QuestionI have a 1999 Mit Mirage. The service engine light is on and it wont start. At first when I turned the key it made the noise like it was going to start but didnt. Now, after all day of trying to start it, its just clicking and then nothing else. I read online that it could be the battery but the lights and radio are working fine. I also read it could be the starter and that it could be temporarily resolved by lightly tapping the starter with a hammer but I dont know where the starter is. Please help, I have to work at 5:30 am tomorrow and I need my car to get me there and then to a repair shop.
Thanks,
Kristen
AnswerKristen,
There may be two problems here. When you initially had your problem, you mentioned you would turn the key, and that you could hear the engine trying to start. If you could hear the engine trying to start, that means your starter was fine, but there could be a problem with your ignition system (spark plugs, alternator, distributor, etc..) or with your fuel system (fuel filter, fuel pump, fuel regulator, injectors, etc..).
Then you mentioned you tried to start it all day, and by the end, you could not even hear the starter turning over; just a clicking noise. If you don't hear the starter turning over anymore, but your lights still work, that means your starter has gone bad. There's a chance you may have now burned out starter motor trying to start too often. You should never have your key turned more than 10 seconds straight if the engine doesn't start. If the car doesn't start within 10 seconds of having the key turned, you need to let your starter motor cool down for about 1-2 minutes before trying to start it again. If you keep trying to start the engine, and you don't let the starter cool down, it will burn out.
So, when you go the repair shop, you most likely will need a new starter, and perhaps a tune-up to check your ignition system. If you have over 60,000 miles on your car, you may even need a new timing belt.
Good luck!
