GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 2001 🢒 Regal 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 3.8L 🢒 Engine Cranks But Does Not Run

Circuit Description

Conditions that may cause a "crank but no start" symptom include a lack of the following items.

    • Fuel in the proper amount, quality, and at the proper time
    • Spark of the proper quality and at the proper time
    • Proper compression

The following table will isolate the failed system and lead to the correct diagnostic procedure.

Diagnostic Aids

Use a scan tool in order to compare engine coolant temperature with intake air temperature on a completely cool engine. Engine coolant temperature should be within 10°C (50°F) of intake air temperature.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2
  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Use a scan tool in order to observe the DTC information.

Does the scan tool display DTCs P0230, P0336, P0601, or P0602?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

Go to Step 3

3
  1. Attempt to start the engine.
  2. Use a scan tool in order to monitor the engine RPM parameter while the engine is cranking.

Does the engine RPM parameter display cranking RPM?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis

4
  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

    2. Important: Ensure the fuses listed below are not open, before proceeding with this test.

  2. Probe both sides of the following fuses:
    3. • PCM
    • Fuel Pump
    • Fuel Injectors
    • Ignition Module

Does the test lamp illuminate on both sides of all the fuses listed?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Ignition Relay Diagnosis

5

Use a scan tool in order to command the fuel pump ON.

Does the fuel pump turn ON?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Fuel Pump Electrical Circuit Diagnosis

6
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Install the J 34730-1A Fuel Pressure Gage--Refer to Fuel Pressure Gage Installation and Removal .
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Use a scan tool in order to command the fuel pump ON.

Is the fuel pressure within the specified range while the fuel pump is operating?

364-405 kPa (53-59 psi) VIN K

336-375 kPa (48-54 psi) VIN 1

Go to Step 7

Go to Fuel System Diagnosis

7
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect an injector connector.
  3. Install the J 34730-405 Injector Test Lamp to the injector connector.
  4. Attempt to start the engine.

Does the test lamp blink while the engine is cranking?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to DTC P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0205, or P0206

8
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect a spark plug wire.
  3. Install the J 26792 Spark Tester to the spark plug wire.
  4. Attempt to start the engine.

Does the spark tester spark?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis

9

Inspect for the following conditions:

    • Collapsed air intake duct
    • Restricted air filter element--Refer to Air Cleaner Element Replacement .
    • Spark plugs for being gas or coolant fouled--Refer to Spark Plug Inspection . If the spark plugs are fouled, determine what caused the condition.
    • Engine mechanical condition (worn timing chain and gears, low compression, etc.)--Refer to Engine Compression Test in Engine Mechanical 3.8L.
    • Restricted exhaust system--Refer to Restricted Exhaust in Engine Exhaust.
    • The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is NOT close to the actual engine temperature.
    • Compare MAP/BARO parameters to another vehicle. The parameters should be close in value--Refer to Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Diagnosis .
    • The (TP) sensor for being stuck in range.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Diagnostic Aids

10
  1. Use a scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Attempt to start the engine.

Does the engine start and continue to operate?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 2

11
  1. Idle the engine.
  2. Allow the engine to reach operating temperature.
  3. Use a scan tool in order to observe the DTC information.

Are any DTCs displayed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

Go to Step 12

12

With a scan tool, observe the stored information, Capture Info.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK