the condition as instructed in the bulletin.

Was a bulletin found that addresses the symptom?

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Go to Step 20

Go to Step 3

Was visual/physical check performed?

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Go to Step 4

Go to Visual/Physical Checks

With the engine completely cool, compare Engine Coolant Temperature to Intake Air Temperature.

Are ECT and IAT within the specified value of each other?

± 3°C (± 5°F)

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 5

1. Using a scan tool, display engine coolant temperature and record value.
2. Measure the resistance of engine coolant temperature sensor using a J 39200 Digital Multimeter.
3. Refer to the Temperature vs Resistance .

Is resistance value near the resistance for the temperature displayed by the scan tool?

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Go to Step 7

Go to Step 6

Replace the ECT sensor. Refer to Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement .

Is action complete?

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Go to Step 20

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Locate and repair high resistance or poor connection in the ECT signal circuit or the ECT sensor ground. Refer to Repair Procedures in Electrical Diagnosis.

Is action complete?

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Go to Step 20

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1. Check for malfunctioning, plugged, or incorrectly installed PCV valve. Refer to Positive Crankcase Ventilation Valve .
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

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Go to Step 20

Go to Step 9

1. Check for water or alcohol contaminated fuel. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Test .
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

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Go to Step 20

Go to Step 10

1. Check the fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Pressure Test .
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

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Go to Step 20

Go to Step 11

1. Visually/Physically inspect secondary ignition wires. Refer to Ignition System to check for the following conditions:

•	Check all ignition wire resistances; should be less than the specified value.

•	Ignition wires for cross firing.

•	Ignition wires arcing to ground.

•	Ignition wires for improper routing.

Important:: Spraying the secondary ignition wires with a light mist of water may help locate an intermittent problem Ignition components will arc to ground when a secondary component is malfunctioning.

2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

30000 ohms (30K ohms)

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 12

1. Check for proper ignition coil output voltage with a J 26792 spark tester:

•	Clip the spark tester to engine ground.

•	Connect one end of a spark plug wire to the spark tester; connect the other end of the spark plug wire to the coil being tested.

•	Connect one end of another spark plug wire to the other coil tower; connect the other end of the spark plug wire to ground.

•	Crank the engine while observing the spark tester; a crisp blue spark should be observed.

•	Repeat the above steps for each coil.

2. If adequate spark is not present at all coils, replace affected coil(s) as necessary. Refer to Ignition Control Module Replacement .

Was a problem found?

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Go to Step 20

Go to Step 13

Notice: Determine the cause of the oil or gas fouled spark plugs in order to avoid damage to the new spark plugs.

1. Remove spark plugs and check for wet plugs, cracks, wear, improper gap, burned electrodes, or heavy deposits. Refer to Ignition System .
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

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Go to Step 20

Go to Step 14

1. Check for loose ignition control module ground. Refer to Ground Distribution in Electrical Diagnosis.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

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Go to Step 20

Go to Step 15

1. Remove ignition coils and check the ignition coils for cracks or carbon tracking.
2. If a problem is found, replace affected coil(s) as necessary. Refer to Ignition Control Module Replacement .

Was a problem found?

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Go to Step 20

Go to Step 16

1. Check ignition coil secondary resistance.
2. Replace any coil(s) which are not within the specified values. Refer to Ignition Control Module Replacement .

Was a problem found?

5000-8000 ohms

(5K-8K ohms)

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 17

1. Check IAC operation. Refer to the Idle Air Control (IAC) System Check .
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

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Go to Step 20

Go to Step 18

1. Refer to Engine Misfire Mechanical Diagnosis in Engine General Information to check for the following conditions:

•	Low compression.

•	Sticking or leaking valves.

•	Worn camshaft lobe(s).

•	Incorrect valve timing.

•	Bent push rods.

•	Worn rocker arms.

•	Broken valve springs.

2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to 3800 Engine On-Vehicle Service .

Was a problem found?

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Go to Step 20

Go to Step 19

1. Review all diagnostic procedures within this table.
2. If all procedures have been completed and no malfunctions have been found, review/inspect the following:

•	Visual/physical inspection. Refer to Visual/Physical Checks .

•	Scan tool data. Refer to Engine Scan Tool Data List .

•	Freeze Frame data/Failure Records data.

•	All electrical connections within a suspected circuit and/or system.

3. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

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Go to Step 20

Review technical bulletins

Operate the vehicle to duplicate conditions present when the original symptom was noticed.

Is the symptom still present?

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Go to Step 3

System OK