09Lancer randomly starts only after 3rd try and sometimes sluggish power

Tiny
ZONGHANS
  • MEMBER
  • 2009 MITSUBISHI LANCER
  • 48,700 MILES
I drive a '09 Mitsubishi Lancer EX 1.5(A) unmodified. Engine is 4A91. At random times, the car would crank normally but doesn't start. However, it starts normally after 3rd try, and there is no engine check light. I rev the engine to about 3.5k RPM, and heard a soft backfire sound from the exhaust. Using a code reader, nothing was registered.

Generally, after this incident, the car would feel sluggish (includes gear shifts) or weak during acceleration and would recover in a day or two. There was also once when I had to step hard on the brake to stop normally. So, kindda suspect the vacuum lines and components like EGR and PCV valves.

What should I do?
Tuesday, June 12th, 2012 AT 9:31 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
I would be checking fuel pressure and see if it drops off to quickly, let me know what you find.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, June 12th, 2012 AT 10:06 AM
Tiny
ZONGHANS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I forgot to mention one more thing. My car also has the famous "vibration when idling in DRIVE" problem. Engine idling has vibrations when stopped at the lights, but smooth idling when in Neutral or Park.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, June 12th, 2012 AT 11:41 AM
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Possible low base idle or soft engine mounts, for the vibration problem.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, June 12th, 2012 AT 10:48 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links