Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Problem Symptoms Table
HINT:
Use the table below to help determine the cause of the problem symptom. The potential cases of the symptoms are listed in order of probability in the "Suspected Area" column of the table. Check each symptom by checking the suspected areas in the order they are listed. Replace parts as necessary.
| Symptom | Suspected area |
|---|---|
| Engine does not crank (does not start) | STARTER |
| STARTER RELAY | |
| ENGINE SWITCH | |
| No initial combustion (does not start) | ECM POWER SOURCE CIRCUIT |
| FUEL PUMP CONTROL CIRCUIT | |
| ECM | |
| Engine cranks normally (difficult to start) | FUEL PUMP CONTROL CIRCUIT |
| INSPECTION Compression | |
| Cold engine (difficult to start) | Starter signal circuit 1 |
| FUEL PUMP CONTROL CIRCUIT | |
| Spark plug ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION | |
| IGNITION SYSTEM | |
| FUEL INJECTOR | |
| Hot engine (difficult to start) | Starter signal circuit 1 |
| FUEL PUMP CONTROL CIRCUIT | |
| Spark plug ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION | |
| IGNITION SYSTEM | |
| FUEL INJECTOR | |
| High engine idle speed | A/C signal circuit (compressor circuit) AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR MAGNETIC CLUTCH CIRCUIT |
| ECM POWER SOURCE CIRCUIT | |
| Electronic throttle control system INSPECTION | |
| Air induction system 6 | |
| - PCV hose | |
| Low engine idle speed | A/C signal circuit (compressor circuit) AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR MAGNETIC CLUTCH CIRCUIT |
| FUEL PUMP CONTROL CIRCUIT | |
| Electronic throttle control system INSPECTION | |
| Air induction system 6 | |
| - PCV hose | |
| Rough idling | INSPECTION Compression |
| FUEL PUMP CONTROL CIRCUIT | |
| Electronic throttle control system INSPECTION | |
| Air induction system 6 | |
| - PCV hose | |
| Hunting (when idling) | ECM POWER SOURCE CIRCUIT |
| FUEL PUMP CONTROL CIRCUIT | |
| Spark plug ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION | |
| IGNITION SYSTEM | |
| FUEL INJECTOR | |
| Electronic throttle control system INSPECTION | |
| Air induction system 6 | |
| - PCV hose | |
| Hesitation / Poor acceleration (poor driveability) | FUEL PUMP CONTROL CIRCUIT |
| A/T faulty MONITOR DRIVE PATTERN | |
| Spark plug ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION | |
| IGNITION SYSTEM | |
| FUEL INJECTOR | |
| Surging (poor driveability) | FUEL PUMP CONTROL CIRCUIT |
| Spark plug ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION | |
| IGNITION SYSTEM | |
| FUEL INJECTOR | |
| Engine stalls soon after starting | FUEL PUMP CONTROL CIRCUIT |
| Spark plug ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION | |
| IGNITION SYSTEM | |
| FUEL INJECTOR | |
| Engine stalls during A/C operation | A/C signal circuit (compressor circuit) AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR MAGNETIC CLUTCH CIRCUIT |
| ECM | |
| Unable / difficult to refuel | - Refueling valve (canister) |
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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