Impossible to diagnos 95 GST won't start after replacing crank sensor & timing belt

[bo0st]

Guys I got some serious problems with my 95 GST. I bought the car and it would just idle like shit and die so I ended up taking it to my local Mark Mitsubishi Car dealership for a diagnosis.

How The Car Was: 95 GST 5 speed, started like shit but would start and idle bad . Here's a video:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHgjgXbLIDw]dsm problems - YouTube[/ame]

I paid for a diagnosis @ The Mitsubishi dealer, they said it was the "coil." I asked them how sure are you that it is the coil the mechanic told me "90% sure."

I gave him the go-ahead so they replaced it and what do you know, no start.

Now it threw a CEL code for bad crank sensor and they said they're "98% sure" this will fix it. So I had them replace that sensor and also do the timing belt.

No start. Doesn't even start once. Before it was starting and dieing keep this in mind. (See video below, it would only hit 3 - 4k and I'd left off and it would sputter really really low and take a while to go back up. But you can hear the motor working and the BOV is recirculating not vented.)

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_jhd-FQwWs]dsm problems ### help - YouTube[/ame]

Now I'm left scratching my head. The mechanic was gone for the day but the service manager said "He's 100% sure it's the ECU"

I feel like I'm getting the run-a-around they are money hungry @ Mark Mitsubishi be warned.

Please guys I really need help getting my car going. At least starting, like it was before.

In conclusion: there's no CEL light at this time, car won't start. Need help please.

 

[Dsmkauai]

The lights coming on when you key on is normal that's just to test there function. No you can't run the car without the ecu , if you could kinda wouldn't need a ecu right!! Lol if you want the ecu gone over you can send it to ecmlink guys or I believe there a guy in the freelance section that does ecu repair, but I don't think that's your issue since the car sorta ran before the dealer screwed your timing (my opinion).

 

[bo0st]

The lights coming on when you key on is normal that's just to test there function.

I know it's normal, what I'm asking is, if they are coming on (which is normal) is my ECU "working" or does the stealership want some more money?

 

[Dsmkauai]

Not sure seeing the lights on or off will tell you if the ecu is bad, not a way I would test it atleast. They are just getting temporary power from the ignition when you first turn the key to run, and then go out again until activated by corresponding sensor. I mean i guess if they are coming on like normal and your thinking like if the check engine light (cel) comes on and off that signal mist be going thru the ecu. Anyway not a likley way to tell anything about the ecu function. Best bet is to open it up yourself and inspect and if your not sure from there send it to someone who can verify 100%. And the stealership of course wants more money hence the name .

 

[bo0st]

Thanks bro.

I'll be calling a few of the local DSM mechanics to see what they can find.

Hopefully it's "just the ecu."

 

[luv2rallye]

The CEL should turn on for five seconds and turn off each time you turn the ignition on. The turbo cars will in addition move the factory boost gauge to 0 when the ECU is on and then move to -7 during cranking and once the engine starts. If it doesn't start it will return to 0. This is the quick test that the ECU is powered up and is running. It does not mean that everything works correctly and there could not be bad components that cause problems however during operation.

There are many ECU repair companies, google search for them or see here: http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/newbie-forum/288184-fuel-pump-stays.html#post151452504. The guy on Tuners who repairs them is LightningGSX: http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/articles-tuning-ecu/116585-troubleshooting-fried-ecu-components.html. It's definately worth opening up the ECU to do a visual check and smell.

 

[norcalboostin707]

Resolve the problem yet

 

[bo0st]

Resolve the problem yet

Not yet my friend. Hopefully soon

If anyone has a spare ECU laying around ill buy it off you, PM me please

 

[johnny88]

im having a similar problem. Wonder if u figured this out?

 

[bo0st]

im having a similar problem. Wonder if u figured this out?

Sorry to hear. Nope not yet. Still trying, looking for a local DSM guy to help out but might be a while.

 

[Dsmkauai]

There are tons of ecu's for sale in the classifieds. I have a spare 97 noneprom and I have a spare 95 EPROM but I need it for my eclipse soon. Your more than welcome to the 97 I think you would just need to swap plug wires or maybe even nothing.

 

[bo0st]

There are tons of ecu's for sale in the classifieds. I have a spare 97 noneprom and I have a spare 95 EPROM but I need it for my eclipse soon. Your more than welcome to the 97 I think you would just need to swap plug wires or maybe even nothing.

So the 97 is indeed a direct fit? Good to know.

 

[TallestHERETIC]

Did you overlook the cam sensor? It can also cause a no start condition or make the car run like crap. Is the fuel filter/fuel pump clogged up?

If the ECU was bad, the car wouldn't even turn on or stay running (not for long, anyway). There would certainly be a nasty smell as well as mentioned before. Kind of like a "fishy" smell.

 

[2000mitsygt]

Which fuses would prevent the car from starting now? Battery is alright. Timing belt was replaced. Compression test was performed and they said it was good.

They said, the only way to know is too do it yourself now there worried so there going t tell you compression is fine and make the problem sound not as bad as it is? When you get it back do a compression test yourself it is extremely easy just open the throttle and crank it a few times til it stops building compression

 

[RED TREAD 97]

I had a relay on my (Mitsubishi powered) 98 Sebring give out. It would turn over and not start, I spent way too much money on figuring it out and a $13 relay was the problem. On my 95GST, the Ignition Control Module went out and it did the same.

As for the relay, there's a bank of 3 large relays on the firewall, one of those controls the fuel system. I believe the GST may have a similar set of relays. But from your video, it really sounds like the ICM not ECU, is to blame.

 

[turbohcar]

Did Tyeler help you figure it out?

If no, I'm in the east valley and could possibly help out. I've had three of these cars over the years and looking to buy another. I can try and provide some assistance in diagnosis, just PM me.