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:
When a malfunction is not confirmed by a DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) check and the cause of problem cannot be identified through a basic inspection, troubleshoot according to the priority order indicated in the table below.
SFI system
| Symptom | Suspected Area | See page |
|---|---|---|
| Engine does not crank (Does not start) | 1. Immobiliser system | SYSTEM DESCRIPTION |
| 2. Starter | STARTER | |
| 3. STARTER relay | STARTER RELAY | |
| No initial combustion (Does not start) | 1. ECM POWER SOURCE CIRCUIT | |
| 2. ECM VC OUTPUT CIRCUIT | ||
| 3. FUEL PUMP CONTROL CIRCUIT | ||
| 4. ECM | ||
| Engine cranks normally but difficult to start | 1. FUEL PUMP CONTROL CIRCUIT | |
| 2. Compression | ENGINE | |
| Difficult to start with cold engine | 1. Start signal circuit | SYSTEM DIAGRAM |
| 2. FUEL PUMP CONTROL CIRCUIT | ||
| 3. Spark plug | IG-4 | |
| 4. Ignition system | IGNITION SYSTEM | |
| 5. Injector | FUEL INJECTOR | |
| Difficult to start with warm engine | 1. Start signal circuit | SYSTEM DIAGRAM |
| 2. FUEL PUMP CONTROL CIRCUIT | ||
| 3. Spark plug | IGNITION SYSTEM | |
| 4. Ignition system | IGNITION SYSTEM | |
| 5. Injector | FUEL INJECTOR | |
| High engine idling speed (Poor idling) | 1. A/C signal circuit (compressor circuit) | - |
| 2. ECM POWER SOURCE CIRCUIT | ||
| 3. ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM | ||
| 4. Air induction system | - | |
| 5. PCV hose | - | |
| Low engine idling speed (Poor idling) | 1. A/C signal circuit (compressor circuit) | - |
| 2. FUEL PUMP CONTROL CIRCUIT | ||
| 3. ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM | ||
| 4. Air induction system | - | |
| 5. PCV hose | - | |
| Rough Idling (Poor idling) | 1. Compression | ENGINE |
| 2. FUEL PUMP CONTROL CIRCUIT | ||
| 3. ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM | ||
| 4. Air induction system | - | |
| 5. PCV hose | - | |
| Hunting (Poor idling) | 1. ECM POWER SOURCE CIRCUIT | |
| 2. FUEL PUMP CONTROL CIRCUIT | ||
| 3. Spark plug | IGNITION SYSTEM | |
| 4. Ignition system | IGNITION SYSTEM | |
| 5. Injector | FUEL INJECTOR | |
| 6. ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM | ||
| 7. Air induction system | - | |
| 8. PCV hose | - | |
| Hesitation/Poor acceleration (Poor driveability) | 1. FUEL PUMP CONTROL CIRCUIT | |
| 2. M faulty* | AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE SYSTEM | |
| 3. Spark plug | IGNITION SYSTEM | |
| 4. Ignition system | IGNITION SYSTEM | |
| 5. Injector | FUEL INJECTOR | |
| Surging (Poor driveability) | 1. FUEL PUMP CONTROL CIRCUIT | |
| 3. Spark plug | IGNITION SYSTEM | |
| 4. Ignition system | IGNITION SYSTEM | |
| 5. Injector | FUEL INJECTOR | |
| Engine stalls soon after starting | 1. FUEL PUMP CONTROL CIRCUIT | |
| 2. Spark plug | IGNITION SYSTEM | |
| 3. Ignition system | IGNITION SYSTEM | |
| 4. Injector | FUEL INJECTOR | |
| Engine stalls during A/C operation | 1. A/C signal circuit (compressor circuit) | - |
| 2. 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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