Hard Start

DEFINITION
Engine cranks OK, but does not start for a long time. Does eventually run, or may start but immediately dies.

PRELIMINARY CHECKS
^ Refer to Important Preliminary Checks. Preliminary Checks
^ Make sure the driver is using the correct starting procedure.
^ Check fuel quality. Refer to Fuel Specific Gravity Check in Fuel System.
^ Check engine oil level and quality.
^ Remove air cleaner filter and check for being plugged, replace as necessary.

SENSORS
^ CHECK: Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor Using a scan tool, compare engine coolant temperature with ambient temperature on a cold engine.
- If coolant temperature reading is 5° greater than or less than ambient air temperature on a cold engine, check for high resistance in coolant sensor circuit or sensor itself.

FUEL SYSTEM
^ CHECK: Supply to injection pump.
^ CHECK: Fuel return from injection pump.
^ CHECK: Engine shut-off solenoid operation. Refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Charts. Testing and Inspection
^ CHECK: Fuel injection nozzles.
^ CHECK: Fuel tank cap vent.
^ CHECK: Internal injection pump problem.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
^ CHECK: Glow plug operation.
^ CHECK: Slow cranking speed.

AIR INTAKE SYSTEMS
^ CHECK: Air cleaner and air intake ducts for restriction.
^ CHECK: Restriction in intake manifold.

EXHAUST SYSTEM
^ CHECK: Exhaust system for possible restriction. Refer to Exhaust Systems.

ADDITIONAL CHECKS
^ CHECK: No crank signal. Refer to DTC Charts. Testing and Inspection
^ CHECK: Service Bulletins for PROM updates. PROM - Programmable Read Only Memory