2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse won't start cold

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

vluvski - 25 Feb 2009 23:31 GMT

When it's cold outside (40s and under), the engine won't crank. Tur
the key, and the dash lights come on, and there is a single click, bu
no response under the hood. The battery has been replaced, and it di
not solve the problem. We have also checked the limit switch under th
clutch, and that has not allowed us to start the car cold by depressin
it manually. If we wait until midday when the weather warms up, the ca
usually starts

The problem occurs most often at temperatures below freezing, but ha
happened once when the air was as warm as about 50F. It also start
occasionally when in the 30s or around freezing, just not reliably

--
vluvsk
Message Origin: TRAVEL.co

Reply to this Message

Bob Shuman - 26 Feb 2009 01:18 GMT

From the description, I'd suspect either the alternator, a defective starter
solenoid, a defective starter relay, or corroded battery terminal contacts.

I'd start with the cheapest/easiest first and thoroughly clean both of the
cable connectors at the battery using a stiff wire brush. I'd also check
and clean/tighten the connections to the chassis ground and at he starter
solenoid itself. If these fail to solve your problem, then I'd make sure
the alternator is charging the battery since even a brand new battery would
need to get charged at some point so would be drained. (Check the voltage
at the battery when the engine is off and again when running to make sure it
is getting charged.) If none of these solve the problem, I'd look at the
starter solenoid. If it is the solenoid, you can generally get the vehicle
to crank over by tapping lightly on the solenoid with a small hammer. (The
vibrations usually cause the solenoid contacts to close properly). When and
if you go that route, then you need to have an assistant to turn the key and
need to exercise a great deal of caution with your self since the engine can
start at any time. If this starts the vehicle, then replace the solenoid,
or if it comes on the starter as an assembly, replace that.

Good luck

Bob

> When it's cold outside (40s and under), the engine won't crank. Turn
> the key, and the dash lights come on, and there is a single click, but
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> happened once when the air was as warm as about 50F. It also starts
> occasionally when in the 30s or around freezing, just not reliably.

Reply to this Message

NickySantoro - 01 Mar 2009 18:43 GMT

>When it's cold outside (40s and under), the engine won't crank. Turn
>the key, and the dash lights come on, and there is a single click, but
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>happened once when the air was as warm as about 50F. It also starts
>occasionally when in the 30s or around freezing, just not reliably.

Best guess would be the contacts in the starter solenoid.
Good info here...
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Starter.shtml#Update-III

Reply to this Message