Engine will not start, engine starts but stalls immediately, or engine is hard to start (1.5 L Engine)
Engine will not start, engine starts but stalls immediately, or engine is hard to start
Special Tools Required
Vacuum Pump/Gauge, 0-30 inHg Snap-on YA4000A or equivalent, commercially available
NOTE:
- Before beginning this troubleshooting, do a customer diagnostic interview .
-
- When the symptom cannot be duplicated, you can do the troubleshooting using the on-board snapshot information in this procedure . Refer to the diagnostic interview (date, place) and the present total mileage, and compare the total mileage which is estimated from the interview when a failure occurred and the parameter (total mileage) in the on-board snapshot information. Make sure the date when the failure occurred corresponds with the date on which the on-board snapshot information was recorded. If it doesn't, the on-board snapshot information cannot be used in this troubleshooting.
- Before beginning this troubleshooting:
-
- Make sure the 12 volt battery is fully charged.
- Make sure the fuel tank is at least 1/4 full.
- Make sure the engine oil level is correct.
- After the troubleshooting, reset the PCM with the HDS to erase the on-board snapshot information recorded on the PCM.
- DTC check
-1. Turn the vehicle to the ON mode.
-2. Check for Pending or Confirmed DTCs with the HDS.
DTC Description Confirmed DTC Pending DTC DTC (PGM-FI)
Are any Pending or Confirmed DTCs indicated?
YES
Go to the indicated DTCs troubleshooting.
NO
Go to step 2.
NOTE: If the HDS does not communicate with the vehicle, go to the PCM power and ground circuit troubleshooting .
- Body electrical system DTC check
-1. Check for body electrical system DTCs with the HDS.
DTC Description DTC DTC (Body Control Module)
Are any DTCs indicated?
YES
Go to the troubleshooting for body electrical system DTC(s) .
NO
Go to step 3.
- Immobilizer check
-1. Check the Immobilizer status log .
NOTE: When a status log count is found, it means the immobilizer system has kept the engine from starting in the past. The number of status log count shows how often the system has kept the engine from starting in the past. If the immobilizer system has no status log count, the system is normal.
Were any status log counts found?
YES
Check for probable cause of the status log .
NO
Go to step 4.
- Problem verification (snapshot sampling):
Set the HDS to record a SNAPSHOT of following parameters for 30 seconds.
- IMMOBILIZER
- ENGINE SPEED
- BATTERY
- ECT SENSOR 1
- MAP SENSOR (HI RES)
- MAF SENSOR
- FUEL PRESSURE CONVERTED FROM PF SENSOR
- FUEL PRESSURE DIRECT INJECTION SYSTEM
- CMP B NO PULSE
- CMP B NOISE
- CKP NO PULSE
- CKP NOISE
Data List
-2. Begin the snapshot, then try to start the engine.
Is the engine hard to start?
YES
Go to step 6 (diagnosis by parameter troubleshooting).
NO
Go to step 5.
- On-board snapshot check (Engine will not start)
-1. Check the record of Hard to Start Engine in the on-board snapshot with the HDS.
On-board Snapshot
Is the Hard to Start Engine in the on-board snapshot recorded?
YES
Go to step 6 (diagnosis by parameter troubleshooting).
NO
Go to step 18 (fuel system troubleshooting).
NOTE: In case of the following conditions, the on-board snapshot cannot be recorded.
- The vehicle is turned to the OFF (LOCK) mode after starting the engine.
- Vehicle condition not in the on-board snapshot recoding zone of Hard to start engine .
- Low or dead 12 volt battery
- Replacing the 12 volt battery
- On-board snapshot or snapshot check (IMMOBILIZER):
NOTE: Use the on-board snapshot in the case of an intermittent failure, or use the snapshot in the case of a reproducible failure.
-1. Select the Hard to Start Engine in the on-board snapshot or snapshot with the HDS.
On-board Snapshot
Select the IMMOBILIZER and ENGINE SPEED in the configuration list.
Compare the snapshot parameters observed while the engine was cranking, to those in the chart below, to determine the problem.
Pattern Symptom (Diagnosis by parameter) Additional remarks Pattern 1 IMMOBILIZER inhibit IMMOBILIZER inhibit
When IMMOBILIZER indicates "BAN" during cranking or after start, the fuel pump is stopped by IMMOBILIZER inhibit. - No failure in the engine
Pattern Symptom (Diagnosis by parameter) Additional remarks Pattern 2 IMMOBILIZER permit Normal IMMOBILIZER permit Normal
IMMOBILIZER is normal when IMMOBILIZER indicates "RUN" when cranking or after start. Which pattern is indicated?
Pattern 1
The immobilizer system has a failure. Go to the immobilizer System Check .
Pattern 2
Go to step 7 (diagnosis by parameter (ENGINE SPEED)).
- On-board snapshot or snapshot check (ENGINE SPEED):
NOTE: Use the on-board snapshot in the case of an intermittent failure, or use the snapshot in the case of a reproducible failure.
-1. Select the Hard to Start Engine in the on-board snapshot or snapshot with the HDS.
On-board Snapshot
-2. Select the ENGINE SPEED pattern chart in the configuration list.
Check the recorded snapshot parameters while the engine is cranking, then compare the pattern from the chart, and determine the problem.
Pattern Symptom (Diagnosis by parameter) Additional remarks Pattern 1 ENGINE SPEED when cranking is normal Pattern 2 ENGINE SPEED when cranking is low When ENGINE SPEED during cranking is low, weak 12 volt battery or increased engine friction can be considered. Which pattern is indicated?
Pattern 1
Go to step 8 (diagnosis by parameter (BATTERY)).
Pattern 2
Diagnostic procedure:
- Test the 12 volt battery .
- Check the 12 volt battery cables and the connections.
- Check the starter .
- Check for engine friction.
- On-board snapshot or snapshot check (BATTERY):
NOTE: Use the on-board snapshot in the case of an intermittent failure, or use the snapshot in the case of a reproducible failure.
-1. Select the Hard to Start Engine in the on-board snapshot or snapshot with the HDS.
On-board Snapshot
Select the BATTERY and ENGINE SPEED in the configuration list.
Check the recorded snapshot parameters while the engine is cranking, then compare the BATTERY pattern from the chart, and determine the problem.
Pattern Symptom (Diagnosis by parameter) Additional remarks Pattern 1 BATTERY voltage low when cranking - When BATTERY voltage during cranking is too low, there is a possibility that PCM and/or engine will not start.
- The PCM and other system control units require 7.0 V or more to start.
Pattern 2 BATTERY voltage normal when cranking To start the engine, 7.0 V or more is needed Which pattern is indicated?
Pattern 1
Diagnostic procedure:
- Test the 12 volt battery .
- Check the 12 volt battery cables and the connections.
Pattern 2
Go to step 9 (diagnosis by parameter (ECT SENSOR 1)).
- On-board snapshot or snapshot check (ECT SENSOR 1):
NOTE: Use the on-board snapshot in the case of an intermittent failure, or use the snapshot in the case of a reproducible failure.
-1. Select the Hard to Start Engine in the on-board snapshot or snapshot with the HDS.
On-board Snapshot
-2. Select the ECT SENSOR 1 and ENGINE SPEED in the configuration list.
Check the recorded snapshot parameters while the engine is cranking, then compare the ECT SENSOR 1 pattern from the chart, and determine the problem.
Pattern Symptom (Diagnosis by parameter) Additional remarks Pattern 1 ECT SENSOR 1 high when cranking When ECT SENSOR 1 indicates about 176 deg.F (80 deg.C) or more when the engine is cold (engine temp low), ECT sensor 1 may be stuck high. ECT compensation is not applied after the engine is warmed up, it is not necessary to check ECT sensor 1 (not a faulty part). Pattern 2 ECT SENSOR 1 normal when cranking If actual engine temp is nearly the same as the temp indicated by ECT sensor 1 when cranking, ECT sensor 1 is normal. Which pattern is indicated?
Pattern 1
Check for a short in the ECT sensor 1 circuit and a failure in ECT sensor 1.
Pattern 2
Go to step 10.
- ECT sensor 1 check
-1. Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.
-2. Let the engine cool for 24 hours.
-3. Measure the ambient temperature of the engine with the thermometer.
-4. Turn the vehicle to the ON mode, but do not start the engine.
-5. Check the parameter(s) below with the HDS.
Signal Current conditions Values Unit ECT SENSOR 1 ECT SENSOR 2 Are the values of ECT SENSOR 1, ECT SENSOR 2, and the ambient temperature almost the same?
YES
Go to step 11 (diagnosis by parameter (MAP SENSOR (HI RES))).
NO
If the value of ECT SENSOR 1 is much higher (or lower) than that of ECT SENSOR 2 and the ambient temperature, check for the ECT sensor 1 circuit and a failure in ECT sensor 1.
- On-board snapshot or snapshot check (MAP SENSOR (HI RES)):
NOTE: Use the on-board snapshot in the case of an intermittent failure, or use the snapshot in the case of a reproducible failure.
-1. Select the Hard to Start Engine in the on-board snapshot or snapshot with the HDS.
On-board Snapshot
-2. Select the MAP SENSOR (HI RES) and ENGINE SPEED in the configuration list.
Check the recorded snapshot parameters while the engine is cranking, then compare the MAP SENSOR (HI RES) pattern to the pattern from the chart below, and determine the problem.
Pattern Symptom (Diagnosis by parameter) Additional remarks Pattern 1 MAP SENSOR detects no change of pressure when cranking When MAP SENSOR detects no change of pressure when cranking, the pressure measurement port may be clogged. The PCM decides basic duration time of fuel injection from engine speed and MAP sensor signal when cranking. Pattern 2 Normal when MAP SENSOR detects vacuum when cranking When MAP SENSOR detects vacuum while cranking, the condition is normal and the MAP sensor pressure port is clear. Which pattern is indicated?
Pattern 1
Check the pressure measurement port of the MAP sensor for clogging, foreign objects, etc.
Pattern 2
Go to step 12 (diagnosis by parameter (MAF SENSOR)).
- On- board snapshot or snapshot check (MAF SENSOR):
NOTE: Use the on-board snapshot in the case of an intermittent failure, or use the snapshot in the case of a reproducible failure.
-1. Select the Hard to Start Engine in the on-board snapshot or the snapshot with the HDS.
On-board Snapshot
-2. Select the MAF SENSOR and ENGINE SPEED in the configuration list.
Check the recorded snapshot parameters while the engine is cranking, then compare the MAF SENSOR pattern from the chart, and determine the problem.
Pattern Symptom (Diagnosis by parameter) Additional remarks Pattern 1 Poor connection of MAF SENSOR Complete combustion stall: When MAF SENSOR indicates "0" 1 - 2 sec before ENGINE SPEED becomes 0 rpm, or when "0" is shown like noise, there may be a poor connection at the MAF sensor connector. Pattern 2 MAF SENSOR output incorrect When MAF SENSOR shows "0" when cranking or after start, clogging in MAF sensor's measurement port may be contaminated with debris or there may be a poor connection as its connector. Pattern Symptom (Diagnosis by parameter) Additional remarks Pattern 3 MAF SENSOR Normal When MAF SENSOR output compares with ENGINE SPEED when cranking or after starting, the MAF sensor is normal. Which pattern is indicated?
Pattern 1 and 2
Check for poor connections or loose terminals at MAF sensor/IAT sensor 1.
Pattern 3
Go to step 13 (diagnosis by parameter (FUEL PRESSURE CONVERTED FROM PF SENSOR and FUEL PRESSURE DIRECT INJECTION SYSTEM)).
- On-board snapshot or snapshot check (FUEL PRESSURE CONVERTED FROM PF SENSOR and FUEL PRESSURE DIRECT INJECTION SYSTEM):
NOTE: Use the on-board snapshot in the case of an intermittent failure, or use the snapshot in the case of a reproducible failure.
-1. Select the Hard to Start Engine in the on-board snapshot or snapshot with the HDS.
On-board Snapshot
Select the FUEL PRESSURE CONVERTED FROM PF SENSOR, the FUEL PRESSURE DIRECT INJECTION SYSTEM, and ENGINE SPEED in the configuration list.
Check the recorded snapshot or on-board snapshot parameters while the engine is cranking, then compare the FUEL PRESSURE CONVERTED FROM PF SENSOR and FUEL PRESSURE DIRECT INJECTION SYSTEM patterns from the chart, and determine the problem.
Pattern Symptom (Diagnosis by parameter) Additional remarks Pattern 1 The FUEL PRESSURE CONVERTED FROM PF SENSOR is low (almost 0 kPa) when cranking If the FUEL PRESSURE CONVERTED FROM PF SENSOR is almost 0 kPa when cranking, a failure may exist in the fuel supply system. - Fuel leak, out of fuel
- Fuel rail pressure sensor failure
- Spill valve stuck off
- Fuel pressure regulator (low pressure side)
- Fuel pump (low pressure side)
- High pressure fuel pump
Pattern 2 Normal when the FUEL PRESSURE CONVERTED FROM PF SENSOR follows the FUEL PRESSURE DIRECT INJECTION SYSTEM when cranking If the FUEL PRESSURE CONVERTED FROM PF SENSOR is nearly the same as the FUEL PRESSURE DIRECT INJECTION SYSTEM when cranking, the fuel pressure is normal. Fuel pressure may be low when the start of cranking.
Which pattern is indicated?
Pattern 1
Go to the troubleshooting for DTC P0087 .
Pattern 2
Go to step 14 (diagnosis by parameter (CMP B NO PULSE)).
- On-board snapshot or snapshot check (CMP B NO PULSE):
NOTE: Use the on-board snapshot in the case of an intermittent failure, or use the snapshot in the case of a reproducible failure.
-1. Select the Hard to Start Engine in the on-board snapshot or snapshot with the HDS.
On-board Snapshot
-2. Select the CMP B NO PULSE and ENGINE SPEED in the configuration list.
Check the recorded snapshot parameters while the engine is cranking, then compare the CMP B NO PULSE pattern from the chart, and determine the problem.
Pattern Symptom (Diagnosis by parameter) Additional remarks Pattern 1 Count is continuously up When CMP B NO PULSE count increase when cranking, no CMP pulse is received. If the CMP pulse is not received, the PCM cannot detect the cylinder to be ignited and the engine is unable to start. Pattern 2 Count is continuously not up Count is not up continuously during cranking. Which pattern is indicated?
Pattern 1
Go to the troubleshooting for DTC P0340 . If the CMP B NO PULSE count reaches the malfunction threshold, DTC P0340 will set. Check for poor connections and loose terminals at CMP sensor A.
Pattern 2
Go to step 15 (diagnosis by parameter (CMP B NOISE)).
- On-board snapshot or snapshot check (CMP B NOISE):
NOTE: Use the on-board snapshot in the case of an intermittent failure, or use the snapshot in the case of a reproducible failure.
-1. Select the Hard to Start Engine in the on-board snapshot or snapshot with the HDS.
On-board Snapshot
-2. Select the CMP B NOISE and ENGINE SPEED in the configuration list.
Check the recorded snapshot parameters while the engine is cranking, then compare the CMP B NOISE pattern from the chart, and determine the problem.
Pattern Symptom (Diagnosis by parameter) Additional remarks Pattern 1 Count is continuously up When CMP B NOISE count increases when cranking, there is noise in the CMP signal. When CMP signal has noise, the PCM cannot detect the cylinder to be ignited and the engine is unable to start. Pattern 2 Count is continuously not up Count is not up continuously during cranking. Which pattern is indicated?
Pattern 1
Go to the troubleshooting for DTC P0344 . If the CMP B NOISE count reaches the malfunction threshold, DTC P0344 will set. Check for poor connections and loose terminals at CMP sensor A.
Pattern 2
Go to step 16 (diagnosis by parameter (CKP NO PULSE)).
- On-board snapshot or snapshot check (CKP NO PULSE):
NOTE: Use the on-board snapshot in the case of an intermittent failure, or use the snapshot in the case of a reproducible failure.
-1. Select the Hard to Start Engine in the on-board snapshot or snapshot with the HDS.
On-board Snapshot
-2. Select the CKP NO PULSE and ENGINE SPEED in the configuration list.
Check the recorded snapshot parameters while the engine is cranking, then compare the CKP NO PULSE pattern from the chart, and determine the problem.
Pattern Symptom (Diagnosis by parameter) Additional remarks Pattern 1 Count is continuously up When the CKP NO PULSE count increases when cranking, the PCM is not receiving the correct CKP pulse. Pattern 2 Count is continuously not up Count is not up continuously during cranking. Which pattern is indicated?
Pattern 1
Go to the troubleshooting for DTC P0335 . If the CKP NO PULSE count reaches the malfunction threshold, DTC P0335 will set. Check for poor connections and loose terminals at the CKP sensor.
Pattern 2
Go to step 17 (diagnosis by parameter (CKP NOISE)).
- On-board snapshot or snapshot check (CKP NOISE):
NOTE: Use the on-board snapshot in the case of an intermittent failure, or use the snapshot in the case of a reproducible failure.
-1. Select the Hard to Start Engine in the on-board snapshot or snapshot with the HDS.
On-board Snapshot
-2. Select the CKP NOISE and ENGINE SPEED in the configuration list.
Check the recorded snapshot parameters while the engine is cranking, then compare the CKP NOISE pattern from the chart, and determine the problem.
Pattern Symptom (Diagnosis by parameter) Additional remarks Pattern 1 Count is continuously up When the CKP NOISE count increases when cranking, the PCM is not receiving the correct CKP pulse. Pattern 2 Count is continuously not up Count is not up continuously during cranking. Which pattern is indicated?
Pattern 1
Go to the troubleshooting for DTC P0339 . If the CKP NOISE count reaches the malfunction threshold, DTC P0339 will set. Check for poor connections and loose terminals at the CKP sensor, and also check for aftermarket accessories.
Pattern 2
Go to step 18 (fuel system troubleshooting).
- Fuel pressure check (low pressure side)
-1. Do the fuel pressure test .
Is the fuel pressure OK?
YES
Go to step 19 (ignition system troubleshooting).
NO
Check the following parts:
- Spark plug visual check
-1. Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.
-2. Remove the spark plugs .
-3. Check the condition of the spark plug electrodes.
NOTE: Make sure the spark plugs are the correct part number for the vehicle. If the plugs are aftermarket or they are not the correct part number, replace all of the plugs and retest.
Is the electrode damage or wet?
-
YES (wet)
Check the following conditions. If those conditions do not apply, go to step 20.
- In very cold conditions, multiple very short trips can cause the spark plug to foul. If this is the case, drive the vehicle a longer distance and recheck.
- Incorrect or poor quality fuel can cause a wet spark plug. Replace the fuel and recheck.
YES (damaged)
Replace the damaged spark plug(s) , determine the cause of the spark plug damage.
NO
Go to step 20.
-
- Determine possible failure area (ignition system, others)
-1. Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.
-2. Fit a spark plug to the ignition coil and ground it to the engine.
-3. Turn the vehicle to the ON mode.
-4. Select ALL INJECTORS STOP in the INSPECTION MENU with the HDS, and stop fuel injection from the injector.
ALL INJECTORS STOP
Crank the engine and watch for spark at the spark plug.
Does the spark plug sparkΩ
YES
Select PCM reset in the PGM-FI INSPECTION MENU to cancel ALL INJECTORS STOP with the HDS, then go to step 22 (engine compression troubleshooting).
NO
Go to step 21.
- Ignition coil power circuit check
-1. Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.
-2. Disconnect the following connector(s).
Ignition coil(s) 3P connector from the problem cylinder -3. Turn the vehicle to the ON mode.
-4. Measure the voltage between test points 1 and 2.
Test condition Vehicle ON mode Ignition coil 3P connector: disconnected Test point 1 Ignition coil 3P connector (female terminal) No. 1: Test point 2 Body ground Is there battery voltage?
YES
The ignition coil power circuit is OK. Replace the ignition coil(s) .
NO
Repair an open in the IG COIL RLY OUT/IG1(COIL)/IG1(IGN) wire between the ignition coil relay circuit and the ignition coil.
- Engine compression check
-1. Do an engine compression inspection .
Is engine compression OK?
YES
Go to step 23 (EVAP canister purge valve check).
NO
Check for wear or damage to these parts:
- Incorrect valve clearance
- Confirmation of cam timing
- Oil pressure relief valve
- Damage or worn cam lobes
- Damage or worn valve and seats
- Damage cylinder head gasket
- Damage or worn piston rings
- Damage or worn piston and cylinder bore
- EVAP canister purge valve check
-1. Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.
-2. Disconnect the following connector.
EVAP canister purge valve 2P connector -3. Remove the EVAP canister purge valve with its vacuum hose connected.
-4. Disconnect the vacuum hose (purge line) (A) from the EVAP canister purge valve (B) in the engine compartment, and connect a vacuum pump/gauge, 0-30 inHg (C) to the purge valve.
-5. Start the engine.
Does the vacuum pump indicate vacuum?
YES
Replace the EVAP canister purge valve .
NO (Reproducible failure)
Go to step 24 (fuse check).
NO (Intermittent failure)
Go to step 25 (relay check).
- Fuse check
-1. Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.
-2. Check the following fuses.
Fuse No. A7 (15 A) to relay circuit board (PGM-FI main relay 1 circuit) No. A15 (15 A) to relay circuit board (ignition coil relay circuit) No. A8 (15 A) to relay circuit board (PGM-FI subrelay circuit) No. A10 (20 A) to injector relay Location Under-hood fuse/relay box Fuse No. D8 (15 A) to PGM-FI main relay 2 Location Under-dash fuse/relay box Are the fuses OK?
YES
Go to step 25 (relay check).
NO
Replace the blown fuse(s).
- Relay check
-1. Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.
Test the following relays:
NOTE: In situations where the failure is difficult to reproduce, the following relays may have an intermittent failure.
- Relay circuit board (includes PGM-FI main relay 1 circuit, ignition coil relay circuit, PGM-FI subrelay circuit)
- PGM-FI main relay 2
- Injector relay
Are the relay circuit board and the relays OK?
YES
Go to step 26 (power and ground terminal check).
NO
Replace any damaged relays.
- Power and ground terminal check:
Check the corrosion and looseness at the following terminals:
- 12 volt battery terminals
- Ground cable terminals between the engine and the body ground, and the transmission and the body ground
- Engine wire harness ground (G101, G102)
Are the terminals OK?
YES
Go to step 27 (connector terminal check).
NO
Repair any terminal(s) as needed.
- Connector terminal check:
Check the foreign objects clogged and corrosion at the following connector terminals:
- PCM connectors
-
- FI MAIN RLY OUT, FI MAIN RLY CL
- FUEL PUMP RLY CL
- INJ RLY OUT
- FI SUB RLY OUT, FI SUB RLY CL-, +B VBACT
- GND2, FI ECU GND, GND3, GND4, INJ GND1, INJ GND2
- INJH1, INJL1, INJH2, INJL2, INJH3, INJL3, INJH4, INJL4
- IGN01, IGN02, IGN03, IGN04
- HPUMP H, HPUMP L
- TDCAM
- CRKP
- PB
- FGP
- TW
- IPV
- MTR1, MTR2, THL1, THL2
- CMP sensor A
- CKP sensor
- Ignition coils
- Injectors
- High pressure fuel pump
- ECT sensor 1
- MAF sensor/IAT sensor 1
- MAP sensor
- Throttle body
- EVAP canister purge valve
- Fuel tank unit
Are the terminals OK?
YES
Go to the diagnostic interview for hard to start engine .
NO
Repair any terminal(s) as needed.