Recent Feedback
I have a 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Railliart that is having ignition problems possibly. Everything runs fine until I park and then try to go and nothing happens starter wise. I had it towed to our mech, thinking it was the starter (doesn't even click when you turn the ignition) the shop replaced the battery and told me that was the problem. Now 2 days later, my car won't start and it's the exact same thing, (won't turn over but no clicking.) The lights and everything all work, so it's not the battery. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Country: CanadaMake: MitsubishiModel: Lancer RalliartYear: 2004 Already Tried: I had it towed to a garage and they checked it out and replaced the battery. It ran again for a couple of days and now nothing happens when you turn the key as far as starting the engine. Lights and radio work.
Hi,When you have the headlights on and you turn the key to Start, do the lights dim a lot, not much or not at all?Thanks
When I have the headlights on turn the key to start the lights do not dim at all.
Thanks.With the lights not dimming at all, this means there is no signal request for the starter. While it is possible for this to occur due to a failure of the park position switch (or neutral safety switch on manual transmission models), it is very rare. When this problem occurs, it is nearly 100% of the time a failure of the ignition switch. Inside the ignition switch is a series of copper rings that are made contact with by a rotating assembly inside. Over time these copper contacts oxidize and get weaker and weaker contacts. Eventually the conductivity goes down enough that it is no longer able to energize the starter.In order to test this, one would have to be able to get the problem to occur on demand, and then verify no power coming out of the ignition switch when turned to Start. Realistically though, this problem is so common it is something I don't even fool with any more, I just keep a spare switch handy for verification, or will fool with the key (wiggle/push etc) while turning it to see if I can manipulate the conditions, indicating a switch issue.Repair is straight forward and rather easy, and on this era (97-05) Mitsubishi, the ignition switches really should be regular maintenance items as they fail so much.To replace it, simply remove the philips screws holding the top and bottom halves of the steering column cover together, then pop the two halves apart and set them aside.With the column exposed, the ignition switch will be on the left side of the column, just opposite where the key goes in (the switch attaches to the back of the lock housing that holds the key cylinder). Unplug the switch and remove the philip screw holding it in, then swap the switch out.A new switch from Mitsubishi is about $75, though aftermarket ones can be had for less. I have no issue with using aftermarket ignition switches on this car. If you were to pay a shop to perform this, expect a half hour minimum labor charge, typically around $45. To be honest though, most do it yourselfers can handle this; it takes about 5 minutes to change if you've done them before... count on 15-20 minutes your first time around.If you have any questions, please let me know.
Experience: Mitsubishi employed and Factory trained ASE certified technician
Thanks so much Doug for your expertise. I will try doing this myself : )
No problem at all, I am glad to help.If you need anything further on this matter, you can always reach me at this page.Good luck!