Forum Home
PC World Chat
Thread ID: 85795	2007-12-22 04:21:00	My Car won't idle.. Any mechanics in the house?	radium (8645)	PC World Chat

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
623622	2007-12-22 05:48:00	Man that all sounds to complex for me, :) I just went out and looked at it, I started it and it's going fine ?? :confused: Maybe I will just take it to my mechanic next time it happens, whatever it is it seems to be an Intermittent fault . I did have a problem about 5 months ago, where the car would turn over but wouldn't start, I ended up towing it to my mechanic to look at, I went to pick it up and he hadn’t looked at it, he tried to start it and it started straight away, I asked him what the problem was, he said he didn't know, because it wasn't doing it, anyway he offered a tune up :) I said how much . . . he said $200, I said nah don't worry bout it . I wasn't prepared to pay him to do a tune up when that may not have even fixed the problem . It happened once again about a week after, but tried starting it the next day and it started sweet as . So this time I didn't worry about it . Then about a month ago I replaced the battery, because the last one was on its way out, it would die If I had the stereo on for like a min with out it running The car has been going fine until the last couple of day where I have had this stalling problem . I'm wondering it the two problems are related because it has a much better battery now so that's why it's starting but won't stay running . But as I said it seems to be fine right now? If the battery voltage gets below about 10 . 6, the ECM will usually call it quits and shut off the system . . resulting in an apparent "stall" . . but you'd not be able to restart again without charging the battery first . . . so discount that scenario . A new battery and a sound charging system will not cause intermittent stalling or poor running . Usually . . . there can be exceptions . . but they are rather like thinking Zebras when you hear hoofbeats . Most modern vehicle computers have the problem stored in it's memory . . and it can be accessed . . again with that scanner . If the problem is mechanical . . it usually won't be a hit and miss situation . Broken physical things don't usually mend themselves . They leak, fall off, rattle or bend . Electronic things are a little different . . but remember that the onboard computer takes a snapshot of the trouble when it happens and if someone does NOT erase the codes they will be there to diagnose when you get a scan done . Not all onboard units are capable of making a movie of the trouble though . . I am not totally sure of NZ vehicles as they aren't under the same gun as the US versions in proprietary codes access and factory service bulletins like they are here . If you can get the code out of the ECM, then I might be able to help you . Do youse guys get throttle body gumming? We have a lot of it here when people buy cheap-o fuel with a higher percentage of alcohol in it . . it blocks the intake butterfly from closing all the way . . . making the ISC motor very angry and it sometimes destroys the stepper motor and burn out in a low-idle condition making the engine stall . If the ISC is a feed-back and has the 5v reference signal, then it should pop a CEL too . Many FORD ISCs burn out from trying to close the port against sludge and carbon dirt . Most are stated as not cleanable . . but I have done it successfully a few times when they aren't really fried . It's temporary at best, but a good diagnostic shot . We also get a lot of people using the higher-test fuels with higher octane to make their engine supposedly run better . They just ruin a lot of sensors and cats that way as the fuel won't completely burn until it's 'way past the exhaust valve and a plasma flame that hits the manifold and then to the cat causing it to run too hot .	SurferJoe46 (51)
623623	2007-12-22 06:21:00	Take it to your local Mitsubishi dealer ( or a good auto electrician (they are more likely to have the scanner and fuel testing gear, automotive computers and associated systems are a large part of their work these days)) and ask them to only diagnose your problem first, then advise you as to cost, and possible alternatives (give them a time/dollar limit if you feel so inclined, a couple of hours should be enough).:) They must only do what you tell them to do, you are their customer and the customer is always right (besides they want you to return, and bring more customers with you, so they dont want to piss you off).	feersumendjinn (64)
623624	2007-12-22 06:29:00	Yes that would be my bet. Take it to a Mitsubishi dealer or auto electrician. :)	Trev (427)
623625	2007-12-22 06:32:00	Thanks for your help guys. :) You know I posted tthe same question at the same time in a car help forum, and I still haven't had a reply. I knew I could rely PF1 members. Thanks again	radium (8645)
623626	2007-12-22 08:23:00	Mate serious it probaly isnt worth fixing, drive it to Pick A Part and buy a later model low k car. I am a mechanic, my theory is if the Japanese were so crass ****hot their machinery would have won the war for them. It didnt they came second in WW2 probaly because the Mitsi fighters had misses in the engines just like yours. C1	chicken one (6501)
623627	2007-12-22 08:42:00	feersumendjinn 's plan sounds good, Get them to diagnose it and go from there. Ya see I have a work van and I hardly ever drive my car. but it's handy if I want to go away on holiday, and I don't want to be stuck in the middle of no where.	radium (8645)
623628	2007-12-23 10:20:00	As others have said, you've got either stepper motor or ECU faults. Misti are renowned for electrical faults amongst others	Phil B (648)
623629	2007-12-23 10:34:00	One of my Mit had the similar problem 3 years ago and so did my Honda Accord. I would say it's all LUCK. If you are lucky, you get a trouble-free car (can be any make and model) for years, but if you are not, then even a Merce or BM may give you problem just after you drove out of their showroom! Same thing applies to others like a TV, Fridge, or a computer! That's the way it is.	bk T (215)
623630	2007-12-24 00:20:00	S**t happens, in other words :eek: :D My philosophy is, a bit of technical/mechanical sympathy/ability and some preventative maintenance works wonders! (And will cost less in the long run).	feersumendjinn (64)
623631	2007-12-24 01:14:00	I'm not sure if mitsi are the same, but our corolla had a rough idle and when stopped at the lights and being an auto it wanted to stall, it turned out to be a sticky solenoid that I think controls throttle. Not 100% sure because a mate fixed it. Original fault felt like a low idle,	plod (107)
1 2 3 4