2002 Mitsubishi Magna engine cutout

DAVEME84

MEMBER
2002 MITSUBISHI MAGNA
140,000 MILES

The car has an intermittent problem where after about 15 minutes of driving, the radio turns itself off and the anti lock light comes on. Then the engine starts to run funny as if its about to die. The dials begin to malfunction with the fuel gauge displaying as empty and the speedometer displays 0 kph. Soon after low and behold the engine dies. If I try to turn it on immediately the engine makes no noise whatsoever. After ten minutes of leaving it off, when I try to turn it on, it makes a very weak noise but is far from starting. After 1.5 hours the engine starts and it runs again for a while.

I have had the battery changed after advice from the recovery guy and the fuel pump changed after an auto electrician looked at it. Neither have improved the situation. The engine seems to be in good order on the whole other than this issue. I have been told that the problem could be anything and almost impossible to detect.

I am at the mercy of this car and I could really do with some advise on the matter. I thought it was a power problem but to be honest I can't be sure. I have been told that the alternator is working fine. It is really bizarre how the problem starts with the radio! I'm at a loss. Any advice with how to fix or even detect the issue would be of great assistance. Thanks

2 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,873 POSTS

Have the generator tested for full-load output current and "ripple" voltage. Everything you described can be caused by low system voltage. If one of the six diodes in the generator is bad it will only develop exactly one third of its rated current, and that's not enough to meet the demands of the electrical system under all conditions. The battery will have to make up the difference until it runs down. It can regain enough charge over time to crank the engine again but it won't last long.