The Central Hub for DSM Community and Information

For 1990-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse, Eagle Talon, Plymouth Laser, and Galant VR-4 Owners. This is where the DSM platform history is documented and archived. Log in to help us in our mission, and to remove most ads from the browsing experience.

Starting issues - No / Doesn't / Won't Start - MERGED

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

prodsm

20+ Year Contributor
258
0
Nov 12, 2002
canada,
All "my car won't start" discussion threads are merged HERE. We've basically made it easier for those who insist upon not searching by grouping together all threads from those with similar issues so you can just scroll through and see some possible solutions. To search for info within this thread, use the "Search This Thread" feature in the black bar about 3" above what you're reading right now.

Could be anything from a loose battery terminal to internal engine damage, and literally everything in between which may involve the electrical, fuel, and ignition system...possibly even something that you screwed up while working on the car yourself. While it's unlikely we're going to diagnose and solve your problem over the internet, feel free to discuss any possible solutions.




I live in Canada and right now its not very warm out, about -30c
my car does not have a block heater too keep it warm.

I tryed to start my car this morning and it wouldent start, ive had this problem before but this time, the car doesnt crank at all it just makes a sound that sounds like an electric drill.

Whats wrong.

Thanks
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I checked the starter relay and it's popping out 12 volts when cranked. I put my hand on the starter cylinder solenoid and I can feel it pop out. Bypassing it makes the solenoid pop out but I don't hear a spinning sound. I'm gonna pull out the starter n bench test, according to my conversation with a member here. By the way, the car was running earlier that day. Later that night, it didn't wanna start and since then it hasn't been wanting to...in case anyone here was confused by my initial post.
 
In the mean time, anything else I should look for...what's the telltale signs of a bad ignition switch? I don't wanna buy one if my starter is at fault, regardless of it being new...
 
Ok test the starter if you have a bad transistor it wont start, i would get a manual or look on youtube on how to test those things, could be anything starter, have it tested, test the battery, could bad a bad wire, could be the ecu is no good could be the coolant temp sensor, could be the cam angle sensor, could be a internal engine problem. Keep trying.
 
Ok test the starter if you have a bad transistor it wont start, i would get a manual or look on youtube on how to test those things, could be anything starter, have it tested, test the battery, could bad a bad wire, could be the ecu is no good could be the coolant temp sensor, could be the cam angle sensor, could be a internal engine problem. Keep trying.

Ecu is fine, main relay is fine, starter relay clicks...internal engine problem...highly doubt it since it was running hours before and my compression is 151 across. My timing belt is intact. Like I said before (for the 3rd time now) I've read ## link and did most of these procedures. I'm gonna pull out the starter and see if maybe the solenoid engages but doesn't pop out the spinner...I've run out of options and I haven't gotten any other suggestions than the obvious ones
 
Well get the starter tested then you can rule that out just because it ran earlier doesnt mean it will later even hours one thing can cause a no start, again step by step to rule things out. I read your thread, sometimes you need to double check things, frustrating yes, its a car. These things can take time even smallest things.
 
it does sound like a starter problem . what i would do is have one person in the car and turning the key to the crank position and hold it there while another person taps on the starter . if it cranks then the starter solenoid is hanging up .
 
Hello, I am new to the forum and I need some help on my 1997 GS-T, 5 speed. Here is the story:
I purchased this car recently and gave it to my brother as a gift. The car has a few mods on it, and it ran great, it was tuned by English Racing about two weeks ago. He is brand new driver and is learning on how to drive a manual. The other night when my dad went out with him for a drive, he stalled the car while pulling into the driveway, and now the car won't start. Here are some of the systoms: The starter doesn't turn over or click, the power is on strong (so I don't think it's the battery or the alternator), the fan comes on as soon as the key is turned, oil pressure gauge shows no pressure, and the oil light stays on. I am not a mechanic by any means, so any helps will be appreciated. I just hope that he didn't do anything serious bad to the car by releasing the clutch too early and stalling it. Thanks in advance.
 
Last edited:
Its gonna have no oil pressure because the car isnt running. So the oil light is gonna be on as well. Oil pressure is up when the motor is running. As for the starter, when he pulled in he could have hit a bump and jolted the wires loose. Since it doesnt click I would assume the wires on the starter are loose. I would check the wires going to the starter, as well as the canles on the battery. Check your grounds as well, and if need be take the starter to a local auto store and get it tested. And if you do take the starter to an auto store might not hurt to take the battery too as the test are free so that will help narrow it down.
 
Its gonna have no oil pressure because the car isnt running. So the oil light is gonna be on as well. Oil pressure is up when the motor is running. As for the starter, when he pulled in he could have hit a bump and jolted the wires loose. Since it doesnt click I would assume the wires on the starter are loose. I would check the wires going to the starter, as well as the canles on the battery. Check your grounds as well, and if need be take the starter to a local auto store and get it tested. And if you do take the starter to an auto store might not hurt to take the battery too as the test are free so that will help narrow it down.

+1. Crappy grounds have giving me similar problems in the past. You could try checking if its getting power at the starter with a volt meter. Thats the easiest way to find the culprit before tearing anything apart.
 
Okay so i deliver pizza as my job, it's a decent job for a highschooler but anyway i was making a turn at about 10-15 mph and then my car just shut off... I wasnt abusing it or anything, it just died. So i had enough speed to park it out of the way. I turned the key to the off position then turned it one click forward and everything that should work was working, radio, windows, lights, etc. so i get out and pop the good expecting to see fluids missing or belts gone but nope everything looked fine... Luckily where i was delivering was only a street over from my house so i towed it home. When i got home i popped the good again to look closer at the problem..: i wasnt getting any spark to the spark plugs...hmmm... So i grabbed a multimeter and saw i was getting power to the ignition coils but not out... So i though"easy enough ill just replace them!" So i did that and STILL NO SPARK... I hopped on these forums and checked for solutions... I then replaced the crankshaft sensor near the timing belt... No spark.. Then i checked the relays and they were fine... My question is...WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY CAR! I heard it might be a cam sensor but i dont want to go and keep wasteing 60 bucks here and there on sensors... I tested the cam one too and there is power going into it... Any ideas?
 
Hello all. About a week ago I drove 3 streets down from my house to pick something up from a friends house and cut my car off for about 5 minutes. I turn the car back on but all i hear is the starter turn the motor over for about only a second. I try again and now the starter spins but does not turn the motor. As of now i've pulled the starter to have 2 autozones and o'reilys test the starter. All 3 stores say the starter spins and pulls out. So now i'm worrying that it might be the flywheel. Although the tech at o'reilys did point out that the starter wheel thing slightly floated back and fourth. i know it's not the battery because it is brand new. but i do know my alternator is going bad. anyway, i really don't want to deal with the flywheel so my question is what are the chances that the flywheel teeth just giving out? and should i just gamble and buy the new starter and hope it is the problem?
also i know its not the wrong flywheel because i've been starting the car just fine since i've owned it and definitely not swapped by any chance.
also its an auto fwd.
TIA
 
Yes. It's that easy. There's an access cover on the under side of the engine/ trans. It's basically a dust shield sort of cover. Should be 2 10mm bolts and 2-3 12mm bolts. Then spin the engine by hand while looking at the flywheel and you'll be able to see if any teeth have been broken off. Be sure to fully rotate the flywheel. If there are broken teeth, that spot could be making a complete rotation back to the starter wheel, and thus causing the engine not to start.
 
See if you have power at the various doodads. Check the red 12V power wire that feeds power from the MPI relay, to the MAF, CAS, all the solenoids, IAC, O2 heaters, and the injector resistor pack. If you don't have power there it won't run.
 
alright guys. No missing teeth, just slightly grinded front tips of teeth

here it is: [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvsuA8Fnl7c]Flywheel inspection - YouTube[/ame]
 
I think the next step would be to ensure you have the proper starter. How are the teeth on the starter gear? Is there wear on it? Is your car automatic or manual? Any one know if the starters differ between the 2 transmission models? Or even if a 1g starter can be used on a 2g? Things of that nature.
 
There's a one way roller clutch built into the drive gear of the starter. It's probably worn out. Get a new starter, and your problem will be solved.
You must be logged in to view this image or video.
 

Attachments

You must be registered for see attachments list
Add Value - Be Respectful - No Trolling - No Misinformation - Participate Often!
Support Vendors who Support the DSM Community

Build Thread Updates

Latest Classifieds

  • For sale 2g 2G DSM Link V3
    2G DSM Link V3 $600 + shipping and paypal fees* no cable included * cables are 75 on the...
    • jersygsx
    • Updated:
    • Expires
  • Wanted 2g Shot in the dark (2g Pass strut cut out)
    Need 2g strut tower to save time.
    • frosh29
    • Updated:
    • Expires
  • For sale VIRGIN 4G63 6-BOLT TURBO HEAD
    Came off a virgin stock AWD Auto 1G DMS (91), also have matching block and crank which are also...
    • The_Partout_Spot
    • Updated:
    • Expires
  • For sale 1G DSM 4G63 6-BOLT TIMING COVER
    Used, see condition in photos. Buyer covers shipping / fees.
    • The_Partout_Spot
    • Updated:
    • Expires
  • For sale Garage clean out
    Changing setups on the car and getting rid of some stuff as well that's been laying around. Will...
    • 92GSXtacy
    • Updated:
    • Expires
Back
Top