2003 Mitsubishi Galant Ignition Issue

80

Asked by rednavel Aug 01, 2014 at 12:48 PM about the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant LS

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I recently purchased a 2003 Mitsubishi Galant from an auction. The first few days the car would start right away when the key was turned. It then developed a condition where when I turned the key the starter would click. After all the standard troubleshooting I have narrowed it down to the ignition switch system. I have also learned that if I turn the key and get the click I need to jiggle the key, take it out flip it over, re-insert it, apply different amounts of finger pressure in different areas while turning the key and then the car will start. Sometimes I have to mess with it for 1 click and sometimes I have to mess with it for a couple of dozen clicks. I have not been able to determine if it is the key, the ignition lock cylinder, or the ignition switch. Any insight to the problem and resolution would be appreciated?

5 Answers

55

Have you ruled OUT the starter? If the starter is clicking then it sounds like it is getting power, just not engaging.

2 people found this helpful.
200,925

Try adjusting the tilt steering wheel all the way down. Wife's 2003 mits eclipse will click no start if steering wheel is in any position than middle to all the way down.

3 people found this helpful.
80

At first I thought is was the starter but then thru trial and error concluded that whether it starts or I get the starter click depends on the actuation of the key.

4 people found this helpful.
200,925

Again. Mits are known for doing this in conjunction with the steering wheel tilt location/ height. Have you tried adjusting the tilt of the steering wheel?

1 people found this helpful.
80

Unfortunately it is not the steering wheel tilt location / height. For the past couple of days I would try to start the car and get the starter click. I would then lower the steering wheel slightly and the vehicle would start. However after I reached my destination and turned the vehicle off when I would try to start it again I would get the starter click. After fiddling with the key a few times it would start.

4 people found this helpful.

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