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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 organised approach to identify a condition which prevents the engine from starting. This diagnostic directs the technician to the appropriate system diagnosis.

Diagnostic Aids
    • When the engine is started, it is cranked by the 300 V drive motor/generator, which can rotate the engine to operating speed (800 RPM) within just a few hundred milliseconds. However, it may be difficult to determine the running state of the engine. Observe the scan tool ICE Status parameter to determine the running state of the engine. The parameter will display one of the following values:
      • Engine Stalled
      • Invalid
      • OFF
      • Running
      • Silent Start
      • Stop
      • Start
    • Some failure conditions can make the engine appear to start, run briefly, then stall, which results in the following two DIC messages being displayed:
      • Engine Not Available, Service Vehicle Soon
      • Propulsion Power Reduced
    • Inspect the engine for good secure electrical grounds.
    • Insufficient fuel can prevent the engine from starting. 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 prevent the engine from starting. Refer to Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil 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 for combustion to take place. 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 for the engine to start. 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.
    • Inspect the engine for good secure electrical grounds.
    • Water or foreign material in the fuel can prevent the engine from starting. During freezing weather, the water can freeze inside the fuel system. After 30 min in a heated repair shop, the water may melt and allow the engine to start. The malfunction may not recur until parked overnight in freezing temperatures.
    • Under extreme weather conditions, or over a period of time, the ignition system may become susceptible to moisture. This condition may become serious enough to prevent the engine from starting. Bring the vehicle into a dry, heated garage and allow it to dry out for several hours. If the engine then starts, inspect for an ignition system that is susceptible to moisture.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Hybrid Modes of Operation Description

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

    • CH-48027 Digital Pressure Gauge.
    • J 26792 HEI Spark Tester.
    • J 36012-A Ignition System Diagnostic Harness.
    • J 34730-2C Injector Tester.

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools : Diagnostic Tools .

Circuit/System Verification

Note: This diagnostic assumes the following:

   • The battery is completely charged. See Battery Inspection/Test .
   • There is adequate fuel in the fuel tank.

  1. Attempt to start the engine while observing the DTC information with a scan tool. Verify that DTC P0117, P0118, P018B, P018C, P018D, P0119, P0121, P0122, P0123, P0222, P0223, P0231, P0232, P023F, P025A, P0335, P0336, P0513, P0562, P0563, P0601, P0602, P0603, P0604, P0606, P062F, P0628, P0629, P0633, P0641, P064A, P0685, P0689, P0690, P06A6, P1255, P1516, P1631, P1682, P16F3, P2101, P2119, P2135, P2176, P2610 or P2635 are not set.
    2. ⇒If any of the DTCs are set, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle .
  2. Attempt to start the engine while observing the scan tool Engine Speed parameter with a scan tool. The scan tool should indicate an engine speed greater than 0 RPM.
    3. ⇒If the engine speed is 0 RPM, refer to DTC P0335 or P0336 .
  3. Vehicle in Service Mode, command the fuel pump enable ON with a scan tool while observing the circuit status parameters listed below:
    4. • Fuel Pump Enable Circuit High Voltage Test Status
    • Fuel Pump Enable Circuit Open Test Status
    • Fuel Pump Enable Circuit Low Voltage Test Status
      Each parameter should display OK or Not Run.
    ⇒If not the specified value, refer to Fuel Pump Electrical Circuit Diagnosis .
  4. Vehicle OFF, install the CH-48027 . Refer to Fuel Pressure Gauge Installation and Removal .

    5. 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.

  5. Vehicle in Service Mode, command the fuel pump enable ON with a scan tool. The fuel pressure should be between 365-414 kPa (53-60 PSI).
    6. ⇒If not within the specified range, refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
  6. Vehicle OFF, disconnect the harness connector at a Q17 Fuel Injector.
  7. Connect the J 34730-2C to the fuel injector harness connector.
  8. Vehicle ON, attempt to start the engine while observing the injector tester. The injector tester should flash or illuminate.
    9. ⇒If the injector tester does not flash or illuminate, refer to DTC P0201, P0202, P0203, or P0204 for further diagnosis.

    Note: It may be necessary to secure the J 36012-A to the spark plug boots with electrical tape.

  9. Install the J 36012-A to the spark plug boots.
  10. Connect the J 26792 between the boot of a spark plug wire and ground.
  11. Connect the remaining wires to the appropriate cylinders.

    12. Note: An erratic or weak spark is considered a no spark condition.

  12. Attempt to start the engine while observing the spark tester. The spark tester should spark.
    13. ⇒If there is no spark, refer to Electronic Ignition System Diagnosis .
  13. Verify the following conditions do not exist:
    14. • Air inlet duct to the throttle body collapsed
    • Air filter and air inlet system restricted/obstructed
    • Spark plugs gas or coolant fouled
    • Skewed manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
    • Skewed engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor
    • Restricted exhaust system. Refer to Restricted Exhaust .
    • Fuel contamination. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    • Engine mechanical condition, for example, worn timing chain or low compression. Refer to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical .
         ⇒If you find any of the above conditions, repair as necessary.

Repair Verification

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Ignition Coil Replacement
    •  Spark Plug Replacement
   


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