Re: Crackling sound when starting up

Hi everyone,

For the past while I've been experiencing a very loud crackling sound coming from the engine when I initially turn the car on. It usually occurs for about 2-3 seconds, and only happens when the car is semi-warm or warm. I never hear it when the engine is cold.

Last week I took it to Mitsubishi and even they could not figure it out. They originally thought it had something to do with the exhaust, but even they weren't sure about it. The mechanic said that the sound didn't last long enough for them to distinguish where exactly it was coming from. If I have my driver side door open, and start it up when the sound is occurring I can hear it from right under the car on the driver side, but I can't pinpoint it either. It literally sounds like firecrackers, especially when the base of wherever I'm parked creates an echo.

I've done searches but they don't seem to be of the same problem. I've heard all kinds of suggestions from the t-belt, exhaust, alternator, flywheel to the spark plugs.

I guess I just want to know if it's just a common sound, or if this is a prelude to something that might be a problem (if it's not already a problem.)

Any suggestions or advice would be great. Like I said, it only occurs when the car is started (when warm), for 2-3 seconds, then goes away.

Thanks in advance.

Check your pms...

i had the same problem too....hasn't done it this winter, but always did it alst summer....the sound only occured right when i started it and lasted 2 seconds at the most. no clue of what it could be, but if you find out, fill me in.

My guess would be that it's your starter.

BTW, I think your sig picture is way to BIG

I had kind of the same problem, but mine happend when it was cold! I had the starter rebuilt and it fixed the problem.

my pic? it's just fine for me :) of course i'm probably running a much higher res than you are.

Not your pic, Yungstar007 pic, but i see he fixed it.

check your relay or your starter.