Shuts off while driving

TF43

MEMBER
2000 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE
1.5L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

The problem I'm experiencing is after being driven for a little bit, is like it just shuts itself off. It'll being running okay and acts like you have turn the key off. The other day, I drove it approximately fourteen miles, say 8 miles to town, shut it off and did an errand. Got in and started for home. Almost home it acted like it was shutting off. On/off/on/off so I tried to accelerate, and it sort of puffed (LOL) and that was it. I know I have a starter issue, as it doesn't always want to start, so I figure the brushes are worn. Finally got it started. Some guys stopped and help by tapping the starter and started and off to home. Perhaps related but doubt it. The shutting on/off/on/off is what I'm wondering about. Ignition switch perhaps? It has new plugs, plug wires, fuel injectors, fairly recent fuel pump. Or ignition relay? My other question is about replacing the starter. I've got several different manuals, but nothing seems to be very clear about what has to be removed to get to the starter. Thanks much.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

CERTIFIED MECHANIC

Hi,

What you are describing sounds like it could be related to the crankshaft position sensor. When they start to fail, heat has an adverse effect on them. What you could do is this. When it won't start, see if spark is lost to the plugs. Or, if the vehicle has a tachometer, see if it moves slightly when cranking. If it does and you do have spark, see if it starts for a couple of seconds using starting fluid and then stalls. If that happens, we know it is fuel related.

Before we suspect a crankshaft position sensor, take a look through this link, and let me know if it seems to mirror what you experience. I want to be sure the sensor is bad before trying to replace it. The timing belt cover needs removed to access it.

Now the starter is not hard to replace. I just looked at my manual's directions and they are extremely vague. So first, take a look through this link. It explains in general how the procedure is done.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

If you look at the pic below, those are the directions I have. LOL There isn't much to go on. However, what you will need to do is this. First and very important, disconnect the negative battery terminal before working on the starter.

Next, you will need to remove the air filter and filter box. The starter is below it. Once you get that removed, disconnect the wires to the starter (carefully) and then remove the two bolts holding the starter in place. When you reinstall, it is basically the reverse procedure. However, when you connect the wires to the new starter, make sure they are not in any way touching each other. If they are, the starter will engage as soon as you connect the battery and not turn off until the battery is disconnected.

I hope this helps. Please let me know what I can do to help.

Joe

See pic below.

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Monday, October 18th, 2021 AT 8:02 PM

TF43

MEMBER

Hi Joe,

The stalling occurs after it has warmed up some, but even at that it may occur after being driven less than a block or two. I got the link for the start, but there is no link for the crankshaft sensor item. The car is 21 years old, and I'd suspect it is all original. We got the think is 2002 or 03. Perhaps it is heating up. Another fact just a little past history, we were charging the A/C one time, and over charged by accident. It blew the high pressure line off and it had Freon blow thought the entire cabin. Shortly after that the gas gauge started failing. Shortly being perhaps less than a year. And some dials on the A/C vents cables became difficult to move. It does not have a Tachometer. It's a DE 4dr 1.5L. Auto transmission.
Thanks much thus far. Yes, the manuals don't offer much on the starter, LOL.

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Monday, October 18th, 2021 AT 8:40 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

CERTIFIED MECHANIC

Hi,

I'm so sorry. Here is the link. Let me know your thoughts or if you have other questions.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor

By the way, I need you to add the questions related to the vents to a new thread. We try to keep them specific to one topic, so it helps others.

Here is the link to start a new thread. I hope you understand.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

Take care,

Joe

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Tuesday, October 19th, 2021 AT 5:31 PM