Please help 1992 mx3 1.6 5sp cranks/wont start but rollstart

[1992mx34cylinder]

My mom has a 1992 mx3 with 1.6 and is a 5sp. The car cranks but will not start,put new plugs in it,checked the coil and is good. Car sat for a few days and my nephew decided to roll start it and it started up. What would cause this?

[john1983]

have you checked the battery charge and terminal connections

[Ryan]

it cranks, as in the engine turns over? I'm asking because a bump or push start is no different than a starter as far as the engine is concerned.

[Inodoro Pereyra]

Yup. The only big difference between normal start and push start is that the starter puts a pretty big load on the battery. If the battery is starting to give up, and/or the ignition components are ready to be replaced, you may not get a spark when using the starter.

I'd check the battery, spark plugs, wires, cap and rotor, and replace them if necessary.

[1992mx34cylinder]

yea it cranks just as it would when starting normal,battery is good but will need recharging after all the cranking. Starter is engaging,engine is turning over and fuel is getting to the cylinders because the plugs smell of raw gas. The rotor button and cap along with the wires does need replacing. It just confuses me because it will only fire when roll started.? :

?:


I appreciate any and all feedback.

[Inodoro Pereyra]

You just answered your own question. Your spark plugs smell of raw gas=you have no spark. Replace the spark plugs, wires, cap and rotor, and have your battery slow charged. That should solve your problem.

[1992mx34cylinder]

Thanks,i will try that monday and post how it goes.

[Inodoro Pereyra]

Glad I could help.

[1992mx34cylinder]

Just out of curiosity could it possibly be the ignition control module?

[Inodoro Pereyra]

Nope. If it was, the car wouldn't start at all.

[john1983]

have you tried to start off of a jump start if not you may want to give that a try befor replacing everything else

[1992mx34cylinder]

hadn't tried that but will try that then start replacing. Thanks