Hard Start

Inspections	Action
DEFINITION: The engine cranks normally, but does not start in a normal amount of time. The engine does eventually run, or may start but immediately dies.
Preliminary	Refer to Important Preliminary Check Before Starting in Symptoms - Engine Controls . Search for bulletins. Make sure the vehicle operator is using the correct starting procedure.
Sensor/System	Monitor the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor with the scan tool. Compare the engine coolant temperature with the ambient air temperature on a cold engine. If the coolant temperature reading is more than 5 degrees more or less than the ambient air temperature on a cold engine, check for high resistance in the coolant sensor circuit.
Fuel System	Inspect for a restricted exhaust. Refer to Restricted Exhaust in Engine Exhaust. Inspect the fuel pump relay for proper operation. The fuel pump should operate for the first 2 seconds when turning ON the ignition. Refer to Fuel Pump Electrical Circuit Diagnosis . Test the fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis . Inspect for water contamination in the fuel. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis (with Special Tool) or Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis (without Special Tool) . Perform the fuel injector coil test. Refer to Fuel Injector Coil Test . Perform the fuel injector balance test. Refer to Fuel Injector Balance Test with Tech 2 . Inspect the fuel pump check valve. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
Ignition System	Inspect the spark plugs for the following conditions: Wet plugs Cracks Wear Improper gap Burned electrodes Heavy deposits Refer to Spark Plug Inspection . Inspect for loose ignition coil connections. Inspect for loose ignition control module connections. Inspect for a faulty control module or ignition system grounds.
Engine Mechanical	Inspect for the following conditions: Improper valve timing Low compression-Refer to Engine Compression Test in Engine Mechanical. Worn rocker arms-Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Valve Lash Adjuster Cleaning and Inspection in Engine Mechanical. Broken or weak valve springs Worn camshaft lobes-Refer to Camshafts Cleaning and Inspection in Engine Mechanical. Proper Cam Phaser operation-Refer to Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Description in Engine Mechanical.
Additional	Inspect for a restricted exhaust. Refer to Restricted Exhaust in Engine Exhaust.