GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 1998 🢒 Bonneville 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 3.8L 🢒 Hard Start

Checks

Action

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

Preliminary
    • Refer to Important Preliminary Checks.
    • Refer to Visual/Physical Checks.
    • Search for bulletins.

Sensor/System
    • Check Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor for being shifted in value. Install a scan tool and compare the displayed Engine Coolant Temperature with Intake Air Temperature on a cold engine. Check the resistance of the ECT sensor if engine coolant temperature is not within ± 3°C (5°F) of intake air temperature. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance . If the ECT sensor resistance is not within the specification, refer to DTC P0117 Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Circuit Low Voltage or DTC P0118 Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Circuit High Voltage .
    • Check the throttle body inlet screen for foreign objects or damage that may affect the MAF sensor airflow sample. Refer to Throttle Body Air Inlet Screen Replacement .
    • Using a scan tool, check IAC operation. Refer to Idle Air Control (IAC) System Diagnosis .
    • EGR system. Check the for the following conditions:
       - EGR pipes and adapter for vacuum leaks
       - Remove the EGR valve and check for a stuck open pintle. Refer to Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve Replacement .

Fuel System
    • Check the fuel pump relay circuit for proper operation.
        Refer to Fuel Pump Electrical Circuit Diagnosis .
    • Check for incorrect fuel pressure.
       - Refer to Fuel System Pressure Test (VIN 1) .
       - Refer to Fuel System Pressure Test (VIN K) .
    • Check the fuel injectors.
    • Check for fuel contamination. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .

Ignition System
    • Check for proper ignition voltage output using the following steps:
       - Clip the spark tester J 26792 to engine ground.
       - Connect one end of a spark plug wire to the spark tester; leave 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.
    • If adequate spark is not present at the coils, check for the following conditions:
       - Coils - Cracks, carbon tracking/arcing, or a resistance value outside the specified range.

Coil Secondary Resistance
5000 - 8000 ohms (5K - 8K ohms)

       - Spark Plug wires - Signs of arcing/cross firing, cracks, carbon tracking, plug boot damage, pinched, incorrect routing, or a resistance value greater than the specified value.

VIN 1 Spark Plug Wires Resistance
3280 - 4920 ohms per meter (1000 - 1500 ohms per foot).

VIN K Spark Plug Wires Resistance
3280 - 4920 ohms per meter (1000 - 1500 ohms per foot).

   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.

       - Malfunctioning ignition control module.
       - Ignition System Wiring - Loose ignition module feed or ground connection, or damaged system wiring.
    • Remove spark plugs and check for the following conditions:
       - Fouled plugs
       - Cracks
       - Wear
       - Incorrect gap
       - Burned or damaged electrodes
       - Incorrect heat range
    • If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of the fouling must be determined before replacing the spark plugs.

Engine Mechanical
    • Excessive oil in combustion chamber - Leaking valve seals. Refer to Oil Consumption Diagnosis
    • Low cylinder compression. Refer to Cylinder Leakage Test .
    • For incorrect basic engine parts. Inspect the following:
       - Cylinder heads
       - Camshaft and valve train components
       - Pistons, etc.