Hard Start

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2004 GMC Envoy XUV, 2004 GMC Envoy XL, 2004 GMC Envoy, and 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Hard Start

Inspections	Action
DEFINITION: The engine cranks normally, but does not start in a normal amount of time. The engine does eventually run, or may start but immediately dies.
Preliminary	Refer to Important Preliminary Check Before Starting in Symptoms - Engine Controls . Search for bulletins. Make sure the vehicle operator is using the correct starting procedure.
Sensor/System	Monitor the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor with the scan tool. Compare the engine coolant temperature with the ambient air temperature on a cold engine. If the coolant temperature reading is more than 5 degrees more or less than the ambient air temperature on a cold engine, check for high resistance in the coolant sensor circuit.
Fuel System	Inspect for a restricted exhaust. Refer to Restricted Exhaust in Engine Exhaust. Inspect the fuel pump relay for proper operation. The fuel pump should operate for the first 2 seconds when turning ON the ignition. Refer to Fuel Pump Electrical Circuit Diagnosis . Test the fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis . Inspect for water contamination in the fuel. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis (with Special Tool) or Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis (without Special Tool) . Perform the fuel injector coil test. Refer to Fuel Injector Coil Test . Perform the fuel injector balance test. Refer to Fuel Injector Balance Test with Tech 2 . Inspect the fuel pump check valve. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
Ignition System	Inspect the spark plugs for the following conditions: Wet plugs Cracks Wear Improper gap Burned electrodes Heavy deposits Refer to Spark Plug Inspection . Inspect for loose ignition coil connections. Inspect for loose ignition control module connections. Inspect for a faulty control module or ignition system grounds.
Engine Mechanical	Inspect for the following conditions: Improper valve timing Low compression-Refer to Engine Compression Test in Engine Mechanical. Worn rocker arms-Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Valve Lash Adjuster Cleaning and Inspection in Engine Mechanical. Broken or weak valve springs Worn camshaft lobes-Refer to Camshafts Cleaning and Inspection in Engine Mechanical. Proper Cam Phaser operation-Refer to Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Description in Engine Mechanical.
Additional	Inspect for a restricted exhaust. Refer to Restricted Exhaust in Engine Exhaust.