Inspection Procedure 6 - Engine Starts & Dies

NOTE: Possible causes are: defective ignition system, defective fuel injection system, contaminated fuel, low compression or defective ECM.

Ensure battery voltage is at least 8 volts during cranking. If battery voltage is within specification, go to next step. If battery voltage is not within specification, check battery and charging system.
Perform INSPECTION PROCEDURE 34. Once inspection procedure No. 34 is performed and all components are okay, go to next step.
Using stethoscope, check for operating sound at injector with engine idling, or while cranking engine. If injector operating sound is heard, go to next step. If injector operating sound is not heard, check injector circuit. Perform DTC TEST NO. 12.
If engine starts good when engine is cranked with accelerator slightly depressed, go to next step. If engine does not start good when engine is cranked with accelerator slightly depressed, go to step 8).
Ensure engine coolant temperature is less than 68°F (20°C). Turn ignition on. Listen for operating sound at idle air control motor when ignition is turned off. Idle air control motor is mounted on throttle body and contains a 6-pin Black connector.
If idle air control motor operating sound is heard, clean throttle body and check adjustment of fixed Speed Adjusting Screw (SAS). See the ADJUSTMENTS - 2.0L & 2.4L article.
If idle air control motor operating sound is not heard, check idle air control system. Perform DTC TEST NO. 24.
Check ignition timing when cranking engine. See the ADJUSTMENTS - 2.0L & 2.4L article. If ignition timing is within specification, go to next step. If ignition timing is not correct, check for correct installation of crankshaft position sensor and timing belt cover.
Check for defective ignition coil, spark plugs and spark plug wires. Check for clogged injectors, restricted fuel lines, contaminated fuel or low compression. Repair or replace components as necessary.