Starter Help - car won't turn over (video included)
 

**I did search forums first, people's posts on this topic seem to be more complicated than the issue I am having**

Went out to start the car today and it cranked and started but immediately stalled and died. At that point, it kinda sounded like a belt broke as it stalled out, but I checked all belts they are all intact.

Now it sounds like the starter is just spinning and the engine doesn't turn over. To me, in person, it sounds like when turning the ignition that its a sustained "whine" sound, and not your typical starter "chug-chug-chug" sound. (if that makes sense). But in the video below that I took it does sound like a typical starter.

Car has 70k Miles on it and I am the second owner. So, as far as I know it is the original starter and coil packs, etc.

Is this just a dead starter?

Video Link:

You heard something snap? If you're not sure, have it checked out. IMO it doesn't sound like the starter is the issue. Might be the timing chain.

Oh I didn't even think about the timing chain. I don't know how else to describe the snap sound I heard because it caught me by surprise. My original thought was maybe the starter pinion wasn't mating up with the flywheel.

Have someone try to start it and see if you can hear anything slapping around, grinding, etc etc.

Had my roommate check under the hood while attempting to start. All the visible belts are moving. There are no additional strange noises or grinding sounds. Just the sound of a starter spinning.

Ive been told that debris & deposits can get around the main shaft in the starter causing it not to make contacts with the flywheel and a little trick is to just tap on the starter with a wrench or something to jostle lose those deposits. Worked on my old 98 Eclipse, but didnt work this time.

Well... let us know what you find.

If the accy belt is moving - the starter is cranking the engine. If the timing chain is broken - the crank/pulleys would still turn....


You need to pull the timing chain cover and inspect it.

Thanks for your notes. Car is at the dealer now and they are in the middle of it. The first quick update, they think the timing chain may have stretched. They will be checking cam & crank angle/timing sensors today as well. Seems like everyone is leaning in the direction of the timing chain so we'll see what today's update is.

They say they've seen people come in with worn out timing chains as early as 50,000 miles for abusive drivers or people who track regularly, etc. This is a daily driver for me so it shouldnt be going out at 70,000 which is where I am. But, if it does, I'd hope my extended warranty would cover it since a chain is considered an internally lubricated engine part and Mitsubishi does not indicate a regular maintenance schedule for the timing chain.

Yeah, well remind them THEY (mitsu) redesigned the chain (much beefier) so quit the you were 'Tracking the Car' accusation garbage!


Make them show you an old design and new design side-by-side. Bam! 'nuff said!

Keep us updated please.

^+1

Interested to know the cause. Hopefully that snap you heard wasn't the chain.

Confirmed, Stretched Timing Chain. Quoted @ $1,400

My extended warranty is fully covering this so that was excellent news. No other related damage reported.

@Veronica, the tech wasn't accusing me of tracking/racing and damaging it, they've been really nice to me... just that they've seen it from abusive drivers. I guess that makes sense but that's why they put a chain in to begin with :updown:

Thanks to everyone who provided their input!

Glad to hear they're covering it and no other damage {thumbup}