My RA has 105,000 miles. This weekend, I kept it in the garage except for a handwash in which I started it backed it out of garage 10 feet and then 1 hour later started it and put it back in garage. I didn't let it run, I just turned on, off...on and finally back off. No problems.

This morning, I get in to go to work in my nice, clean, RA, and it just cranks. I immediately thought...battery. I look around and everything is lit up, radio on, gauges are normal. So, I jump it with my wifes car just to "double check" it's not battery. It still just cranks, even when i press gas pedal. I didn't crank longer than 5-10 seconds.

It's been about 40,000 miles since I've had any maintenance done, so im thinking it could be dirty spark plugs, wires, etc. Any suggestions?

 

Hold the pedal to the floor and crank a few times. It may take 3 or 4 times cranking for 10 seconds or so but it sounds like you flooded it with the no run time on offs.

 

Done. Still no start. Tow truck on its way. Thanks for the input

 

When you find out what the problem is please update this thread.

 

Fuel control relay perhaps?

 

OP, just because the lights are on does not mean the battery is good. When battery's get low, weird stuff can happen. Would of thought a jump would of done it though. Regardless, my money is still on the battery.

 

^You can... that is why they include that feature in the s/w.

Lights come on and cranking indicate a good battery to me...

 

It's a nice day out in the Midwest, why not throw a set of plugs in it?

 

Times like these, I really wish I knew how to fix cars and not computers... Thanks for the replies, it really helps when I hear other perspectives.

 

S/W= software? Hmm, Mitsu specific?


I've seen numerous cars with headlights and or interior lights on that would crank but not start. A new battery changed that.


I just thought other options were strange because of how acutely this happened. Hope its an easy fix, whatever it is!

 

Speaking of towing, can the Ralliart be towed on two wheels if it's put in neutral, or does it always require a flatbed tow truck to do the job in order to not damage the SST?(sorry a little off topic). Back on topic, if the problem turns out to NOT be the battery, I would recommend the following: Buy the SSP fuel relay PACKAGE(it consists of like 4 or 5 critical engine relays) if you haven't already done so, check to make sure your air filter is clean(and if not replace it with a high-flow panel filter), and check to make sure that your spark plugs are still in good condition. That covers all 3 things that a car needs to start(fuel, spark, and oxygen), the only other things that come to mind are possibly some bad/old gasoline or a very low fuel tank.

 

No do not tow on 2 wheels. It is awd and it will damage the car if towed on 2 wheels. Flat tow only.

 

The tow truck was flat-bed. I looked at the scheduled maintenance and have 2k set aside for repairs/preventative maintenance so I'll let you guys know what caused the issue here soon. I agree it could be dirty spark plugs, or hoses, air filter, etc. Doubtful it was the gasoline since I only go to Shell for V-Power. My mechanic should be calling in the next two hours.

 

It would be a good idea to at least learn how to change spark plugs. My little sister can show you how. ;-)

 

Update 1-14-14: Before I left work, my RA had undergone multiple tests. The mechanic said nothing conclusive explaining why it won't start. The compression is 45lbs. He kept asking if something traumatic happened. I said no. He is going to try another test tomorrow where he puts oil in each cylinder and tests them. He said the timings on the timing chain were good.

I'll update thread tomorrow when I hear more. Anyone know how much a new engine is gonna cost? I have a bad feeling about this...