1990 Mitsubishi Montero Continues cranking when release key

JASPER2U

MEMBER
1990 MITSUBISHI MONTERO

Electrical problem
1990 Mitsubishi Montero 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Manual

I have had a recent tuneup and have a new battery. One day we used the car and it wouldn't start for a long time after we had driven somewhere & got back in to leave. Finally it did. Then did it worked ok a few times then it didn't and now it cranks & wont start at all. I notice that the engine continues cranking for a bit even after I release the key & it goes back to run or even off position.

I bought a new ignition switch thinking that MUST be it. That made no difference, so returned the part.

What would make a car continue cranking after releasing the key yet not start? Would a bad solenoid not allow spark to an engine?

Thank you

2 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Could be the starter relay sticking for it to continue to crank and for the will not start could be a fuel or spark issue-do below

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine atleast 3/16 away from ground-have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, coil's resistances, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it