GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Saturn 🢒 2004 🢒 VUE - AWD 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Electrical 🢒 Engine Cranks But Does Not Run

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

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

Does the scan tool display any U-type DTCs?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List in Data Link Communications

Go to Step 3

3
  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Observe the DTC Information with a scan tool.

Does the scan tool display DTCs P0336, P0601, P0604, P0606, P0607, P0602, P1621, P1631, P0641, P0651, P1630, P1632 P1680, P1681 or P1682?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

Go to Step 4

4

Does the scan tool display any body control module (BCM) vehicle theft deterrent (VTD) DTCs?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List in Theft Deterrent

Go to Step 5

5

Command the fuel pump ON with a scan tool.

Does the fuel pump operate?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Fuel Pump Electrical Circuit Diagnosis

6
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Remove the ignition coil housing. Refer to Ignition Coil Housing Replacement .

    3. Important: Not grounding the ignition coil housing, may cause erratic spark.

  3. Install a jumper wire with clips on both ends from the top of the ignition control module to ground.
  4. Install the J 36012-A (J 43883) Ignition Test Wires.
  5. Install a J 26792 (SA9199Z) Spark Tester on #1 spark plug jumper wire.
  6. Ground #4 (companion to #1) spark plug jumper wire.
  7. Crank the engine with the remaining spark plug jumper wires connected.
  8. Repeat the above steps by installing the spark tester on #4 and grounding #1. Do the same for #2 and #3 spark plugs. Making sure the companion wire is grounded.

Does the spark tester spark on all cylinders?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis

7
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect an injector connector.
  3. Install the J 34730-405 Injector Test Lamp (Noid Light) to the injector connector.
  4. Attempt to start the engine.

Does the test lamp blink while the engine is cranking?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Fuel Injector Circuit Diagnosis

8
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Install a SA9127E Gage Bar Set. Refer to Fuel Pressure Gage Installation and Removal .
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Command the fuel pump ON with a scan tool.

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

345-414 kPa (50-60 psi)

Go to Step 9

Go to Fuel System Diagnosis

9

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, worn timing chain and gears, low compression--Refer to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical and Engine Compression Test in Engine Mechanical.
    • Restricted exhaust system--Refer to Restricted Exhaust in Engine Exhaust.
    • An engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor that has shifted in value--Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance .
    • Compare manifold absolute pressure position (MAP) parameter to another vehicle. The parameter should be close in value. Refer to DTC P0106 .

Did you complete the action?

--

Go to Step 10

--

10
  1. Clear the DTCs with a scan tool.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Attempt to start the engine.

Does the engine start then continue to run?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 2

11
  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

System OK