my mitsubishi mirage 1995 1.5 auto, does not start up but does crank?

Question

i took my car out last week but on the way back the engine cut out and won't start up, after a long time of key turning it started up and got me home. after then it never started again, when you turn the key it cranks but does not start up. i have changed the spark plugs, fuel pump, fuel filter, charged battery but no luck .......... does anybody know what the problem is!!

Answer 1

the thing about newer cars is there are so many computer related components that are vital to proper running, its difficult to pinpoint. a test you may try is see if youre getting spark. before i tell you how to do that, be sure and check all of your fuses..you'd be surprised how many fuses control whether or not your engine starts. to test spark, remove a spark plug, doesnt matter which one. put the wire on it and set the electrode of the plug against a ground (valve cover, as long as its metal, would work) have someone crank over the engine, and what you should see is a bluish spark. if its orange-ish, or not even there (and it will take a few crankings to see it..so crank for at least 5 seconds) then you have a weak or no spark, in which case id suggest checking the connection(s) on your ignition coil.

Answer 2

One possibility is the auto gearbox selector switch. Obviously it's a bad idea for the car to start when first gear is selected so automatic cars are designed so that the car can only start in PARK or NEUTRAL or sometimes only PARK. You could try shifting the gearstick back and forth a few times and then try starting it again. Also you could try locating the switch which will be somewhere between the gearstick and the gearbox underneath the car or possibly on the gearbox itself. If you can find it see if there's a bad connection.Alternatively though this is RISKY you could bypass the switch but obviously YOU MUST ENSURE THAT THE CAR IS IN PARK. If the car was in gear and it tried to start, it would be dangerous and probably damage the gearbox beyond economic repair! There are various other faults it could be including an ECU intermittent fault.

Answer 3

i am going to ask the same question that i have asked so many before, was the check engine light on? if it was go find a manner to read the trouble codes. then use that information to resolve the issue. i have seen time and time again, people replacing this and that, when the parts have very little to do with the problem. as for the computer going out like that, i personally doubt that. a problem like that could be in the distributor, the injector control (ecm) or the fuse box, but with out seeing the car i personally cannot give a proper diagnosis.

Answer 4

from your description the ecu (if fitted) has shut down into get you home mode. using lots of fuel and restricted to about 25 mph. due to a tantrum. unless you know the sequence to through up the fault codes on the console and have a legend for them to identify the fault. it's a specialists job. see if the crank sensor has swarf on it. preventing detection.

Answer 5

i wish i knew, I have a 1990 mirage, same thing, mine hasn't started in 19 months!! Good luck, did you check your fuel pressure? it's got to be like 37-38lbs. (Check your manual) in order for the jets to open to let the fuel through. GOOD LUCK!!!

Answer 6

This is a job for the main dealers to sort out ,

Answer 7

No, sorry I don't know.

But it could be your computer is fried. Some computers have a limp home mode. I don't know if yours does (did) but it's possible.

Answer 8

Don't know your car but sounds like the computer, and that can be expensive.

Answer 9

you need to determine if you have spark or fuel pressure. if you are missing one it will not start.