Test NTC-8: Hard Starting

Measure voltage at battery while cranking engine. If voltage is 8 volts or more, go to next step. If voltage is less than 8 volts, charge or replace battery as necessary. Check charging system. See GENERATORS & REGULATORS - CARS article in STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS.
Using scan tool, read DTCs. If no DTCs are present, go to next step. If any DTCs are present, perform appropriate diagnostic test. See DTC & TEST IDENTIFICATION table under DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE DEFINITIONS.

NOTE: During fuel pump relay actuator test, fuel pump relay will turn on and off approximately every 1.4 seconds.

Using scan tool, actuate fuel pump relay (actuator test No. 51) and listen for fuel pump operation. Fuel pump is located in fuel tank. If fuel pump is operating, stop fuel pump activation and go to next step. If fuel pump is not operating, check fuel pump. See TEST NTC-26: FUEL PUMP SYSTEM .
With ignition on or engine running, using scan tool, read Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor temperature value (sensor read test No. 05). ECT sensor temperature value should match actual engine coolant temperature. If values match, go to next step. If values do not match, check ECT sensor circuits. See TEST NTC-40: ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR CIRCUIT .
Using stethoscope, check for operating sound at injectors while cranking engine. If injector operating sound is heard, go to next step. If injector operating sound is not heard, check injector control circuit. Perform appropriate diagnostic test for injector in which operating sound is not heard. See DTC & TEST IDENTIFICATION table under DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE DEFINITIONS.
Check for defective ignition coil, spark plugs and spark plug cables. Check engine compression. See BASIC DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES - CARS article. Clean fuel injectors. Check for fuel contamination and plugged fuel lines. Repair as necessary and recheck system operation.