Mx-3 Ignition Problems

ShadowPenguin · Post by **ShadowPenguin** » January 3rd, 2006, 7:27 pm

Hello! I have a quick question. I have a 1992 Mx-3 Gs and my ignition sometimes takes a few tries... always works within 10 seconds, but sometimes I need to turn the key a couple of times. It's been like this for a while. Does anyone know what might be the problem? Help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

jschrauwen · Post by **jschrauwen** » January 3rd, 2006, 7:43 pm

Welcome to MX-3.com ShadowPenguin. You haven't given much in the way of previous work, mods, etc which would help narrow down your problem. It could be a lot of things - clogged fuel filter, dirty air filter, dirty spark plugs, wrong spark plugs, bad spark plug wires, gummed up TB, bad O2's, bad ISC, bad vaccum lines, ...... you see where I'm coming from? History, mods and any and all surrounding issues should also be included in any query since for the most part, were not mechanics. Bring back a few more details.
*John*

93_mx3_gs · Post by **93_mx3_gs** » January 3rd, 2006, 9:42 pm

I agree, without a lost of symptons in further depth and modifications or known problems, not much we can do but chase around the bush throwing ideas left and right.

Heres a couple :

If it's really cold outside, the oil gets thick and the pistons take a bit longer to move because of this and the cams/valves aren't moving as fast.

The battery is cold and perhaps your cranking amps isn't up to speed as it's supposed to be and the starter is eating up a lot of power which is getting your plugs a smaller spark.

Who knows..could be anything.

bad_sk8er87 · Post by **bad_sk8er87** » January 4th, 2006, 12:51 am

Could one of three things - No spark, very little fuel being delivered to the combustion chamber, or the starter is starting to go out.

93_mx3_gs · Post by **93_mx3_gs** » January 4th, 2006, 2:37 am

bad_sk8er87 wrote:Could one of three things - No spark, very little fuel being delivered to the combustion chamber, or the starter is starting to go out.

If he gets it started within 10 seconds, I doubt the starter would be a direct cause as for none fucntional operations. Sounds like a lack of proper mixture of air/fuel/spark is all.

Dude, try some simple things like make sure your vacuums are tite, your filter is clean, your battery is working properly as it should. Just because they can carry voltage doesn't mean they have all the amperage. Clean the terminals off if dirty, look for any disconnected wires simple free things like that to start off.

MX3 GSR for dummies · January 4th, 2006, 9:19 am

MOST IMPORTANTLY check your spark. I had similar problems recently and it was spark. Take out each spark plug, one at a time, and just ground a wire from body to the threads on spark plug while plug wire is still attached of course. Turn car over and observe the spark. It should be a bright blue. If it is reddish at all, that is sufficient enough to fail. Replace all plugs and if this still doesn't result in high spark, change wires-they may be arching.
This is of course if it is a spark issue to begin with....Let us know!

bad_sk8er87 · Post by **bad_sk8er87** » January 5th, 2006, 12:13 am

Like I said could be one of the three.