Bulletin No.: PIP5180C
Published date: 07/28/2020

Preliminary Information
PIP5180C Diagnostic Tips For Direct Injected Engines Hard Start
Cold
Models
Brand:

Model:

Model Years:

VIN:
from to

Engine:

Transmissions:

Buick

Enclave

2009 - 2020

All

All 3.6 LFY, 3.6 LLT

All

Buick

LaCrosse

2010 - 2016

All

All 2.4 LAF, 2.4 LUK, 3.0 LF1, 3.6 LFX, 3.6 LLT

All

Buick

Regal

2011 - 2017

All

All 2.0 LHU, 2.4 LAF, 2.4 LEA, 2.4 LUK

All

Buick

Verano

2012 - 2017

All

All 2.0 LHU, 2.4 LEA

All

Cadillac

ATS, ATS-V

2013 - 2019

All

All 2.0 LTG, 2.5 LCV, 3.6 LFX, 3.6 LF4

All

Cadillac

CTS, CTS-V

2008 - 2019

All

All 2.0 LTG, 3.0 LF1, 3.6 LF3, 3.6 LFX, 3.6 LLT

All

Cadillac

STS

2008 - 2010

All

All 3.6 LLT

All

Cadillac

SRX

2008 - 2016

All

All 2.8 LAU, 3.0 LF1, 3.6 LFX

All

Cadillac

XTS

2013 - 2019

All

All 3.6 LF3, 3.6 LFX

All

Chevrolet Camaro

2010 - 2020

All

All 2.0 LTG, 3.6 LFX, 3.6 LLT

All

Chevrolet Caprice PPV

2012 - 2014

All

All 3.6 LFX

All

Chevrolet Captiva Sport 2012 - 2014

All

All 2.4 LEA, 3.0 LFW

All

Chevrolet Equinox

2010 - 2020

All

All 2.0 LTG, 2.4 LAF, 2.4 LEA, 3.0 LFW, 3.6 LFX

All

Chevrolet Impala

2012 - 2020

All

All 2.5 LKW, 3.6 LFX

All

Chevrolet Traverse

2009 - 2020

All

All 3.6 LFY, 3.6 LLT

All

GMC

Acadia

2009 - 2019

All

All 2.5 LCV, 3.6 LLT

All

GMC

Terrain

2010 - 2020

All

All 2.0 LTG, 2.4 LAF, 2.4 LEA, 3.0 LFW, 3.6 LFX

All

Saturn

Outlook

2009 - 2010

All

All 3.6 LLT

All

Supersession Statement
This PI was superseded to update Model Years and refer to 19-NA-044. Please discard PIP5180B.
The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition / Concern
Hard start, extended crank, or excessive black smoke from the exhaust when starting.
NOTE: Prior to proceeding with the diagnostics in this PI ensure the concern is not covered in
the latest version of 19-NA-044 showing normal conditions with these engines.
A comparison to a known good vehicle is also recommended.
NOTE: A button push or key turn to start to event time out is not a "NORMAL" condition on
any of these vehicles.

Recommendations / 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 engine non turbo charged.
You should see 170-200 Average Compression, no cylinder should read less than 100 psi on
the 4 cylinder engine or turbo charged HFV6.
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 16-NA-383 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 shutoff 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.

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