No spark?

Tiny
STACY DANNER2
  • MEMBER
  • 2017 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE
  • 1.2L
  • 3 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 117,000 MILES
Car would shake some, slow acceleration, sputter sometimes. Two months ago, it got really bad and stalled out. Someone said it was battery so replaced it, then someone else said it was fuel pump so someone else replaced it and nothing. Then diagnostic they said showed bad crank sensor. Still nothing. Then they said not getting a spark and the spark plugs are the worst they've ever seen but didn't replace. I'm on limited income and borrowed some from my brother to help. I need my car please help me.
Friday, April 7th, 2023 AT 7:26 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,873 POSTS
Hi,

I would be happy to help. Stacy, were the spark plugs replaced? Also, did you check to see if there is spark to them? If not, I need you to check.

Here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

If you do have spark, I want you to see if it starts using starting fluid. If it does and then stalls, it's a fuel-related issue.

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, April 7th, 2023 AT 11:32 PM
Tiny
STACY DANNER2
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Thanks for the reply. I'm a 62-year-old disabled woman and can't check that and don't know anyone who could. Spark plugs were not replaced. But 2nd mechanic did try the starting fluid before pump was replaced and I think it tried to turn over.
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Saturday, April 8th, 2023 AT 6:55 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi Stacy,

The same thing needs to be done again. You may have a new fuel pump, but there are other things that can prevent fuel from entering the engine. Once we confirm it is a fuel-related issue, then we can attack it. I'm not sure if you are comfortable doing it, but could you check if starting fluid makes any difference?

Let me know.

Take care and I hope you have a Happy Easter,

Joe
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Saturday, April 8th, 2023 AT 7:00 PM
Tiny
STACY DANNER2
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I appreciate it and 2nd mechanic did try started fluid and it almost started but didn't.
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Saturday, April 8th, 2023 AT 9:23 PM
Tiny
STACY DANNER2
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Happy Easter to you too.
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Sunday, April 9th, 2023 AT 6:52 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi Stacy, I hope you had a nice holiday.

If it nearly started with starting fluid, that tells me it isn't getting fuel to the engine, and it is getting spark. We would expect a new fuel pump to work, but that isn't always the case. Do you know if fuel pressure was tested in the engine compartment?

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, April 10th, 2023 AT 7:44 PM
Tiny
STACY DANNER2
  • MEMBER
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I believe it was but I'm not sure. The first mechanic supposedly did diagnostic which I can't read, second one listened and felt fuel pump and said it was no good. Then the 3rd said yes fuel pump bad and replaced then did some test and said sorry it's bad crank sensor and replaced it. Then nothing and said it's not getting spark and it may be some wires but said one was good and could be computer. Never came back.
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Monday, April 10th, 2023 AT 7:51 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Good Lord, you have had your hands full. I'm just surprised they didn't take the time to locate the issue and repair it. One would think between three mechanics, one of them would have fixed it.

Okay, we have a new fuel pump. The issue could be that the pump still isn't performing to what is needed or we have a problem with the fuel injectors.

I realize you aren't comfortable performing tests, but we need to make sure the fuel pressure is good.

Here is a link showing you how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

If that checks to be within the manufacturer's specifications, then we need to move to the fuel injectors to see if they are getting power. Also, they need a ground path to complete the circuit when fuel is needed for each cylinder.

Take a look at this link:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-fuel-injector

Keep in mind, I am basing this on the idea that the vehicle nearly started when using starting fluid. That tells me there is ignition spark to the spark plugs. It also tells me the engine isn't getting fuel without the starting fluid.

I hope this makes sense. Let me know if this helps you better understand or if you have questions.

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, April 10th, 2023 AT 8:33 PM

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