Fuel System Checks
- Check the fuel pump relay for correct operation. Observe the fuel pump relay operation on a scan tool while cranking the engine.
- Check the fuel pressure. See FUEL SYSTEMS
in SYSTEM & COMPONENT TESTING - 1.8L VIBE article.
- Check for water contamination in the fuel. See ALCOHOL/CONTAMINANTS-IN-FUEL DIAGNOSIS
under FUEL SYSTEMS in SYSTEM & COMPONENT TESTING - 1.8L VIBE article.
- Check for no Crank Signal at the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) harness connector C2 terminal No. 9 (Black wire) if the vehicle takes longer to start in cold weather. Observe the STARTER SWITCH parameter on a scan tool while cranking the engine. The PCM provides slightly more fuel for engine start up when receiving the crank input.
- Check the fuel pump check valve. A faulty fuel pump check valve will allow the fuel in the lines to drain back into the tank after stopping the engine. This condition is especially troublesome on hot soak restarts. To check for this condition perform the following steps:
- Turn ignition switch to OFF position.
- Install a fuel pressure gauge. See FUEL GAUGE
under FUEL SYSTEMS in REMOVAL & INSTALLATION - 1.8L VIBE article.
- Pressurize fuel rail by turning the ignition switch ON and OFF a few times.
- Turn ignition switch to RUN position and observe fuel pressure. The fuel pressure has to remain more than 24 psi (147 kPa).