2012 Terrain 3.6 AWD

[Wild Orchid]

Good day guys,

I'd like to know if anyone has heard or dealt with a problem like I'm having with my GMC Terrain.

The car just out of the blue refuses to start. The starter is turning and it sounds like it wants to start but it won't fire.

I suspect its not getting fuel. But don't know where to start
( filter, Pump or is the issue electronic.)

I can't find the filter, Is it in the tank with the pump?

I'm not able to find anything on youtube with this engine and car pairing.

There are no codes when I attach my scan tool.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Blue Bowtie]

To my knowledge, there is no fuel filter in your Terrain. There are fine mesh screens in the tank for the pump array, but not anything like what we would normally consider a filter - e.g., no textile element to remove really fine particulates.

Also, I beleive there is a fuel pressure sensor on the in-tank unit, and a bi-directional scanner should be able to read the data reported by that. An alternate method would be to connect a mechanical gauge to test line pressure. I do not know if a port is provided for testing, however.

[Stealthee]

You need to start with actual diagnosis rather than guessing it's not getting fuel. Get some starter fluid and spray some in the throttle body. If it fires up and dies then you can say for sure it is fuel related and then go from there. Figure out why there is no fuel.

If after spraying starter fluid it still doesn't start then you need to start checking things like spark and timing. The 3.6s were notorious for oil consumption though unless you blew something up from being low on oil I doubt that's why it won't start.

[ctesla]

Bowtie is right.. after 2000s, GM started making fuel filters obsolete; going with a screen in-tank/mesh nylon, integrated with the pump assembly; and BOTH are 'supposed' to be non-service items for life of vehicle (200k).. but us who love our vehicles, don't trade in 5yrs... anyhoo,

Stealthee is correct as well; even with ALL computer controls now, it is still an internal combustion engine: air/fuel/spark..

pop the element off and try cranking; a clogged/gummed up filter could be (probably not, but..) now, while it's off/open, spray some intake cleaner down the throat, and turn the key; and if she fires, then great.. but if not, you are moving to spark..
hope this helps..
oh, and by the way;

i think 08-12 equinox and terrain used same 'made in germany' bosch hi pressure valve..
so on your manifold, near fuel rail, you should have pressure point..

https://imgur.com/a/CqOyqcR

[Wild Orchid]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the info. I'll give it a shot and report back.