Weird starting problem, it cranks and runs fine but wont start.

[kidwiththelaser]

Ok, my Talon is being weird.

I just got it running recently, and now its acting up again. It used to start up fine, and then die when you tried to get going the 1st time, and then I would start it again, and it would drive like normal.

But when I went to the store, and came back out and tried it start it, it wouldnt start. It would crank over but it just didnt start. So me and my friend push started it, and it ran just fine all the way home.


Any ideas as to why it will run fine, and crank over fine, but it just doesnt want to start with the ignition key??

It only likes to start the hard way, push starting.

thanks for any help!

-Charlie

 

[femmeDSM]

In any no-start, you have to isolate whether the car is not getting sufficient fuel or sufficient fire. Could be ignition timing related (i.e. the CAS isn't letting the ECU know when to send spark during cranking, or is sending it incorrect information so the ECU is just confused and won't let the car start). Also could be a really bad boost leak, but I don't see how push-starting would fix that .....


See if you're missing either fuel or spark during cranking, then if you have access to a datalogger, hook that bad boy up and see if you can locate any stored CEL codes, etc.

This could also be a fuel pressure problem, or perhaps a faulty ECT.....I would first verify that you have enough fuel getting to the engine, and that your spark plugs and plug wires are in good shape. Then we can move from there....

 

[femmeDSM]

One more thing...I can't believe I forgot to mention this one...Probably the VERY FIRST thing I would do is verify that you have a good battery, and that both terminals are clean and properly connected. That could very well be your problem....Especially since push-starting it gets it running....

 

[Old Mitsu Tech]

Good Job. If the cranking voltage drops below 9.7 almost no engine will fire consistently. Check during cranking to see if you are holding at least 10.5 to 11 volts.

Sometimes low compression can cause this but since it happened suddenly, I would look more suspiciously at the battery.

Good Luck