GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2002 🢒 Corvette 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Electrical 🢒 Hard Start

Checks

Action

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

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

Sensor/System
    • Check the operation of the Column Lock System. Refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - Body Control System in Body Control System.
    • Inspect the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor for being shifted in value. Connect a scan tool. Compare the ECT against 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. Replace the ECT sensor refer to Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement if the resistance is not within the specification. If the sensor is within the specification, repair ECT signal circuit for high resistance.

       Important: The embossed arrows on the mass air flow (MAF) sensor indicate the direction of the intake air flow. The arrows must point toward the engine. Install the MAF in the proper direction.

    • Inspect the MAF sensor installation. A MAF sensor that is incorrectly installed may cause a hard start. Refer to Mass Airflow Sensor/Intake Air Temperature Sensor Replacement .
    • Test the camshaft position (CMP) sensor performance. A long engine crank time occurs if the PCM does not receive a CMP signal.

Fuel System
    • Test the fuel pump relay operation. The fuel pump should turn ON for 2 seconds when you turn ON the ignition. Refer to Fuel Pump Electrical Circuit Diagnosis .
    • A malfunctioning check valve in the fuel feed rear pipe 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
    • Test for proper ignition voltage output with spark tester J 26792 . 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 one of the following procedures:
       -  Spark Plug Inspection
       -  Spark Plug Replacement
    • Determine the cause of the fouling before replacing the spark plugs if the spark plugs are gas, coolant or oil fouled. Refer to one of the following procedures.
       - For diagnosis of the rich condition, refer to DTC P0172 or P0175 .
       - For diagnosis of coolant or oil fouled spark plugs, refer to Spark Plug Inspection .
    • Inspect for bare or shorted ignition wires. Refer to Spark Plug Wire Inspection .
    • Inspect for loose ignition coil grounds. Refer to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis .

Engine Mechanical
    • Excessive oil in the combustion chamber-Leaking valve seals--Refer to Oil Consumption Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical-5.7L.
    • Low cylinder compression--Refer to Engine Compression Test in Engine Mechanical-5.7L.
    • The combustion chambers for excessive carbon buildup. Clean the chambers using top engine cleaner. Follow the instructions on the can.
    • For incorrect basic engine parts, inspect the following:
       - The cylinder heads
       - The camshaft
       - The pistons
       - Other engine components as necessary
    • Refer to one of the following procedures in Engine Mechanical-5.7L:
       - For incorrect cylinder heads--refer to Cylinder Head Replacement - Left Side or to Cylinder Head Replacement - Right Side in Engine Mechanical-5.7L.
       - For an incorrect camshaft--refer to Camshaft Replacement in Engine Mechanical-5.7L.
       - For incorrect pistons, connecting rod, or bearings--refer to Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Removal in Engine Mechanical-5.7L.