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Home >> Saturn >> 2003 >> L300 >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Performance >> System >> Engine Controls - Basic Diagnostic Procedures >> No-Start Diagnosis >> Engine Cranks But Does Not Run >> General Inspection
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General Inspection

  1. If diagnostic system check has already been performed, go to next step. If diagnostic system check has not been performed, go to DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK - ENGINE CONTROLS under SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM in SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - 3.0L SATURN "L" SERIES article.
  2. If scan tool displays any "U" type DTCs, see DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE DEFINITIONS in SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - 3.0L SATURN "L" SERIES article. If no "U" type DTCs are displayed, go to next step.
  3. Turn ignition on, with engine off. Observe the DTC Information with a scan tool. Does the scan tool display DTCs P0102, P0103, P0108, P0201-P0206, P0230, P0231, P0232, P0335, P0489, P601, P0602, P0603, P0604, P0606, P0627, P0628, P0629, P1403, P1630, P1631, or P1632? If yes, see DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE DEFINITIONS in SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - 3.0L SATURN "L" SERIES article. If no "U" type DTCs are displayed, go to next step. If no, go to next step.
  4. Does the scan tool display any Body Control Module (BCM) Vehicle Theft Deterrent (VTD) DTCs? If yes, see appropriate THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM CHECK under SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM in ANTI-THEFT SYSTEMS - SATURN "L" SERIES article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT. If no, go to next step.
  5. Command the fuel pump ON with a scan tool. If fuel pump operates, go to next step. If fuel pump does not operate, see FUEL SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS  under FUEL SYSTEMS.
  6. Turn ignition off. Remove both electronic ignition modules, keeping the electronic ignition module assembly connected to the harness connector. See ELECTRONIC IGNITION MODULE under IGNITION SYSTEMS in REMOVAL & INSTALLATION - SATURN "L" SERIES article. Install Spark Tester on the No. 1 spark plug boot. Ensure the clamp end of the Spark Tester is connected to a good engine ground. Perform the ignition coil cylinder No. 1 test with a scan tool. Repeat the ignition coil cylinder test for the remaining cylinders. If the Spark Tester sparks on all cylinders, go to next step. If Spark Tester does not spark on all cylinders, see ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS  under IGNITION SYSTEMS.
  7. Turn ignition off. Install a Gauge Bar Set and Fuel Pressure Gauge. Turn ignition on, with engine off. Command fuel pump ON with a scan tool. If the fuel pressure is 39-49 psi (268-338 kPa) while fuel pump is operating, go to next step. If not, see FUEL SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS  under FUEL SYSTEMS.
  8. Inspect for the following conditions:
    • A collapsed air intake duct.
    • A restricted air filter element.
    • Spark plugs for being gas or coolant fouled. If the spark plugs are fouled, determine what caused the condition.
    • Any engine mechanical conditions, worn timing chain and gears, or low compression. See ENGINE COMPRESSION TEST  under MECHANICAL INSPECTION.
    • A restricted exhaust system. See RESTRICTED EXHAUST under SYMPTOMS in TROUBLE SHOOTING - NO CODES - 3.0L SATURN "L" SERIES article.
    • An Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor that has shifted in value. See appropriate SENSOR OPERATING RANGE CHARTS - CARS article.

    Did you find and correct a condition? If yes, go to next step.

  9. Clear the DTCs with a scan tool. Turn ignition off for 30 seconds. Attempt to start the engine. If the engine starts and continues to run, go to next step. If engine does not start and run, go to  2 .
  10. Allow engine to reach operating temperature. Observe DTC information with a scan tool. If there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed, see DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE DEFINITIONS in SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - 3.0L SATURN "L" SERIES article. If no DTCs are present, system is okay.
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