For 1990-2009 cars

Inspection/Test | Action
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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 Inspections Before Beginning in Symptoms - Engine Controls .

• | Inspect the powertrain control module (PCM) grounds for being clean, tight, and in the proper locations. Refer to Power and Grounding Component Views and Engine Controls Schematics .

• | Search for bulletins.

• | Verify that the driver is using the correct starting procedure as described in the owners manual.

Sensor/System |

• | Inspect for an engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor that has shifted in value . Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance .

• | Test for proper operation of the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor. Refer to Altitude Versus Barometric Pressure .

Fuel System |

• | Verify there is adequate fuel .

• | Inspect the fuel pump operation. The fuel pump should turn ON for 2 seconds when you turn ON the ignition. Refer to Fuel Pump Electrical Circuit Diagnosis .

• | A faulty in-tank fuel pump check valve allows the fuel in the lines to drain back to the tank after the engine stops. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .

• | Test the fuel injectors. Refer to Fuel Injector Diagnosis .

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

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

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

Ignition System |

• | In order to properly inspect the spark plugs or to correct a condition, refer to the following procedures:

- | Ignition System Specifications

- | Spark Plug Inspection

- | Spark Plug Replacement

• | Remove spark plugs and inspect for the following:

- | Correct heat range

- | Wet plugs

- | Cracks

- | Wear

- | Improper gap

- | Burned electrodes

- | Heavy deposits

- | Spark plugs are of the correct type.

• | Inspect for proper secondary ignition voltage output with J 26792 HEI Spark Tester .

• | An improper spark plug gap will cause a driveability condition. Gap the spark plugs using a wire gauge gap tool.

• | If the spark plugs are found to be fouled, determine the cause before replacing the spark plugs.

• | Inspect for damaged or misaligned spark plug boots.

Engine Mechanical | Inspect for the following conditions:

• | Excessive oil in combustion chamber or leaking valve seals--Refer to Oil Consumption Diagnosis .

• | Low cylinder compression--Refer to Engine Compression Test .

• | Improper valve timing.

• | Broken or worn valve springs

• | Combustion chambers for excessive carbon buildup--Clean the chambers using top engine cleaner. Follow the instructions on the can.

• | Proper camshaft actuator system operation--Refer to Camshaft Actuator System Description .

• | Incorrect, worn, or damaged basic engine parts--Inspect the following:

- | The camshaft--Refer to Camshafts Cleaning and Inspection .

- | The cylinder heads--Refer to Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection .

- | The pistons, etc.--Refer to Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection .

Additional |

• | Inspect for a restricted exhaust. Refer to Restricted Exhaust .

• | Inspect the air intake ducts for being collapsed, damaged, loose, improperly installed, or leaking.