Chart A-3 Engine Cranks But Will Not Run

Fig. 053 - Wiring Diagram for Chart A-3 Engine Cranks But Will Not Run. VIN 3:

CHART A-3

ENGINE CRANKS BUT WON'T RUN

3.8L "A & C" SERIES - FUEL INJECTION (PORT)

Engine cranks but won't run, (or Engine may start, but immediately stops running). Battery condition and engine cranking speed are OK. There is adequate fuel in the tank.

Fig. 051b - Chart A-3 Engine Cranks But Will Not Run:

1. A "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" light "ON" is a basic check for ignition and battery supply to the Electronic Control module (ECM).
2. No fuel spray from injector indicates a faulty-fuel-system or no ECM control of injector. If the test light "blinks" while cranking, then ECM control should be considered OK. Be sure test light makes good contact between connector terminals during test. The light may be a little dim when "blinking". This is due to current draw of the test light. How bright it "blinks" is not important. However, the test light bulb should be No. 1847 Or equivalent.
3. Secondary voltage (spark) is checked using an ST-125. No spark indicates a basic HEI problem. If spark is OK the following checks should be made.
4. Use pressure gage. Wrap a shop towel around the fuel pressure tap to absorb any small amount of fuel leakage that may occur when installing the gage.
5. Diagnostic Aids:

Throttle Position Sensor (TPS): If the sensor is sticking or binding in the wide open throttle position, the ECM will be the "Clear Flood" mode. The air/fuel ratio will be 18:1 to 20:1, and this may be too lean to start a cold engine. Water or foreign material can cause a no start during freezing weather. The engine may start after 5 or 6 minutes in a heated shop. The problem may not reoccur until an overnight park in freezing temperatures.

An EGR sticking open can cause a high air/fuel ratio during cranking. Unless engine enters "Clear Flood" at the first indication of a flooding condition, it can result in a no-start.
a. A defective MAF Sensor may cause a no start or a stall after start. To determine if the sensor is causing the problem, disconnect it. The ECM will then use a default value for the sensor, and if the condition is corrected and the connections are OK, replace the sensor.