Monty died, won't start.

[magoh76]

My daughter was driving my Montero to work the other night, when it died on her. She was immediately able to start it again, but it happened 2 more times. When I got to her work to look at it, I got it started and it ran for about a minute when it shut off, and now refuses to start again. Turns over ok, but never starts, makes me think it's not getting fuel. I know you are thinking "check the fuel pressure, it's probably the pump or the filter", but there are a couple odd things.

One is, I can't get my OBDII scanner to talk to the ecu, where is has always worked before and still has no problem with my other car. Possible related: cigar lighter is apparently not putting out full power as my phone won't charge from it; same charger works fine in my other car. There is no voltage gauge. I tried starting it with a jump in case the battery was low but that didn't work, and anyway it seems to turn over fine like I said.

The other problem is I have no idea where to check the fuel pressure. It's a newish vehicle for me, and I can't find the check valve. I've ordered a Haynes manual but it is coming from the UK so won't be here for a while (apparently the 3rd gen Montero is not popular enough to have an American version published). I do have the FSM downloaded, thanks to you all, but it is for the 3.8 and I've got the 3.5 and sometimes things don't match up.


Summary: How to check the fuel pressure on a 2001 Montero that won't start? Or is it possibly a problem with my ecu? Or something else?

 

[SoCalMonty]

Check the basics first.

I'm leaning toward ignition or alternator.

 

[At1Maverick]

I'd follow where you fuel line is and start looking for the schrader valve, you can just push on the core on it to see if you have fuel pressure, sorry I don't quite remember where the port is. Although some people might not agree to this method, but a quick way to see if it's a fuel issue is to spray a little starting fluid, down the throttle body, don't use to much though. other than that, see if you have spark by pulling a spark plug wires and grounding it. Good luck!

Also check battery voltage

 

[yubert]

<snip>

Summary: How to check the fuel pressure on a 2001 Montero that won't start? Or is it possibly a problem with my ecu? Or something else?

It could be something else. Based on the symptoms, not sure what leads you think think it's fuel-related. Why don't you pull a spark plug wire and crank the engine to see if you're get a spark. If you don't, it could be your ignition coil. But if you do get a spark, remove the spark plug and crank again to see if you're getting fuel into the engine. That will tell you if the fuel pump is the problem.

If you're getting fuel and spark, then it could be your crank position sensor. And from the symptoms, it could very well be your CPS.

 

[Mudrunner]

Are there any immobilizing items like an alarm that might have gone bad or maybe just a loose wire? Just another thing to look at, had that problem with me Jetta. Door lock module went out and when I replaced a part it refused to start.

 

[mtnbike28]

Good luck! This was the reason I sold my '89 - one day it wouldn't start. Turned over great..... They replaced two electronic modules ($1700) and still wouldn't start, finally they pulled the whole wiring harness and found a short in it, they had to cut open the harness spread it out and chase each wire's continuity. Once it started, I traded it in (very upside down) and moved on. That was my second '89, both brand new, the other lost the motor at 9k miles, and I lemon lawed it. Too bad for me, I loved the trucks! That was just my experience and really hope yours is better!

 

[magoh76]

Thanks for all the replies. I got it back home and pulled a plug and checked for spark. No spark. I talked to service manager at the closest dealer and he said his first inclination is to check the timing belt. Does that sound right? The thing that bothers me is how it shut off and restarted several times. And the fact there is no spark at all. If the timing had jumped wouldn't it still spark, just at the wrong time? I've been planning to replace the timing belt asap anyway, but needed a little more time saving money for the job. He quoted me $700 plus checking the heads for damage.

I really appreciate all your input. I'm not a great mechanic (IT guy here, always felt more comfortable with computers), but I'm trying to learn.

 

[magoh76]

Daughter supplied another piece of information. When she did get it started after it died, she couldn't get it to go very fast - no power.

 

[Michael Brown]

Replace all spark plugs, and timing belt. Check for OBD codes (even if the engine light is not on). Also check fuses.

Another one is to confirm all vacuum lines are correct. I had a shop reverse the EGR lines so the car would shut off until it warmed up and would have a rough idle (I would have to keep foot on throttle). Once that was found and fixed, everything started running smoothly again. I would not bother checking the heads yet. They should not have any damage, maybe carbon buildup. A good OBD-II reader/eraser will be your best friend for diagnosis with a Mitsubishi.

How many miles does it have and have there been any other issues?

 

[off-roader]

Smelling more and more like a bad ecu or something related to that...

 

[mtnbike28]

which fuses control spark? I would check those close (or maybe even just replace) I once towed my friends Dodge 3500 30 miles home with my Tacoma all because a bad fuse we both let someone else check and not us!

 

[yubert]

Thanks for all the replies. I got it back home and pulled a plug and checked for spark. No spark. I talked to service manager at the closest dealer and he said his first inclination is to check the timing belt. Does that sound right? The thing that bothers me is how it shut off and restarted several times. And the fact there is no spark at all. If the timing had jumped wouldn't it still spark, just at the wrong time? I've been planning to replace the timing belt asap anyway, but needed a little more time saving money for the job. He quoted me $700 plus checking the heads for damage.

I really appreciate all your input. I'm not a great mechanic (IT guy here, always felt more comfortable with computers), but I'm trying to learn.

Well if you're not getting a spark, I'd check the ignition coil and go down that path. It's premature to suspect the timing belt let alone replace it and all the spark plugs.

 

[GrassCat]

David
No 1. Start by finding out why your OBDII scanner is not working. You're working in the dark without it.

No 2. Go here http://www.mitsubishilinks.com/ and get a service manual, the 1998 will work for your year, same engine.

No 3. If a poster does not have Mitsubishi in his signature, I'd be Leary of their post. Example (check the coil) maybe they meant coil packs. Nevertheless this is not helpful and the mechanic suggestion is off too.

No 4. As Ray said, it sounds like a bad ECU, but that is rare on those models.

No 5. I've been wrong many times so take my suggestion for what you paid for them.

If you lived a little closer I'd come help you find the problem.

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

Check the coil packs, I've had this issue once. Replaced all coil packs and moved on.

Good luck.

 

[off-roader]

Any news? Also, just curious if you also downloaded the 1990-2002 engine guide fsm? May have details on your engine there.

It is possible that a bad battery could also cause this since it may be bad enough that it's pulling down the good battery you're trying to start it with. Easy to check. Simply disconnect old battery and use a known good battery in its place... even if you do it temporarily using jumper cables.