Engine cranks but will not start

2003 MITSUBISHI GALANT
130,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
JUNIOR HOLMES
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Son drove car from Phoenix Arizona. About eighty miles. Parked car at my house all day. Left the house and got about a block away in car and it shut off. I listened to hear fuel pump and heard nothing. I replaced fuel pump. But I still does not get the two second fuel pump start-up reaction. The fuel pump does pump when cranking engine but engine still does not start. Also, the gas does not come out the return line to the tank. What now?
Dec 31, 2008 at 9:37 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
ISLAND_PRIDE71
  • MEMBER
  • 62 POSTS
Sounds like it may be the fuel pump relay not working correctly. Please follow the attached guide on how to test the relay and fuel pump relay wiring diagram to verify this is the issue.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Please run down these guides and diagrams and report back.
Jan 1, 2009 at 3:53 AM
Avatar
JUNIOR HOLMES
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I followed the guides and diagrams and it was the relay not working right. $32.00 and it is back on the road.
Jan 1, 2009 at 9:45 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
TOBY GALLEGOS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
The engine turns over but it will not start.
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:04 PM (Merged)
Avatar
MOM-N-NEED
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Four cylinder front wheel drive automatic 160,000 miles.

Car was missing slightly.

While driving the car I stopped at a signal light and the car stalled. The ckeck engine light never came on the car was not running hot.

Spark plugs and wires changed.
Spark plugs coils checked out good.
No spark getting to spark plug coils and car still will not start but sounds as if it wants to start.

No noises no leaks prior to this no problems.
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:04 PM (Merged)
Avatar
RASMATAZ
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 75,992 POSTS
No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors.
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:04 PM (Merged)
Avatar
TJAKAJINX
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I put a computer on it and it said the crankshaft sensor was out. I replaced the sensor but now it just turns over it will not start. The battery may be bad but even with jumper cables it will not start. I have checked all the fuses, and it is getting fire to the coil. What else could it be?
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:04 PM (Merged)
Avatar
WRENCHTECH
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 20,761 POSTS
The computer does not tell you what component is bad. It merely records what it saw. There are many possible causes for the problem and that needs to be diagnosed properly. If it ran before changing the crank sensor, then it's logical something went wrong with the replacement.
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:04 PM (Merged)
Avatar
MEGANWILTSE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Was having an overheating problem the car quit running on me. I had to replace the head gasket and the timing belt broke and replaced six intake valves. My dad gets it put together and it will not start. Got a code for the camshaft sensor so bought a new one and it still will not start. Any ideas what could be wrong?
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:04 PM (Merged)
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Will it run if you use starting fluid?
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:04 PM (Merged)
Avatar
LU5425
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
This is the second time. The first time they replaced the spark plugs and they replaced the fuel pump. And now it is not turning on again what can be the problem?
Also, my brake light will not work. I replaced the bulb and the fuse and still will not work.. The turn signal and emergency lights work though. Could it be the wire?
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:04 PM (Merged)
Avatar
HMAC300
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 48,601 POSTS
Try resetting security system. For brake light see if any of them get power first. It may be the brake light switch there may be a few different ones.
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:04 PM (Merged)
Avatar
JLUPRESTO
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Within the last two weeks, right after starting, it would idle high for about ten seconds, then everything would be fine. Today, It cranks, has spark/fuel, but no start. It starts for about half a second, but then shuts off trying to suck in air. If I hold throttle halfway or more open, it will stay running.(At a higher rpm obviously). Any thoughts?
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:04 PM (Merged)
Avatar
ZACKMAN
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 4,202 POSTS
Check for vacuum leak, and also your EGR valve and solenoid.
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:04 PM (Merged)
Avatar
JLUPRESTO
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I have checked for vacuum leaks all over the place but cannot seem to find anything anywhere. The odd thing is though, if I spray some carburetor cleaner around the throttle body, I can keep it running. That would clearly indicate to me that there should be a huge leak around there somewhere right? I cannot find anything? Why all of a sudden overnight? I was a mechanic for the last ten years.
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:04 PM (Merged)
Avatar
ZACKMAN
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 4,202 POSTS
Test your idle air control valve. While you are around the throttle body, check the TPS also.
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:04 PM (Merged)
Avatar
HDUFFYESQ
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
The fuel level sender intermediately giving a empty gauge when car has gas. Was driving when fuel light appeared, carried on for approximately five miles.
Tested relay and voltage was 3 and 4. Looking for a fuel wiring diagram and any advice
much appreciated.
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:04 PM (Merged)
Avatar
RASMATAZ
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 75,992 POSTS
Hi Hduffyesq, Welcome to 2carpros and TY for the donation.

No start -Do below and get back with some results we start here.

Get a helper disconnect a spark plug wire or two and ground it to the engine at least 3/16 in away from ground have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs,coil's resistances,cap and rotor /distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, ECM,Ignitor camshaft and crankshaft sensors and computer.
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:04 PM (Merged)
Avatar
BACONBETHANY33
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
we just replaced the fuel pump and it still wont start but t turns over!!
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:04 PM (Merged)
Avatar
HMAC300
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 48,601 POSTS
Scan for codes and check fuel pressure with a gauge. Also, check fuses under hood fuse box. Auto parts rent the gauge.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:04 PM (Merged)
Avatar
CHARDBS1
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Hi, I removed and replaced all the small fuses in my car yesterday. They are all in the correct spots, now my car turns over but will not start. The car has a Clifford alarm system in it, I am not sure which model. Is there anything I can do to make it start?
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:04 PM (Merged)
Avatar
HMAC300
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 48,601 POSTS
try resetting your alarm
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:05 PM (Merged)
Avatar
FREEZ
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
Hey.. I was wondering if you could probably help out.. I have an 03galant.. Idont know why.. But it wont start.. Has full battery.. I took it in a shop they told me its probably an ecu problem.. But they dont know for sure.. They tried to diagnose the ecu.. But it didnt respond back.. Would you know why?.. Nd he said he looked at it.. Said all the wires nd neutrals were good.. I sent the ecu else where.. Same problem could not fix. The cars been sitting had a fully charged battery tried to start engine tried to roarr but instead died again.. Still wont start.......

Any advice?...
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:05 PM (Merged)
Avatar
RASMATAZ
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 75,992 POSTS
You sure its not an anti-theft issue?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine atleast 3/16 away from ground-have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, Do you hear the fuel pump come On when you turn key on? If not check fuel pump fuse and fuel pump relay if okay-check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs,coil's resistances,cap and rotor,distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it and keep testing

If both fuel and spark is present-check the valve and ignition timing, this will lead you to problems

with compression and valves opening and closing at the wrong time/broken or jumped timing

belt/chain.
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:05 PM (Merged)
Avatar
BACONBETHANY33
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
it turns over but wont start? any ideas
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:05 PM (Merged)
Avatar
CARADIODOC
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 34,306 POSTS
You need spark, fuel, compression, and correct timing. What have you checked so far, and what were the results? It would take an hour to type all the possible things that can cause a no-start condition.
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:05 PM (Merged)
Avatar
MISTYTWLIGHT
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Last week my car wouldn't start. I took the battery to the auto parts store to have it tested and they said the battery was bad so I bought a new battery. The next morning, again, the car would not start. I got a jump and went back to the auto parts store and they said the alternator was bad. My son replaced the alternator for me. Apparently neither of those were the issue because my car still won't start and nobody seems to be able to figure out why. Any suggestions where or what to check? Thank you for any help you can give me.
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:05 PM (Merged)
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Does the battery die over night? Have you checked for electrical draws?
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:05 PM (Merged)
Avatar
MISTYTWLIGHT
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
No, it pretty instant. Even when I get a jump, it dies almost immediately.
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:05 PM (Merged)
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
If the battery is fully charged, does it die right away?
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:05 PM (Merged)
Avatar
MISTYTWLIGHT
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Pretty much
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:05 PM (Merged)
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
IF it dies that fast, can you find anything overheating?
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:05 PM (Merged)
Avatar
MISTYTWLIGHT
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
No, nothing else seems out of whack.
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:05 PM (Merged)
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
You need to check things. Anything that can kill a car battery that fast, has to be drawing a ton of power which would create heat. Go to our homepage under the DIY section and find the directions for checking for an electrical draw. See if there is one. If there is, remove one fuse at a time until the draw stops. Let me know what you find.
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:05 PM (Merged)
Avatar
FREEZ
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
Ok.. My brother was driving my 03 galant.. He didnt know but instead of havin it in drive.. He had it in the 3.. Then switched while still driving when we came to a stop light the car just died.. Tried to start it backk up nothing.. When it did start it started but you need to keep the engine running or else it just shuts off out again.. Every time i take my foot off the gas pedal and stop revving it itll die and not try to start back for a while..... Do you know what can possibly be wrong?...
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:05 PM (Merged)
Avatar
RIVERMIKERAT
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 6,110 POSTS
Have it scanned for both hard and soft codes.
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:05 PM (Merged)
Avatar
FREEZ
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
Ive Tried To Have It Scanned.. Shop Told Me My Ecu's Not Responding Backk.. Though All Wires Nd Neutrals Are Good..
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:05 PM (Merged)
Avatar
RIVERMIKERAT
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 6,110 POSTS
That means that most likely the ECM is fried.
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:05 PM (Merged)
Avatar
FREEZ
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
ECM.. Would You Kno Where That Would Be Or Same Place As The Ecu?... Its Not The Same Thing Right..
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:05 PM (Merged)
Avatar
RIVERMIKERAT
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 6,110 POSTS
ECM=PCM=ECU
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:05 PM (Merged)
Avatar
FREEZ
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
Ooh Alright.. Thnxs
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:05 PM (Merged)