Hard Start: Sensor/System

2004 Oldsmobile Bravada AWDSECTION Sensor/System
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Cadillac Seville and 2003 Cadillac DeVille. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Inspect the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor for being shifted in value. Install the scan tool and compare the displayed engine coolant temperature with the intake air temperature on a cold engine. Check the resistance of the ECT sensor if the engine coolant temperature is not within 5°F of Intake Air Temperature (IAT). See TEMPERATURE VS RESISTANCE  table. If the ECT sensor resistance is not within the specification, see DTC P0117: ECT SENSOR CIRCUIT -- LOW VOLTAGE or DTC P0118: ECT SENSOR CIRCUIT -- HIGH VOLTAGE under DIAGNOSTIC TESTS in SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - 4.6L DEVILLE & SEVILLE article.
  2. Inspect Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor and connections.
  3. Inspect the operation of the Idle Air Control (IAC) valve. See IDLE AIR CONTROL SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS under IDLE CONTROL SYSTEMS in SYSTEM & COMPONENT TESTING - 4.6L DEVILLE & SEVILLE article.
  4. Using the scan tool, monitor the Throttle Position (TP) sensor voltage. The TP sensor voltage should be less than 0.9 volts with a closed throttle. If the TP sensor voltage is more than 0.9 volts, inspect the throttle body and accelerator cables for binding.
  5. Inspect for the proper operation of the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system. See EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION under EMISSION SYSTEMS & SUB-SYSTEMS in SYSTEM & COMPONENT TESTING - 4.6L DEVILLE & SEVILLE article.
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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.