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Engine Cranks But Does Not Run

Engine Cranks But Does Not Run

Diagnostic Instructions


• Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.

• Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.

• Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.


Circuit/System Description

The engine cranks but does not run is an organized approach to identify a condition which causes the engine to crank but not start. This diagnostic directs the technician to the appropriate system diagnosis.

Diagnostic Aids

Inspect for any of the following conditions:


• When attempting to start the engine, the mechanical portion of the key must be locked in the fully extended position, with the fob parallel to the key. Leaving the key partially retracted or folded over when starting may interrupt transponder authentication and result in an intermittent no start condition. In such instances, DTC B3055 may also be set. If an intermittent no start complaint is received, it may be necessary to discuss with the customer their starting habits and verify they are locking the key in the fully extended position, fob parallel to the key, before starting.

• Insufficient fuel can cause a no start condition. Thoroughly inspect the fuel delivery system for sufficient fuel volume to the fuel injectors. Inspect the fuel supply components for partial blockage or restrictions.

• Fuel injectors with partially blocked and restricted nozzles, or a malfunctioning solenoid, can cause a no start condition. Refer to Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test and Fuel Injector Balance Test .

• There may be fuel spray at the fuel injectors and the indicated fuel pressure may be correct, yet there may not be enough fuel to start the engine. If the fuel injectors and the injector circuit are OK, and fuel spray is detected, the fuel injector ON time may be inadequate. If the engine control module (ECM) receives incorrect inputs from the various information sensors, the fuel delivered by the fuel injectors may be inadequate to start the engine. Check all the engine data parameters with a scan tool and compare the values indicated with the expected values or the values from a known vehicle in good condition.

• Check the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor engine reference signal with a scan tool. Observe the Engine Speed parameter while cranking the engine. The scan tool should indicate a steady 200-300 RPM while cranking. If erratic values, such as sudden spikes in the engine speed, are displayed, the engine reference signal is not stable enough for the engine to start and run properly.

• Inspect the engine for good secure electrical grounds.

• If the engine almost starts and then stalls, check for an open in the ground circuits of the CKP sensor and the camshaft position (CMP) sensor.

• Water or foreign material in the fuel can cause a no start or engine will not stay running condition. During freezing weather water can freeze inside the fuel system. The engine may start after 30 min in a heated repair shop. The malfunction may not recur until parked overnight in freezing temperatures. Extreme weather conditions can cause contaminated fuel to prevent the vehicle from starting.

• A vehicle that starts and runs after being brought to the repair shop for a no start condition, may have an ignition system that is susceptible to moisture. Spray water on the ignition system components and the wiring in order to check for an engine starting or will not stay running concern.


Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference


• Circuit Testing

• Connector Repairs

• Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

• Wiring Repairs


Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Special Tools


• CH48027 Digital Pressure Gauge

• EL 43244 Relay Puller Pliers


For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .

Circuit/System Verification

Note

This diagnostic assumes the following:

• The battery is completely charged. Refer to Battery Inspection/Test .

• The engine cranking speed is acceptable. Refer to Engine Cranks Slowly .

• There is adequate fuel in the fuel tank.



1. Engine cranking, observe the DTC information with a scan tool. The following DTCs should not be set:

DTC P0201-P0204, P0261, P0264, P0267, P0270, P0335, P0336, P0601-P0604, P0606, P062F, P0627-P0629, P062B, P0685, P0689, P0690, P1682, P2147-P2157

2. If a DTC is set, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle .

3. Ignition ON, observe the Theft Deterrent LED located in the driver information center. The LED should be OFF.

4. If the LED is ON or blinking, refer to Symptoms - Immobilizer .

5. Disconnect an ignition coil from a cylinder.

6. Connect a T8 EL 43244 Pliers to the boot of the T8 ignition coil of one cylinder and ground.

7.
Note

An erratic or weak spark is considered a no spark condition.


Engine cranking, verify that the spark tester sparks.

8. If there is no spark, refer to Electronic Ignition System Diagnosis .

9. Install the CH 48027 gauge. Refer to Fuel Pressure Gauge, Installation and Removal

10.
Note
• The fuel pump may need to be commanded ON a few times, in order to obtain the highest possible fuel pressure.

• Do not start the engine for this test.


Ignition ON, command the fuel pump ON with a scan tool. The fuel pressure should be between 3.6-4.0 bar (360-400 kPa).

11. If the fuel pressure is not within the specified range, refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .

12. Verify the following conditions do not exist:

• Collapsed air intake duct to the throttle body

• Restricted air filter element

• Spark plugs for being gas or coolant fouled-Refer to Spark Plug Inspection .

• A skewed B74 manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor-Compare the B74 MAP Sensor parameter to the Altitude Versus Barometric Pressure table. Refer to Altitude Versus Barometric Pressure .

• A skewed B34 engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor-Compare the B34 ECT Sensor parameter to the Temperature Versus Resistance table. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance (IAT 2) Temperature Versus Resistance (ECT) Temperature Versus Resistance (IAT) .

• Exhaust system restricted-Refer to Restricted Exhaust .

• Fuel contamination-Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .

• Engine mechanical condition, for example, worn timing belt or low compression-Refer to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical .

• If you find any of the above conditions, repair as necessary.


Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.