GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Description

The Engine Cranks but Does Not Run diagnostic table is an organized approach to identifying a condition that causes an engine not to start. The Engine Cranks but Does Not Run diagnostic table directs the service technician to the appropriate system diagnosis.

The Engine Cranks but Does Not Run diagnostic table assumes the following:

    • The battery is completely charged. Refer to Battery Inspection/Test in Engine Electrical.
    • The engine cranking speed is acceptable. Refer to Engine Cranks Slowly in Engine Electrical.
    • There is adequate fuel in the fuel tank.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

2

  1. Crank the engine for 15 seconds.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Observe the DTC information with a scan tool.

Does the scan tool display DTC P0101, P0123, P0230, P0336, P0601, P0602, P1626, P1630, P1631, B1369, or B1379?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

Go to Step 3

3

Turn the ignition to the ON position.

Is the MIL illuminated?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Inoperative

4

Command the fuel pump ON with a scan tool.

Does the fuel pump turn ON?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Fuel Pump Electrical Circuit Diagnosis

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect a spark plug wire.
  3. Install the J 26792 Spark Tester to the spark plug wire.
  4. Attempt to start the engine.

Does the spark tester spark?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis

6

While monitoring the Cylinder 1-6 Injector Circuit Status parameters with a scan tool, crank the engine.

Do all of the Cylinder Injector Circuit Status parameters display OK while cranking the engine?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Fuel Injector Circuit Diagnosis

7

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Connect all disconnected components.
  3. Install the J 34730-1A Fuel Pressure Gage. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
  4. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  5. Command the fuel pump ON with a scan tool.

Is the fuel pressure within the specified range when the fuel pump is operating?

358-405 kPa

(52-59 psi)

Go to Step 8

Go to Fuel System Diagnosis

8

Inspect for the following conditions:

    • Collapsed air intake duct
    • Restricted air filter element--Refer to Air Cleaner Element Replacement .
    • Spark plugs for being gas or coolant fouled--Refer to Spark Plug Inspection . If the spark plugs are fouled, determine what caused the condition.
    • Engine mechanical condition--For example, worn timing chain and gears, low compression.
    • Restricted exhaust system--Refer to Restricted Exhaust in Engine Exhaust.
    • The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is NOT close to the actual engine temperature. Refer to DTC P0128 .
    • Compare the manifold absolute pressure/barometric pressure (MAP/BARO) parameters to another vehicle. The parameters should be close in value. Refer to Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Diagnosis .
    • Throttle position (TP) sensor for being stuck in range--Refer to DTC P0121 .

Did you complete the action?

--

Go to Step 9

--

9

  1. Clear the DTCs with a scan tool.
  2. Attempt to start the engine.

Does the engine start and continue to operate?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 2

10

  1. Allow the engine to reach operating temperature.
  2. Observe the DTC information with a scan tool.

Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

System OK