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Randomly engine cranks but does not start

Tiny
AM84PM
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 74,000 MILES
Hello folks,

This is my first post so please bear with me. I try to explain everything in detail so that you have a better idea.

It's been a week that when my wife wants to start the car it cranks but doesn't start. And after she tries another time, it starts. Every time this happened and she got home and told me the story I went to check it, but guess what! It didn't happen to me and it started without any problems.

There is no engine light on, however I connected my new toy (Innova 3160g) to maybe read something. After it read the information it shows P0521-00 (1/1) FSC|Current (Engine Oil Pressure Sensor Performance). Again the engine yellow light is not on at all. There is no oil leaking either.

Just to let you know, I changed the battery 6 month ago and the battery is pretty good and healthy.

Thank you very much for reading this long post, and helping us out.
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Friday, April 24th, 2020 AT 6:24 AM

20 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

The first thing I would do is check the fuel pressure. If it looses prime, it will have a delayed start because the system has not built up enough pressure to start the engine. When you try the second time, it starts because it is primed.

The 521 has no effect on the starting. The light will only come on when there is a fault for fuel control.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-cranks-excessively-before-starting

Roy
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:46 PM
Tiny
AM84PM
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Hello Roy,
Thanks for your quick response.

My question is shall I ignore the code 521 code if there is no sign of leaking and no engine light on?
I'll read all the link that you have provided and will keep you posted.

Thank you!
Jay
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:46 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,895 POSTS
Hello,

I would check the engine oil level and if okay replace the oil pressure sensor because is it is bad the engine will not start because the computer thinks there is no oil pressure. Here is the location so you can check it out. This is a hybrid correct? Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:46 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
I attached the fuel pressure readings for you to view as well. You need a gauge to test the pressure. You can rent one at a parts store for this test.

I attached the procedure for the test and the spec for fuel pressure.

Roy
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:46 PM
Tiny
AM84PM
  • MEMBER
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Hello Ken and Roy,

Thanks for your reply. Our car is a 2.5 LT, 2013 mode and it is not hybrid.

It has been 2 days that it didn't happen and it stars very well (I didn't do anything to it). Just now I took some pictures and videos from readings that might help you guys. I also took a picture of the oil level. I changed the oil and oil filter myself 2 weeks ago, I'm hoping that it is not because of that. That's why I have that picture as well. You can see the fuel pressure reading for after and before starting the car.

Also, I attached a video that shows the recording of live data that I specifically focused on fuel pressure (fuel pressure) before and after starting the car. I just don't know why there are two fuel pressure on my live data. One with a smaller Pascal value and one with the higher one.
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:46 PM
Tiny
AM84PM
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Since I'm getting the fuel pressure from the computer, do I still need to get the fuel pressure gauge? I think the pictures that I posted have the reading.

Thank you!
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:46 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Okay, you have 2 pressures because you have a low pressure pump which is a primer pump in the tank that delivers fuel to the high pressure pump for engine operation.

The readings look good but it will when there is not a hard starting issue. Correct. You are reading live data so you do not need the gauge.

Information from this would be great when you have the issue.

Roy
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:46 PM
Tiny
AM84PM
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Thank you for the information. I'm learning lots from this website. You guys are rock!

Roy, I just didn't get the part you mentioned, "The readings look good but it will when there is not a hard starting issue". Can you please elaborate on it a bit more?

Thanks,
Jay
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:46 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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The old saying is, if it not broke, do not fix it.

If it was working now, you will not find any issue. In order to see an bad reading, you must be testing when it has the hard starting issue.

Roy
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:46 PM
Tiny
AM84PM
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Hey guys, can you redirect to the part that is for P0521-00 error?

I have found one in the following link but I am not sure if it is the right part.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=6401307&cc=1503574&jsn=9&jsn=9

Thanks,
Jay
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:46 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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Yep that one looks correct. Please let us know what happens.
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:46 PM
Tiny
AM84PM
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Thanks for the verification Ken. The diagram that you sent me a few days ago is for the hybrid 2.4. Mine is not hybrid and it is 2.5 LT. Any chance that you can send me the location for 2.5 LT?

Another question that I have is since I am going to change this part, are there any other parts that work directly or indirectly with this part and you advice me to change them too?
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:46 PM
Tiny
AM84PM
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Hey guys, I have some news for you that might help this situation. Today the engine light came on once and later on the engine light turned off with out doing anything. The performance of the car is as usual (no unusual sounds, noise, or whatever). I connected the reader and apart from p0521-00, I have a new code that is p0336-00 (crankshaft position sensor performance). It is noteworthy mentioning that I only get p0336 when I go to Chevrolet OEM Enhanced mode on my reader. The other mode that is Global OBD2 only find the 521 code. I have attached some pictures to elaborate my text.

Thanks for all the advice.
Jay
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:46 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, this could have something to do with the no starting. The crank sensor needs to send a signal to the ECM and when it sees the signal, it will turn on spark and fuel.

Without that signal, it will not start. It could be dropping out. I attached a picture of the location and the procedure for you.

Check on your scan tool if you can do the crankshaft position relearn. This has to be done after you replace it.

Roy
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:46 PM
Tiny
AM84PM
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Unfortunately my scan tool can't do crankshaft position relearn. Any suggestions?

I'm thinking to replace the crankshaft position sensor myself and after that, drive (with the same car) to an auto shop to relearn the crankshaft position. (Is it even possible to drive it before relearn?). Any idea how much the just relearn cost, approximately? (This helps me to decide better for the next paragraph.)

Or I invest in a good scan tool that I can do all relearning myself in the future.

Thank you so much guys.
Jay
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:46 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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Okay, yes, you can drive it but the check engine light will be on.

Any shop with a scan tool can do this. It takes no longer than 15 minutes to do this. They do not even have to bring it into the shop. It can be done in the parking lot.

Price? At the shop I help out when I am not teaching, it runs $59.95.

Roy
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:46 PM
Tiny
AM84PM
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Thanks for your reply, Roy.

Since the car has another error code: P0521, that is engine oil pressure sensor performance, may I have the location of this sensor too?

Thanks.
Jay
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:46 PM
Tiny
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Okay, I attached the picture of the location. It is on the side of the block and is easy to access.

Roy
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:46 PM
Tiny
AM84PM
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Thank you! I just ordered both parts. I will check the diagrams to find the locations and if I encounter any further questions I will let you guys know.
Thanks a lot!

Jay
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:46 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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You are welcome.

We are always glad to help.

Roy
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:46 PM

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