Monty died, won't start.

[LaOutbackTrail]

Also, check the MAF, had issues with that recently as well. Unplug it and give it a go.

Ray, I don't feel its anything related to the battery or electrical system.

 

[off-roader]

Also, check the MAF, had issues with that recently as well. Unplug it and give it a go.

Ray, I don't feel its anything related to the battery or electrical system.

well, electrical is secondary IMHO. I still think its ecu related. His code reader isn't communicating with his ecu. Only way that can happen is if the battery is totally dead, a bad power connection to the ecu or if the ecu is bad.

 

[Mudrunner]

well, electrical is secondary IMHO. I still think its ecu related. His code reader isn't communicating with his ecu. Only way that can happen is if the battery is totally dead, a bad power connection to the ecu or if the ecu is bad.

OP states that the cigar lighter port he is using is bad. Could be a problem for the Scan tool. He should try another port if he can reach it to find out if that is the problem.
I don't know enough about these cars to give much advice. However chasing down the coil packs could be tricky too.

 

[shov3lbum]

Should not forget about the connection between the power transistor and the ignition packs as that is where the spark is originating from. Also should check the connection between the power transistor and the ECU.

 

[MontyMcV]

No spark wiould not be caused by the timing belt, as you say. If you have to work with that dealer, I'd insist on talking to their best mechanic, and not the idiot you talked to before. As for your 3.5, pull the 98 FSM I have as it will be the 3.5 SOHC that your 01 has. Shouldn't be too many differences for the engine itself.

I'd also have the battery tested. Just replaced mine after a couple of weeks of occasional and odd things like power loss, sudden stall (it's an AT), radio blinking out and losing memory settings. It tested with good amps, but well below the original rating, and was also 4.5 years old. Over a week with the new one and nothing odd so far. That is longer than I had gone recently up to that point. You just never know what a failing battery will do to you...

 

[off-roader]

Any news/progress?

 

[Howah]

Crankshaft position sensor controls spark. While cranking, if tachometer bounces lightly would indicated a working crank sensor.

 

[94monster]

If the timing belt skipped then the crank and cam position sensors would not send the correct signal to the computer which would make a no spark condition. if one of the sensors is bad possibly same thing... if the timing belt skipped a tooth then it could certainly cause a low power situation and it may still drive. If it were me I wouldn't drive it until it's fixed

 

[magoh76]

Reviving an old thread, at least it is mine. I saw a lot of people asking for updates. I ended up replacing the ECU and it seemed to fix the problem. I've also since replaced the timing belt.

BUT, a year later I'm having similar issues again. Sometimes won't start until after several tries, randomly shuts off while driving (very disconcerting!), and a strong fuel smell from the engine when it happens. I'd really hate to have to replace the ECU every year. I took it to another mechanic who couldn't reproduce the problem but suggested cam sensor, crankshaft sensor or fuel pump but didn't know for sure as he doesn't have the Mitsu diagnostic tools. I could take it to a dealer, but the closest one is 135 miles away. :smilies27 So I'm going to check as much as can from the suggestions in this thread and go from there. I'm starting with LaOutbackTrail's suggestion to check the coil packs. Also replacing the battery to take that out of the mix and because it is due anyway.

 

[plh]

any codes set while reading the ECU with your OBD II scan tool?

 

[magoh76]

These are the codes the new mechanic read:

P0431 Warm Up Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 2)
P0155 02 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2 Sensor 1)
P0421 Warm Up Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
P0170 Fuel Trim Malfunction (Bank 1)
P0441 Evaporative Emission Control System Incorrect Purge Flow
P0450 Evaporative Control System Pressure Sensor Low Input
P0325 Knock Sensor Circuit Malfunction

It's been suggested to me that so many codes may point to an ECU failure or electrical problem. Kinda makes sense since the first time was fixed by a replacement ECU. I just don't want to have to buy a new ECU every 6 months.

 

[plh]

These should all be able to be cleared with the OBD II reader. If cleared do they all come back? Top 3 are o2 sensor related I believe - there are 3 sensors.

 

[magoh76]

I've cleared out the top 3 multiple times via the Torque app on my phone. Obviously I need to replace some o2 sensors. The bottom four I've never seen come up before. I haven't had time since I got it back from the mechanic today to check and see if Torque sees those as well. I dont' know why it wouldn't see some of the codes.

 

[njoehow246]

Ive had this exact same prolem with my 2000 mitsubishi montero sport it would die driving down the road and then restart, or randomly die now it doesnt start at all, it has spark but no fuel fuel pump and filter have been replaced still no power to the pump any help would be appreciated