PIP5180

Bulletin No.: PIP5180
Date: Feb-2014
Subject:
Diagnostic Tips For SIDI Hard Start Cold
Models:
2009-2014 Buick Enclave
2010-2014 Buick LaCrosse
2010-2014 Buick Regal
2012-2014 Buick Verano
2013-2014 Cadillac ATS
2008-2014 Cadillac CTS
2008-2010 Cadillac STS
2008-2014 Cadillac SRX
2013-2014 Cadillac XTS
2010-2014 Chevrolet Camaro
2012-2014 Chevrolet Caprice
2012-2012 Chevrolet Caprice PPV
2012-2014 Chevrolet Captiva Sport
2010-2014 Chevrolet Equinox
2012-2014 Chevrolet Impala
2009-2014 Chevrolet Traverse
2009-2014 GMC Acadia
2010-2014 GMC Terrain
2009-2010 Saturn Outlook
Equipped with SIDI 4 or 6 cylinder engines
The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.
Condition/Concern
Hard start, extended crank, or black smoke from the exhaust when starting.
Recommendation/Instructions
Basic Tests:
Verify Fuel Quality?
Spark Test with ST125, if a coil issue is suspected then follow Ignition System Diagnostics.
Perform a Compression Test.
You should see 150-185 Average Compression, no cylinder should be less than 140 psi on a HFV6.
You should see 170-200 Average Compression, no cylinder should read less than 100 psi on the 4 cylinder engine.
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If the condition is a “Hard Start Cold” only, and you suspect that you may have a carbon issue causing a valve to stay open, follow the latest version of PIP3146
and perform a cold compression test.
Also install a vacuum gauge prior to cold start and watch needle for signs of a sticking valve.
Fuel System Check:
*Follow all these steps in order.
The following tests should be done after an overnight cold soak.
Set your vehicle up with the CH 48027 digital pressure gauge and J37287 fuel line with shut-off valve.
Run vehicle to purge all air from fuel system and then shut vehicle off and let sit overnight.
Unplug the injector harness connector.
Next Morning:
Key On and do not start engine – Using a CH 48027 Digital Pressure Gauge, verify “Key On” engine off, prime pulse fuel pressure should be between 55-60 psi.
Record reading.
This test will confirm correct operation of the in-tank fuel pump assembly.
Use your Tech2 or GDS set in PSI to also confirm what the Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor is reading as this should always be close to what your Digital Fuel
Pressure Gauge reads for low side pressure during this test.
This will also confirm if there is an off-set with the Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor.
Next you will crank the engine to see if it fires.
With the injector harness connectors unplugged, the injectors are now electrically disabled so no fuel should be delivered to the engine.
When cranking over the engine, if engine fires this means that one or more injectors have been leaking and have introduced fuel into one or more cylinders.
Reconnect the injector harness connectors and start the engine, let the vehicle run for ten minutes and then shut vehicle down.
You will now close the shut-off valve in the J37287 Fuel Line, which will now separate the engine side of the fuel system from the rear section of the return- less
fuel system.
Using the CH 48027 Digital Pressure Gauge, look for a drop in the high side of the fuel system, by monitoring low side pressure.
With the J37287 valve closed, the system should hold at least 60 psi for a few hours.
If you see a rapid decrease in fuel pressure, this would indicate a leaking High Pressure Fuel Pump or leaking injectors since the fuel pressure cannot bleed off
to the tank as your J37287 valve is closed.
All this is assuming that your gauge is good with no leaks or any leaks at the Schrader valve.
Warranty Information
The correction for this concern may be one of several repairs described in the diagnostic tips above.
For vehicles repaired under warranty, please use the appropriate warranty labor operation based on the actual cause and repair.
Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the
remaining steps do not need to be performed.
GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may
occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools,
safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that
your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
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