1992 Mighty max engine problems

[Curiousone]

My Truck a 92 Mighty max 2.4 4 cylinder cuts off right after it is started. It runs for like a second then cuts off. I believe it is the fuel filter or the fuel pump. I am going to check it out today if anyone has any ideas of what it could be please let me know.

[marco100]

my eclipse is doing the same thing so i replaced my fuel filter and it didnt help,but i would check your coumpter,i pulled mine and it dont look good, so check the coumpter maybe that will be your problem.

[Curiousone]

Yeah I think it is the computer. I have to find a new one localy cuz it would take too long to order it online. Thanks for the help.

[Delta Dart]

I own a 92 2.4. How many miles on yours Curiousone? Could be fuel delivery problem,vacuum leak or ignition problem. I would focus on these areas first however it couldnt hurt to check for ECU error codes. Easy to do on this model so why not?

If you are overdue on the fuel filter, every 30,000 miles, I would start with it. Check throttle body bolts, also every 30k, if they are loose a vacuum leak will result. Check all engine electrical and ignition connections. Make sure they are not damaged and are properly connected. Take a close look under the hood at all vaccum lines for damage or disconnect. Use good lighting.

If you need more specific info just ask. I will try my best to help you.

[Curiousone]

ok there is no power going from the distributer to the spark plugs. But there is power going to the distributer. How do I check EcU Errors?? I am looking at buying a new distributer but I don't know what to get the site that I am doing my pricing on says there a the whole distributer, a core, cap, and rotor. I don't know which one to get. The whole distrubter with the core is about $241.19 for Beck/Arnley and $329.79 for an A1 Cardone part. There is a big diff in price for the same part. I am not sure what exactly to get just yet. Do you know of any tests that can be run to aid me in my search??? Thank you very much for you time and effort

[Delta Dart]

This link will show you how to access ECU codes:
http://www.troublecodes.net/mitsu/
You will need an analog voltmeter. Let me know what you find.

No spark at plugs, but is there spark at the coil wire?

[Curiousone]

yeah we just changed the plugs. I will check out the ECU and let you know. Thanks.

[Curiousone]

Ok I looked at the link you gave me and I have a question. Whats the diff between "Without OBD-II" test and "ECI voltmeter or Test Light"? I will let you know the results when I do the test. Thanks.

[Delta Dart]

The link gives info for different models and years. Instructions and illustration(terminal 1 and 12) at top of the page are applicable to the 92 pickup.

"Without OBD-II" This is the code chart you need to use. Gives codes for OBD-I equipped vehicles.

"ECI voltmeter or Test Light" This is not applicable to your vehicle.

"ok there is no power going from the distributer to the spark plugs. But there is power going to the distributer." How did you determine this?

How does your cap and rotor look? How many miles on vehicle?

[Curiousone]

ok the mileage is 125k. I have a voltmeter with a dcv, acv, dca, and ohms settings. I have no idea what setting to put it on to do the test. I followed the directions on the website that you gave me and nothing happend on any of the settings. I put the red (positvie) in the number 1 slot with the fuse in and I put the black (neg) in the number 12 slot with the fuse it. There was no response from the voltmeter. I know the meter works cuz when I touch the to leads together while haveing the meter on ohms the needle jumps to 2 ohms. I am at a loss as to what to do?? I would really like to get this test done. As for the Distributer core and cap they are fine. There are not any cracks or damage to ethier of them. I guess I am haveing mental issues with the voltmeter grrr. any help would be very helpfull.

[Curiousone]

I ment to say rotor not the core. It looks fine. We used a test light to determine that there was power going to the distributer but not the plugs.

[Curiousone]

ok I was trying to plug the voltmeter into the fuse box lol so now I will try the right dlc terminal.

[Curiousone]

ok I used the Voltmeter and the needle went all the way to the right and just stayed there.

[Delta Dart]

Make sure the meter is set to read 12 volts dc.
Follow the directions:
Turn ignition switch to OFF position
Locate Data Link Connector (DLC), next to fuse box.
Connect voltmeter positive lead to DLC terminal #1 and Negative lead to terminal #12 (ground).
Turn Ignition switch to ON position.
codes are read out by 12 volt pulses of voltmeter.
A constant repetition of short pulses is normal.
Signals will appear on voltmeter a long and short 12 volt pulses.
long pulses represent tens
short pulses represent ones (4 long pulses and 3 short pulses indicates code 43)

Read and follow the directions. Let me know what happens.

Your test light tells you that you have 12 volts present. What I want to know is do you have SPARK. Do you know how to check for SPARK at the coil wire and at the plugs?

Question: When the engine dies can you start it back up right away or does it just crank without starting?

[Curiousone]

I followed the directions but still the needle jumps to the far right and stays there. Here are the setting for the voltmeter OHMS rx1k, DCV 10 50 250 500, ACV 500 250 50, DCA 250m 50m, BAT 1.5Vaa 9v 1.5vbutton. Thats all I have to chose from on the voltmeter. As for your question "Do you know how to check for SPARK at the coil wire and at the plugs?" Um nope I don't have a clue.
And when the engine dies it usually doesn't start when trying to crank it. But I have had it start once or twice. Thats about it. Right now the truck is sitting at a friends house cuz I broke down right across the street from him. I got lucky with that one. As for the ECU test the #12 slot that is the ground the wire comeing out of the DLC is black but there is a connection on # 11 that is green. The #1 slot wire is yellow. I don't know if that tells you any thing or not