Starting problem

[newbile_silence]

I have a problem with my starting. I insert the key, turn key, and power comes on in vehicle. I turn it more to start the engine and...NOTHING...

I have a rattler alarm that I wonder about... I've tried disconnecting the main connector from the alarm box under my dash to no avail.

I've only gotten the car to start after using a screwdriver and, with the key turned to on position, bridging the two screw contacts on the starter motor together. I dont know if I'm damaging anything by doing this but its the only way i get around. If anyone has ideas, please let me know. I've also been looking for the starter relay in my car with no luck either.

I have a 98 mitsu eclipse non turbo 2.0L If anyone knows ANYTHING please respond. Thanks alot!!!

 

[Phat95Talon]

HELP HIM!!!

I haven't messed with my car at all and it's doing the same thing. I searched and read a lot of threads and most seem to be problems after engine swaps. I did that about 3 years ago so thats out. Sometimes when I turn the key, everything turns on (radio, subs, dash lights, turbo timer ect.) except the freakin engine. Do I need to replace my starter?

 

[ECLIPSE4x4]

have you tried cleaning the contacts on the starter, remove them, clean them and tighten them up.

 

[newbile_silence]

No, I have not tried to clean the contacts. Bu tell me something, if the contacts are dirty, why would they work with the aid of a metal screwdriver... The problem WAS very frequest with very rare times when I could start without my little trick. When the problem first started, after a time, I was able to start with the key. Does this help suport your idea more???

 

[GSTSleeper]

well i would guess it has to do something with ur starter circuit...get some schematics for your ignition switch...check all the connections..prolly just a loose one.

 

[newbile_silence]

Well, I'm looking over the schematics now and I just dont seem to know what I'm looking for. Reading schematics is a little beyond my basic electrical engineering knowledge. You are suggesting I trace the big bundle of wires running from my steering column, through the ignition harness right? Do I follow those wires into the engine compartment somewhere? Does anyone know where the sodding starter relay is actually located on a non turbo 98 eclipse. I'm just a little lost here

 

[eclipse0508]

YOU NEED A NEW STARTER..................

 

[newbile_silence]

Oh thanks man, next time leave some more thorough solutions. Why would a new starter solve my problem. I also still need to know where the stupid starter relay is located in my vehicle. Thank you too.

 

[dont need 8]

I too am having this issue. I do not know for certain if it is coincidence or not but when it happens I can reach inside the plastic collar that goes around my steering column from the bottom and wiggle and press the wires together and it will work. I think there is a short in there, possibly a result of my dash replacement. Also, sometimes I can turn and hold the key in the start position and it will eventually turnover. I am still investigating but that may give you some ideas of what to check short of replacing the starter.

 

[Solid04]

The starter relay is located behind the radio, there's two relays, the starter relay has 4 wires going to it. I'm having the same problem too, I just completed a 6-bolt swap.

 

[newbile_silence]

I too am having this issue. I do not know for certain if it is coincidence or not but when it happens I can reach inside the plastic collar that goes around my steering column from the bottom and wiggle and press the wires together and it will work. I think there is a short in there, possibly a result of my dash replacement. Also, sometimes I can turn and hold the key in the start position and it will eventually turnover. I am still investigating but that may give you some ideas of what to check short of replacing the starter.

What year is your eclipse?

 

[newbile_silence]

The starter relay is located behind the radio, there's two relays, the starter relay has 4 wires going to it. I'm having the same problem too, I just completed a 6-bolt swap.

Thanks a lot. I'm going to look now...

 

[dont need 8]

What year is your eclipse?

1997

 

[murph22287]

hey i just completed an engine swap to another 420A cause i cracked my head on the last one...not pretty. Anyway i cant get the car to start. it cranks and cranks and cranks but doesnt start. ive cancelled out feul and starter problems already cause one it cranks so it isnt the starter, and ive sprayed ether into the intake and still nothing so it isnt the feiul system. anything to try would be greatly appreciated. thx

 

[newbile_silence]

From what I've learned. The starting process is of course composed of different parts:
starting circuit, ignition circuit, and fuel system. Your ignition system could be bad somewhere. You might want to open another thread for this topic but then again the number fo responses is encouraging. Good luck. I'm still working on my own problems

 

[squee]

I have a no start problem as well. It was daylight when i looked but still I dont believe i am getting any spark. I replaced the coil pack and no luck, checked the fuses and they all looked good. What is CAS? The situation is this: I drove it home it ran fine, I parked it and the next morning it wasnt starting. It makes a horrible sound when I turn the key and attempt to start it, when I turn the key to the ignition position is makes a grinding sound then if I the key to the off position the sound remains for a couple seconds. its a spinning grinding sound. The sound seems like its comming from near or underneath my intake manifold. With my honda , if the starter goes out it doesnt make anysound or attempt to turn, so Im not sure if thats what it could be or not. Is there a way to test to see if its the starter, or does this sound like it probably is my starter? its a 90 tsi . thanks guys