Double Trouble: SureTrack Community Fix

September 7, 2021 by Nick Taylor

Real Fixes from Mitchell 1’s SureTrack® expert information resource are documented issues from actual shop repair orders and community discussions. Read on to see how SureTrack can help you correct issues that are not easily diagnosed using OEM information alone. SureTrack is available at no additional cost in our ProDemand product.

Having two of the same car in your shop with the same issue is fairly uncommon. Hopefully the same fix works for both. SureTrack community member TurnageAutoCare had a two Chevrolet Cruzes that wouldn’t start. One came in that way and one got that way after an engine swap. They posed the question to the community, and with the help of fellow community member Richard_C and others, they were able to resolve the issue quickly.

The following Community Fix summarizes the interaction between members of the community that led to the solution.

Vehicle
2012 Chevrolet Cruze LT 1.4L

Title
No start, tightened coil pack ground.

Complaint
Vehicle won’t start.

Diagnostic Steps Performed/Parts Replaced I actually have two of these same problem one is the 1.4L turbo and the other is the 1.8L. Same car otherwise. One came in with a no start condition, the other ran but head gasket was VERY blown but it would start and run. After replacing the engine it would not start. Both cars are in time, and both have spark and fuel and compression. Is there some initialization or something with these I’m just missing that is common?

Best Answer from Community Member Richard_C Since you have really everything required to start a motor, maybe you are getting enough of it? Is fuel pressure good? Also, do a resistance test on the spark plug side and make sure nothing is strange in the grounds or the power side. If you find any resistance in the wires, you need to track that down. I’ve seen cars with weak spark no starts that although have spark don’t have enough to fire the car when fuel and compression are added in.

Cause
Thanks for the direction. As it turns out my tech did not tighten the coil pack ground … AT ALL! After reading your comment, I looked thru the wiring diagram and found the location for the coil pack ground and low and behold it was loose. Thank you!

Correction
Tightened coil pack ground wire on each car and they now start as they should.

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About the Author Nick Taylor  

Nick Taylor is the SureTrack Community Administrator and a Senior Applications Specialist at Mitchell 1 with over 25 years of experience with electronic repair data systems. Nick previously worked in the automotive dismantling and engine rebuilding industries.