HARD TO START OR WILL NOT START
Check Engine Cranking
- Check battery and charging system.
- Check power and ground circuits.
- Check fusible links.
- Ensure starter is operating properly.
- Check ECM control relay.
- Check ECM fuse.
- Check ignition switch.
- Ensure engine is not seized.
Check Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Operation
- Ensure CKP sensor is operating properly.
- Ensure CKP sensor air gap is correct.
- Ensure CKP sensor trigger wheel has no broken or missing teeth.
- Ensure CKP sensor trigger wheel is installed properly.
Check Ignition Spark
- Check power and ground circuits for ignition coils.
- Ensure ignition coils are operating properly.
- Ensure spark plug gap is correct and plugs are not fouled.
- Check spark plug cables.
Check Fuel Supply
- Ensure fuel pump is operating properly.
- Ensure fuel pressure is correct.
- Ensure fuel pressure regulator is operating properly.
- Check fuel lines for leaks and/or deformations.
- Ensure fuel injectors are operating properly.
- Ensure there is enough fuel.
- Check for contaminated fuel.
- Check for restricted fuel filter.
Check ECM Harness Connectors
- Check ECM power and ground circuits.
- Check sensor power, ground and signal circuits.
- Ensure ECM control relay is operating properly.
Check Sensors
- Check Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor.
- Check Manifold Absolute Pressure/Intake Air Temperature (MAP/IAT) sensor.
- Check Throttle Position (TP) sensor.
- Check Mass Airflow (MAF) sensor.
- Check fuel injector signal circuit.
Check Ignition Timing
- Ensure ignition timing is correct.
Check For Vacuum Leaks
- Ensure oil filler cap and dipstick seals are tight.
- Ensure PCV hose does not leak and is not kinked.
- Ensure vacuum hose connections and associated components are not leaking.
- Ensure EVAP canister Purge Control Solenoid Valve (PCSV) is operating properly.
- Ensure EGR valve is closed (if equipped).
If no other problems are found, replace ECM and recheck.
ROUGH IDLE OR ENGINE STALLS
Check Fuel Level
- Ensure fuel octane level is at least 87.
- Check for contaminated fuel.
- Check for restricted fuel filter.
Check ECM Harness Connectors
- Check ECM power and ground circuits.
- Check sensor power, ground and signal circuits.
- Ensure ECM control relay is operating properly.
Check Ignition Spark
- Check power and ground circuits for ignition coils.
- Ensure ignition coils are operating properly.
- Ensure spark plug gap is correct and plugs are not fouled.
- Check spark plug cables.
Check Fuel Supply
- Check for a dirty or clogged air filter.
- Check for contaminated fuel.
- Ensure there is enough fuel.
- Check for restricted fuel filter.
- Ensure fuel pump is operating properly.
- Ensure fuel pressure is correct.
- Ensure fuel pressure regulator is operating properly.
- Check fuel lines for leaks and/or deformations.
- Ensure fuel injectors are operating properly.
Check Sensors
- Check Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor.
- Check Mass Airflow (MAF) sensor.
- Check Throttle Position (TP) sensor.
- Check upstream HO2S.
Check Engine Idle Speed
- Ensure engine idle speed is correct.
- Ensure engine idle speed actuator is operating properly.
- Ensure ignition timing is correct.
Check For Air Leaks
- Check vacuum and purge hoses, connections and related components.
- Check intake manifold and throttle body.
- Ensure PCV is operating properly.
- Ensure EVAP canister Purge Control Solenoid Valve (PCSV) is operating properly.
- Ensure EGR valve is closing fully (if equipped).
Check Camshaft & Crankshaft Timing Marks
- Ensure timing belt is installed correctly.
If no other problems are found, replace ECM and recheck.
ENGINE HESITATES OR ACCELERATES POORLY
Check Clutch Operation Or Brakes
- Ensure parking brake does not drag when released.
- Ensure service brakes do not drag when released.
- Check for clutch-slip and adjust as necessary.
Check Sensors
- Check upstream HO2S.
- Check Throttle Position (TP) sensor.
- Check Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor.
- Check Manifold Absolute Pressure/Intake Air Temperature (MAP/IAT) sensor.
- Check Mass Airflow (MAF) sensor.
- Check Knock Sensor (KS).
Check For Air Leaks
- Check vacuum and purge hoses, connections and related components.
- Check intake manifold and throttle body.
- Check for leaks in exhaust system.
Check Fuel Supply
- Check for a dirty or clogged air filter.
- Check for contaminated fuel.
- Ensure there is enough fuel.
- Check for restricted fuel filter.
- Ensure fuel pump is operating properly.
- Ensure fuel pressure is correct.
- Ensure fuel pressure regulator is operating properly.
- Check fuel lines for leaks and/or deformations.
- Ensure fuel injectors are operating properly.
Check ECM Harness Connectors
- Check ECM power and ground circuits.
- Check sensor power, ground and signal circuits.
- Ensure ECM control relay is operating properly.
Check Ignition Spark
- Check power and ground circuits for ignition coils.
- Ensure ignition coils are operating properly.
- Ensure spark plug gap is correct and plugs are not fouled.
- Check spark plug cables.
Check Engine Idle Speed
- Ensure engine idle speed is correct.
- Ensure engine idle speed actuator is operating properly.
- Ensure ignition timing is correct.
If no other problems are found, replace ECM and recheck.
HARD TO REFUEL/OVERFLOWING OR SPIT-BACK WHILE REFUELING
Hard To Refuel
- Ensure fill vent valve hose is not twisted or clogged.
- Check for contamination of EVAP canister filter.
Overflowing Or Spit-Back While Refueling
- Ensure fuel shut-off valve is operating properly.
Intermittent Simulation
To reproduce conditions creating intermittent fault, use the following methods
- Lightly vibrate component.
- Heat component.
- Wiggle or bend wiring harness.
- Spray component with water.
- Remove/apply vacuum source.
Monitor circuit/component voltage or resistance while simulating intermittent. If engine is operating, monitor for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). Use test results to identify a faulty component or circuit.