Hey Guys,

I have a 1996 Eclipse GS 5 speed 2.0, 140K. Since Sunday I cannot start the engine as normal. The best way I can describe it is if you try to start the engine while you do not have the clutch pressed all the way down. Lights come on fine but absolutly nothing happens with the engine. After about 5-10 minutes of trying (with the clutch down of course) it turns as normal and starts up fine. There is nothing mechanically wrong that I can tell. I'm afraid to take it anywhere for fear that it will leave me stranded. Has anybody ever experienced this?

TIA!
Rene

 

sooo, if you constantly crank it over for a good bit of time it will eventually turn over? possible clogged injectors, fuel filter, check ur plugs... always start with the basics. injector cleaner - 5 bucks. fuel filter 20 bucks, checking plugs - free, changin plugs 8 bucks. this is all standard maintenance anyways.

 

What happens initially? Does teh alternator just click?

 

alternator? lol

 

Starter dammit.

 

LMAO...

Starter relay

 

I say starter.

 

Well if you turn the key and you have nothing, first check the battery and if that is ok I am gonna say you have a bad starter.

 

if he cranks it for 5-10 mins before he gets it started... can't be the battery. it would die within 20 seconds of constant turning if it was dead, or just about dead.
possible starter.

 

Hey guys, thanks for your response. The engine does not turn at all. Like I mentioned the engine does NOTHING. No turning, no cranking, no clicking. If you have ever tried starting a manual transmission without pressing the clutch in, it's exactly what happens. When I do get it to start everything works fine, no check engine light or funny engine noises. Hope this additional info helps.

Thanks!
Rene