GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2000 🢒 Tracker - 2WD 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 1.6L 🢒 Hard Start

Hard Start

Checks

Action

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

Preliminary Checks

Refer to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check .

    • Refer to Symptoms .
    • Make sure the driver is using the correct starting procedure.

Sensor Checks
    • Inspect for a shifted or fixed engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor. Test the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor using a scan tool to compare the engine coolant temperature with the ambient air temperature on a cold engine. If the coolant temperature reading is 5°C (9°F) more or less than the ambient air temperature on a cold engine, check for a high resistance in the coolant sensor circuit or the sensor itself. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance .
    • Check the throttle position (TP) sensor. A sticking throttle shaft or a binding throttle linkage will causes a high TP sensor voltage (open throttle indication). Under these conditions the PCM may not control the idle. Monitor the TP sensor voltage with the scan tool or a voltmeter. The indicated voltage should be less than 1.25 volts with throttle closed.

Fuel System Checks
    • Check the fuel pump relay for correct operation. The fuel pump should operate for 2 seconds when turning ON the ignition. Refer to Fuel Pump Electrical Circuit Diagnosis .
    • Check the fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis
    • Check for water contamination in the fuel. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    • Check the fuel pump check valve. A faulty in tank fuel pump check valve will allow the fuel in the lines to drain back to the tank after stopping the engine. This condition is especially troublesome on hot soak restarts. In order to check for this condition perform the following steps:
       - Turn OFF the ignition.
       - Disconnect the fuel line at the fuel filter.
       - Remove the fuel tank filler cap.
       - Connect a radiator test pump to the fuel line and apply 102 kPa (15 psi) of pressure. The check valve is OK if the pressure holds for 60 seconds.

Ignition System Checks
    • Check for the proper secondary voltage output with a J 26792 spark tester, or equivalent.
    • Check the spark plugs for any of the following conditions:
       - Wet (fuel fouled) spark plugs
       - A terminal screw that is bent or loose (rotate and pull)
       - A ceramic insulator that has cracks, carbon tracking or deposits (red or black dust)
       - A tip insulator that has cracks, carbon tracking, deposits (oil, carbon, glazing, fuel additive), or is loose (rattles)
       - A center electrode that is loose (wiggles side to side)
       - An incorrect spark plug gap that is too large or too small
       - Platinum pads that are missing
       - Check for bare or shorted ignition wires at cylinders 1 and 3 or cracked ignition boots at cylinders 2 and 4
       - Check for loose ignition coil connections

Additional Checks
    • Check for the correct operation of the IAC system. Refer to Idle Air Control (IAC) System Diagnosis .
    • Check for no crank signal to the PCM. In order to provide improved cold engine starting, the PCM delivers a richer fuel injector pulse on a cold engine when the crank signal is present. Observe the Starter Switch parameter on the scan tool while cranking the engine. A faulty crank signal circuit will NOT cause a no start, only a longer start time under harsh conditions.
    • Check for the correct operation of the EGR valve. Refer to Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System Diagnosis .
    • Check for service bulletin updates or information.