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Engine Cranks But Does Not Start: Testing

  1. The following checks must be performed before continuing with this test.
    • Ensure battery is fully charged and in good condition.
    • Ensure Powertrain Control Module (PCM) power and ground circuits are okay. See COMPUTERIZED ENGINE CONTROLS in SYSTEM & COMPONENT TESTING - CONCORDE, INTREPID & 300M article.
    • Ensure PCM communicates with scan tool and no Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) are present. See RETRIEVING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES CODES under SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM in SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - CONCORDE, INTREPID & 300M article.
    • Ensure PCI bus is functional. Using scan tool, attempt to communicate with instrument cluster and Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM). If scan tool does not communicate with instrument cluster or SKIM, diagnose communication failure. See COMMUNICATIONS in BODY CONTROL MODULES - CONCORDE, INTREPID & 300M article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT.
    • Using scan tool, select CLEAR PCM (BATT DISCONNECT). Crank engine over several times. Using scan tool, check for DTCs. If any DTCs are present, perform appropriate diagnostic test before continuing. See DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE DEFINITIONS in SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - CONCORDE, INTREPID & 300M article. If no DTCs exist, go to next step.
  2. Turn ignition off. Check Power Distribution Center (PDC) and junction block for blown fuses. PDC is located in engine compartment. See Figure . Junction block is located behind end cover on left side of instrument panel. Replace blown fuses and check related circuits for short to ground. If fuses are okay, go to next step.
  3. Using scan tool, actuate Auto Shutdown (ASD) fuel system test. Using a mechanic's stethoscope, listen for fuel pump operation at fuel tank. If fuel pump operation cannot be heard, stop ASD fuel system actuation and go to step  10 . If fuel pump operation can be heard, stop ASD fuel system actuation and go to next step.
    4. WARNING: High fuel pressure may be present in fuel lines. Open fuel system with caution.
  4. Turn ignition off. Release fuel pressure. See FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE RELEASE  under FUEL SYSTEMS. Connect a fuel pressure gauge to test port on fuel rail. On 2.7L engines, use Fuel Adapter (6539). On all engines, turn ignition on. Using scan tool, actuate ASD fuel system test. Allow fuel pressure gauge to stabilize. Stop ASD fuel system activation. Fuel pressure should be 53-63 psi (365-434 kPa). If fuel pressure is less than specified, go to next step. If fuel pressure is more than specified, replace fuel filter/pressure regulator. See FUEL FILTER/FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR under FUEL SYSTEMS in REMOVAL & INSTALLATION - CONCORDE, INTREPID & 300M article. If fuel pressure is as specified, go to step  7 .
  5. Release fuel pressure. Raise and support vehicle. Disconnect fuel pressure line from fuel filter/pressure regulator at fuel tank. Connect Fuel Line Pressure Test Adapter Hose (6539) between disconnected fuel line and fuel filter/pressure regulator. Connect fuel pressure gauge to fuel line adapter hose. Turn ignition on. Using scan tool, actuate ASD fuel system test and note fuel pressure. Fuel pressure should be 53-63 psi (365-434 kPa). If fuel pressure is as specified, stop ASD fuel system activation. Release fuel pressure, and repair or replace fuel supply line. If fuel pressure is not as specified, stop ASD fuel system activation and go to next step.
  6. Release fuel pressure. Remove fuel pump module and inspect fuel inlet strainer. If fuel inlet strainer is plugged, replace fuel pump inlet strainer. If fuel inlet strainer is not plugged, replace fuel pump module. See FUEL PUMP MODULE under FUEL SYSTEMS in REMOVAL & INSTALLATION - CONCORDE, INTREPID & 300M article.
  7. Turn ignition off. Release fuel pressure. Disconnect fuel supply line from fuel rail. Install Fuel Line Pressure Test Adapter Hose (6539 for 5/16" fuel lines or 6631 for 3/8" fuel lines) between disconnected fuel line and fuel rail. Remove fuel fill cap. Insert other end of hose into a graduated container suitable for gasoline.
    8. CAUTION: DO NOT operate fuel pump longer than 7 seconds.
  8. Using scan tool, actuate ASD fuel system test for 7 seconds. If fuel volume is .5 pt. (.25L) or more, fuel volume is okay. Stop fuel system activation. Remove all test equipment and reconnect fuel supply line to fuel rail. Go to next step. Test is complete. If fuel volume is less than .5 pt. (.25L), check for a kinked fuel line between fuel pump module and fuel rail. Repair fuel lines as necessary and retest. If fuel line is okay, replace fuel pump module. See FUEL PUMP MODULE under FUEL SYSTEMS in REMOVAL & INSTALLATION - CONCORDE, INTREPID & 300M article.
  9. Check the following additional items as possible causes for no-start condition:
    • Check spark plug condition.
    • Check for any related technical service bulletins.
    • Fuel must be free of contamination.
    • Engine exhaust system must be free of restrictions.
    • Engine compression must be within specification.
    • Engine valve timing must be within specification.
    • Engine must be free of vacuum leaks.

    Repair any problems as necessary. If no problems exist, test is complete.

  10. Turn ignition off. Disconnect fuel pump module harness connector. Turn ignition on. Using scan tool, actuate ASD fuel system test. Connect a test light between ground and fuel pump relay output circuit (Dark Green/White wire) at fuel pump module harness connector. If test light illuminates brightly, go to next step. If test light does not illuminate brightly, go to step  13 .
  11. Turn ignition off. Connect a test light between battery positive and fuel pump ground circuit (Black wire) at fuel pump module harness connector. If test light illuminates brightly, go to next step. If test light does not illuminate brightly, repair open in Black wire between ground and fuel pump module. See WIRING DIAGRAMS  .
  12. If no other possible causes are remaining, replace fuel pump module. See FUEL PUMP MODULE under FUEL SYSTEMS in REMOVAL & INSTALLATION - CONCORDE, INTREPID & 300M article.
  13. Turn ignition off. Ensure fuel pump module is disconnected. Remove fuel pump relay from PDC. See Figure . PDC is located in engine compartment. See Figure . Connect a test light between ground and fused battery voltage circuit (Red wire) at fuel pump relay harness connector terminal "B" in PDC. If test light illuminates, go to next step. If test light does not illuminate, repair open or short in fused battery voltage circuit.
  14. Measure resistance of fuel pump relay output circuit (Dark Green/White wire) between fuel pump module harness connector and fuel pump relay harness connector terminal "D" in PDC. See Figure . If resistance is less than 5 ohms, replace fuel pump relay. If resistance is 5 ohms or more, repair open in Dark Green/White wire.
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