| Subject: | 1986 MITSUBISHI STARION |
| Question: | Hi there. I have a
1986 Mitsubishi Starion,2.6 liter Turbo, 6 speed manual. There are
days when all of a sudden, the car won't start. The engine is strong
like and cranks but it does not turn over. There are days where I let
it sit for 20 minutes and then it will start back up with no problem.
But there were times when it won't start at all. It will sit for a
few days then all of a sudden, it starts like it had no problem at
all. and then it stays OK for 3 weeks but now it won't start at all.
There are sparks from the coil and spark plugs and both are dry so
engine is not flooded. Rotor and distributor cap is good. Tried jumping
battery, tried push staring but still wo'nt work. Sometimes my power
windows won't work along with the starting problem. This is driving
me crazy. Pls. be very detailed in your analysis. Thanks very much.
I think this is a mitsubishi starion problem overall. I suspect Mitsubishi
knew these problems but kept qiet about it. Will I be able to get the
dealership to fix my car even though it is a 1986. Tony Fernandez |
| Answer: | Tony, Your problem sounds pretty typical of when alternators start to die on Mitsubishis. They usually give pretty good warnings. I had an alternator start to give me problems years before it finally died on me. I had a 2-year old battery that the alternator killed, and I was forced to buy an new one even after I got my alternator replaced. If the problem is not the alternator, your fuel filter may be clogged, or your fuel pump may be dying. A Mitsubishi dealership will fix any Mitsubishi regardless of year.
The alternator in the Starion is relatively easy to replace as compared
to the new Eclipses and other vehicles. The fuel pump and filter
would also be easy fixes. |