Hard Starting

Perform trouble shooting preliminary check. Ensure that customer is using correct starting procedure. Check for water contaminated fuel. Check fuel pressure using CHART A-7 in this article.
Check TPS for sticking or binding. Check for high resistance in coolant sensor circuit or sensor using Code 15 chart. See COMPUTER COMMAND CONTROL SYSTEM in ENGINE PERFORMANCE section.
Check for faulty in-tank fuel pump check valve, as follows. Turn ignition off. Disconnect fuel line at filter and remove fuel tank cap. Connect a radiator test pump to line and apply 15 psi (l kg/cm² ). If pressure holds for 1 minute, check valve is okay.
Check EGR valve using CHART C-7 or CHART C-7A. See COMPUTER COMMAND CONTROL SYSTEM in ENGINE PERFORMANCE section. Check ignition system output with spark tool (ST-125). Check for worn distributor shaft, bare or shorted wires. Check pickup coil resistance and connections.
Check for loose ignition coil ground. Check for moisture in distributor cap. Remove spark plugs and check for wear, improper gap, burnt electrodes or heavy deposits. If engine starts but immediately stalls, open distributor by-pass line. If engine then starts and runs okay, replace pickup coil.