Contents: 1. The engine does not turn over…⤓ 2. The engine turns over but does…⤓ 3. The starter works, but the engine…⤓ 4. The engine does not start or runs…⤓ 5. The engine does not start or runs…⤓ 6. Noisy or very rough starter…⤓ 7. The engine starts but immediately…⤓ 8. Engine idling problems ⤓ 9. Misfiring at idle ⤓ 10. Misfires across the entire speed…⤓ 11. The engine stalls ⤓ 12. The engine does not develop full…⤓ 13. Engine backfires ⤓ 14. Ringing or knocking noise in the…⤓ 15. Pre-ignition (engine continues…⤓
1. The engine does not turn over when trying to start
1. The battery terminals are loose or corroded. Tighten the terminals and remove the corrosion.
2. The battery is faulty or completely discharged. If the terminals are clean and tight, turn on the ignition, then turn on the headlights and/or windshield wipers. If they do not work, the battery is discharged.
3. The automatic transmission is not fully engaged in Park or Neutral or the clutch pedal is not fully depressed.
4. Broken, loose or disconnected wire in engine starting circuit. Check wires and terminals of battery wires, starter solenoid, starter safety switch and ignition switch.
5. The starter pinion is jammed in the flywheel ring gear. If the transmission is manual, engage the gear and crank the engine from a standing start. Remove the starter as soon as possible and inspect the pinion and flywheel (see Chapter 5).
6. Failure of the starter traction electromagnet (see Chapter 5).
7. Starter failure (see Chapter 5).
8. Ignition switch failure (see Chapter 12).
9. Neutral position sensor failure (automatic transmission - Chapter 7B) or clutch position sensor (see Chapter 8).
2. The engine turns over but does not start
1. The fuel tank is empty.
2. The carburetor or fuel injection system is faulty (see Chapter 4).
3. The battery is discharged (the engine turns slowly). Check the operation of electrical devices as described in the previous section.
4. The battery terminals are loose or corroded (See previous section).
5. Fuel pump failure (see Chapter 4).
6. Wet or damaged ignition system components (see Chapter 5).
7. Worn, failed or incorrectly gapped spark plugs (see Chapter 1).
8. Broken, loose or disconnected wire in engine starter circuit (See previous section).
9. Large play in the distributor has changed the ignition timing. Turn the distributor to a position where the engine can be started, then adjust the ignition timing at the next opportunity (see Chapter 1).
10. Broken, loose or disconnected wire in ignition coil circuit or coil failure (see Chapter 5).
3. The starter works, but the engine does not turn
1. The starter gear is stuck. Remove the starter (see Chapter 5) and examine it.
2. Starter pinion or flywheel teeth worn or damaged. Remove flywheel/drive plate housing and inspect.
4. The engine does not start or runs poorly when cold
1. The battery is discharged or weakly charged. Check according to section 1.
2. Malfunction of the fuel system or electrical system (see Chapter 4 и 5).
3. It is necessary to disassemble and clean the carburetor (see Chapter 4).
4. The distributor rotor has cracks filled with carbon deposits and/or is damaged (see Chapter 1 и 5).
5. Jamming of the air damper controls (carburetor models) (see Chapter 1 и 4).
6. On early 1.5L Mirages, rough running when cold during the first few miles may be due to improper mounting of the carburetor base and cylinder head. Ask your dealer for Technical Service Bulletin STB-85-14-005. The troubleshooting kit is MD104628 (49 states) and MD104629 (California).
7. On early 2.0L Corida/Tredia models, rough running when cold may be due to a faulty coolant temperature sensor or a faulty carburetor jet. Ask your dealer for Technical Service Bulletin STB-84-14-004 and Service Bulletin STB-85-14-006.
8. On early Mirage Turbo models, unstable cold engine operation during the first few kilometers of travel may be due to a malfunction of the modulator. Ask your service center for Technical Service Bulletin STB-85-14-007.
9. On 1987 Galant models, stalling immediately after cold starting or after putting the transmission into gear may be due to a faulty modulator. Ask your dealer for Technical Service Bulletin STB-88-14-002. The modulator kit is part number MD134375.
5. The engine does not start or runs poorly when warmed up
1. The air filter is clogged (see Chapter 1).
2. Malfunction of the fuel system or electrical system (see Chapter 4 и 5).
3. Fuel does not reach the carburetor (on carburetor models) (see section 2).
4. On early 1985 Mirages, rough running after a hot start (5-15 minutes after turning off a warm engine) may be due to a faulty float chamber cover. Ask your dealer for Technical Service Bulletin STB-85-14-004.
6. Noisy or very rough starter engagement
1. Worn or damaged starter pinion or flywheel. Remove rear engine cover (if equipped) and inspect.
2. The starter mounting bolts have become loose or fallen out.
7. The engine starts but immediately stalls
1. Loose or broken electrical connections on the distributor, ignition coil or generator
2. Malfunction of the fuel or electrical systems (see Chapter 4 и 5).
3. Not enough fuel is reaching the carburetor (carburetor models). Check the fuel pump (see Chapter 4).
4. Vacuum leak at intake manifold or carburetor/throttle body gasket. Check for tightness of mounting bolts/nuts and tightness of vacuum hoses to carburetor and manifold.
5. On 1987 Galant models, stalling immediately after cold starting or after putting the transmission into gear may be due to a faulty modulator. Ask your dealer for Technical Service Bulletin STB-88-14-002. The modulator kit is part number MD134375.
6. On 1985 - 1987 Galant models - the wrong type of air filter is installed (see Chapter 1).
8. Engine idling problems
1. Vacuum leak. Check the carburetor to throttle body and intake manifold mounting bolts/nuts for tightness. Check all vacuum hoses for condition and tightness. Use a stethoscope or a length of hose to your ear to listen for vacuum leaks while the engine is idling. Vacuum leaks will sound like a hissing noise. Leaks can also be detected with a soap solution.
2. Malfunction of the fuel or electrical systems (see Chapter 4 и 5).
3. Leaking EGR valve or plugged PCV valve (see Chapter 1 и 6).
4. Clogged air filter or incorrect type of filter - especially on 1985-1987 Galant models - (see Chapter 1).
5. The fuel pump does not provide sufficient fuel supply to the carburetor (carburetor models) (see Chapter 4).
6. Incorrect carburetor adjustment (see Chapter 4).
7. Cylinder head gasket failure. Check compression (see Chapter 2).
8. Wear of camshaft cams (see Chapter 2).
9. On early 1986 Galants with MPI, rough idle and loss of power may be due to a poorly seated pin in the fuel injector. The injector must be replaced. Ask your dealer for Technical Service Bulletin STB-86-14-004.
10. Rough idle on 1984 Cordia/Tredia 2.0L models equipped with feedback carburetors may be related to the retard control valve (DCV). Ask your shop for Technical Service Bulletin STB-84-14-006.
9. Misfiring at idle
1. Worn or incorrectly gapped spark plugs (see Chapter 1).
2. Malfunction of the fuel or electrical systems (see Chapter 4 и 5).
3. Defective spark plug wires or distributor cap (see Chapter 1).
4. On early 1986 Galants with MPI, rough idle and loss of power may be due to a poorly seated pin in the fuel injector. The injector must be replaced. Ask your dealer for Technical Service Bulletin STB-86-14-004.
5. On 1985-1987 Galant models - incorrect air filter type (see Chapter 1).
10. Misfires across the entire speed range
1. Clogged fuel filter and/or foreign particles in the fuel system (see Chapter 1).
2. Malfunction or incorrect gap in spark plugs (see Chapter 1).
3. Malfunction of the fuel or electrical systems (see Chapter 4 и 5).
4. Incorrect ignition timing (see Chapter 1).
5. Cracks in the distributor cap, disconnected distributor wires or damaged distributor components (see Chapter 1).
6. Damage to spark plug wires (see Chapter 1).
7. Malfunction of intake system components (see Chapter 6).
8. Uneven or low compression in the cylinders. Remove the spark plugs and check the compression (see Chapter 2).
9. Wear or malfunction of the ignition system (see Chapter 5).
10. Vacuum leak at carburetor/throttle body, intake manifold, or vacuum hoses (see Chapter 4).
11. On early 1986 Galants with MPI, rough idle and loss of power may be due to a poorly seated pin in the fuel injector. The injector must be replaced. Ask your dealer for Technical Service Bulletin STB-86-14-004.
12. On turbocharged models, misfiring, especially at intermediate speeds with increased cylinder pressure (overcoming a rise at idle speed and in fifth gear) may be due to spark jumping between high-voltage wires due to their improper routing. Ask your service center for Technical Service Bulletin STB-85-08-011.
13. On 1987 and earlier models, except for Galant, slight engine speed fluctuations of 100-200 rpm while the vehicle is moving at a constant speed may be due to incomplete engagement of the torque converter damper clutch. Ask your service center for Technical Service Bulletin STB-87-21-003.
11. The engine stalls
1. Incorrect idle speed adjustment. Refer to the VECI plate and Chapter 1.
2. The fuel filter is clogged and/or there is water and foreign particles in the fuel system (see Chapter 1).
3. Wet or damaged distributor elements (see Chapter 5).
4. Malfunction of the fuel system or sensors (see Chapter 4 и 6).
5. Malfunction of the intake system elements (see Chapter 6).
6. Malfunction or incorrect gap in spark plugs (see Chapter 1). Check also the high-voltage wires (see Chapter 1).
7. Vacuum leak at carburetor/throttle body, intake manifold or vacuum hoses. Check as per section 13.
8. All Galant models 1985 - 1987 - incorrect air filter type (see Chapter 1).
12. The engine does not develop full power
1. Incorrect ignition timing (see Chapter 1).
2. Malfunction of the fuel or electrical systems (see Chapter 4 и 5).
3. Excessive play in the distributor shaft. At the same time, check the condition of the rotor, distributor cap, wires, etc. (see Chapter 1 и 5).
4. Failure or incorrect gap of spark plugs (see Chapter 1).
5. Incorrectly adjusted or worn carburetor (carburetor models) (see Chapter 4).
6. Ignition coil failure (see Chapter 5).
7. Brakes sticking (see Chapter 1).
8. The level of the working fluid in the automatic transmission does not correspond to the norm (see Chapter 1).
9. Clutch slippage (see Chapter 8).
10. Clogged fuel filter and/or presence of foreign particles in the fuel system (see Chapter 1).
11. Incorrect functioning of the system for monitoring the emission of toxic substances into the atmosphere (see Chapter 6).
12. Using non-standard fuel. Fill the tank with fuel with the appropriate octane number.
13. Low or uneven compression in the cylinders. Measure the compression with a compression tester, which will help detect leaks in the valves and/or cylinder head gasket (see Chapter 2).
14. On early 1986 Galants with MPI, rough idle and loss of power may be due to a poorly seated pin in the fuel injector. The injector must be replaced. Ask your dealer for Technical Service Bulletin STB-86-14-004.
15. On 1985 - 1987 Galant models - incorrect air filter type (see Chapter 1).
13. Engine backfires
1. Incorrect functioning of the system for monitoring the emission of toxic substances into the atmosphere (see Chapter 6).
2. Malfunction of the fuel or electrical system (see Chapter 4 и 5).
3. Incorrect ignition timing (see Chapter 1).
4. Failure of the secondary circuit of the ignition system (crack in the spark plug insulator, malfunction of the spark plug wires, distributor cap and/or rotor) (see Chapter 1 и 5).
5. The fuel injection system or carburetor is incorrectly adjusted or excessively worn (see Chapter 4).
6. Vacuum leak at carburetor/throttle body, intake manifold or vacuum hoses.
7. Valve sticking (see Chapter 2).
14. Ringing or knocking noise in the engine when accelerating or driving uphill
1. Fuel with an octane rating different from the standard is used. Fill the tank with fuel with the appropriate octane rating.
2. Malfunction of the fuel or electrical system (see Chapter 4 и 5).
3. Incorrect ignition timing (see Chapter 1).
4. Carburetor adjustment is required (carburetor models) (see Chapter 4).
5. Incorrect or damaged spark plugs are installed. Check the spark plug type on the VECI plate located in the engine compartment. Also check the integrity of the spark plugs and high-voltage wires (see Chapter 1).
6. Wear or destruction of ignition distributor elements (see Chapter 5).
7. Failure of the system for monitoring the emission of toxic substances into the atmosphere (see Chapter 6).
8. Vacuum leak. Check according to section 9.
15. Pre-ignition (engine continues to run) after ignition is turned off
1. Too high idle speed (see Chapter 1).
2. Malfunction of the fuel or electrical system (see Chapter 4 и 5).
3. Incorrect ignition timing (see Chapter 1).
4. Malfunction of the air intake duct heating system (HAI) of the air filter (see Chapter 1 и 6).
5. Engine temperature is too high. This could be due to a faulty thermostat or a clogged radiator (see Chapter 3).