GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Refer to Engine Controls Schematics

Description

This table assumes that the battery condition and the engine cranking speed are OK. If not, refer to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Electrical for diagnosis. Make sure that there is adequate fuel in the tank.

Diagnostic Aids

    • Use the J 35616 connector test adapter kit for any test that requires probing the ECM harness connector or a component harness connector. Using this kit prevents damage to the harness or component terminals. Refer to Using Connector Test Adapters in Wiring Systems.
    • Unless the engine enters the Clear Flood at the first indication of a flooding condition, a no start may result.
    • Refer to Symptoms and Hard Start for further diagnosis.
    • If a repair is necessary refer to Wiring Repairs or Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. The ground wire to the body is located below the rear of the battery. The engine control module (ECM) ground is located on the mounting bracket the ECM attaches to. All grounds should be tight and free of any corrosion.

  2. Some Powertrain DTCs may require the engine to crank for up to 15 seconds before setting the DTC.

    Powertrain DTCs that may prevent the engine from starting include the following:

  3. • Input sensors such as the CKP, ECT, MAF/IAT, APP, or TP
    • Control circuits such as fuel pump relay or fuel injectors
    • Internal control module DTCs for the ECM
    • Throttle actuator control (TAC) system DTCs
    • Powertrain theft deterrent DTCs
  4. Make sure the theft deterrent system is functioning properly before continuing with this table. A theft deterrent system fault may cause a no start or start and stall condition.

  5. Compare the values with the normal values found in the engine scan tool data list. Sensor values that are skewed may prevent the engine from starting. Review the applicable DTC table that tests for a skewed sensor.

  6. With the fuel pump running the pressure should be 275-313 kPa (40-46 psi). When the pump is shut off the pressure should stabilize and hold steady between 240-275 kPa (35-40 psi).

Engine Cranks But Will Not Run

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

Inspect fuse V4, V5, V6 and fuse 18 for the fuel pump.

Did you find an open fuse?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Inspect the ground wire to the ECM and to the body from the battery for the following conditions:
  2. • Loose connections
    • Corrosion
    • High resistance
    • Open circuit
  3. Repair the circuit as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 4

4

Using the scan tool, inspect for any DTCs that could cause a no start condition:

    • Theft deterrent
    • Powertrain
    • Engine electrical

Are any DTCs set?

--

Go to the applicable DTC table

Go to Step 5

5

Use a scan tool to monitor the theft deterrent status.

Is the status of the theft deterrent reading Correct Code?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Theft Deterrent in Theft Deterrent

6

Use a scan tool in order to review the scan tool data list for MAF/IAT, TP, APP, and ECT sensors.

Are the values normal?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to the applicable DTC table

7

  1. Turn ON the ignition.
  2. Use a scan tool to turn the fuel pump ON.
  3. Listen for the fuel pump to turn ON.

Does the fuel pump turn ON when commanded?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Fuel Pump Circuit Diagnosis

8

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Install a fuel pressure gauge.
  3. Use the scan tool in order to turn the fuel pump ON.

Is the fuel pressure within the specified value with the pump running?

275-313 kPa (40-46 psi)

Go to Step 9

Go to Fuel System Diagnosis

9

  1. Perform the ignition system check. Refer to Ignition System Check .
  2. Repair as necessary.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 10

10

  1. Inspect all of the duct work between the mass air flow (MAF) sensor and the throttle body for air leaks.
  2. Inspect for a malfunctioning MAF sensor causing a no start or a stall after a start. If this condition is suspected, use the following procedure:
  3. 2.1. Disconnect the MAF sensor. The ECM will ignore the MAF sensor and default to the calculated air flow.
    2.2. If disconnecting the MAF sensor corrects the condition and the connections are OK, replace the MAF sensor. Refer to Mass Airflow Sensor/Intake Air Temperature Sensor Replacement .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 11

11

Perform the following additional inspections:

    • Inspect for any fouled spark plugs. If the spark plugs are fouled, determine the cause of the fouling before replacing them.
    • Test for water or alcohol contaminated fuel. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    • Check for a restricted exhaust. Refer to Restricted Exhaust System Check .
    • Check for an engine mechanical condition that would cause the engine not to start, such as low compression, broken timing belt, bent or burned intake or exhaust valves. Refer to Engine Compression Test in Engine Mechanical.
    • Correct the condition as necessary.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Diagnostic Aids

12

  1. Test the circuit for a short to ground.
  2. Repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
  3. Replace the fuse.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 13

--

13

  1. Using the scan tool, clear the DTCs.
  2. Attempt to start the engine.

Does the engine start and continue to run?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 2

14

  1. Allow the engine to idle until the engine reaches the normal operating temperature.
  2. Inspect for any DTCs with the scan tool.

Are any DTCs displayed?

--

Go to the applicable DTC table

System OK