Hey all. My 2011 RA just had an Evo X turbo swap done with a handful of AMS bolt-ons. I'm planning on doing e85 dyno tune at a later date but for now, it's received a moderate tune with Evo x 91 octane ecu reflash. Not long after the 91 tune, I noticed that the engine wouldn't start after being driven in Sport Mode. So far, it's happened 4 times; in each instance, after driving around in SM, I would run errands for 15-20mims but when I turned the ignition again, I just keep hearing the starter continuously attempting to start the engine. To actually start the car, I had to open the driver side door slightly to unlock the ignition and while turning the ignition, I give the car a lil gas. Keep in mind that it's practically a new car and I've never had engine problems before the 91 dyno tune. So far, the dyno shop's only solution to this is to reflash the ECU once again, which doesn't seem to help because it happened again after the 2nd reflash. Anyone have insight or thoughts about this?

 

are you getting fuel and spark?

 

make sure you have the correct relays? looks like you have a 2011, which shouldn't have the problem, but never hurts to make sure. Earlier models had/have issues identical to what you're describing, and taking the car to the dealership to have the ignition relays upgraded seems to have fixed it for practically everyone that's had the problem. search the forums for hard start relays and you should be able to figure out which relays you should have (to eliminate the starting issue) and the technical service bulletin that tells mitsu techs that it is covered by warranty.

 

be carefull mine did roughly the same thing i got the new relay which is not under warranty it seem to go away for a little bit then it did it again so i got new spark plugs and after a quick pull my motor blew because my timing chain streched a tiny bit and one of my pistons hit the valves this is my story im just giving you the heads up good luck with it

 

either way, it's probably best to flash it back to stock, monitor the situation, if it still happens in stock tune; take it to the dealer

 

A) Sport mode has nothing to do with
B) Who is your tuner? You can't flash back to stock because you have an X turbo now.
C) Rather than instantly cranking, turn the car to on, but don't start. Wait about 5 seconds until the fuel pump finishes priming, then crank the engine.

5 bucks says it's due to:
1) the car being turned off while "hot" and not having enough fuel in the lines; if you are spirited driving, it's not a good idea to turn off the car the instant you stop, wait at least a good 10-15 seconds (if you had a WB you would see why).
2)the tune didn't account for new MAP/MAF values

 

Thanks for the advice! Anyone else want to chime in?

 

I would be willing to bet that it is an issue with the tune. I would explain to your tuner what is happening and then have him take a look.

You mentioned that you just had several bolt ons installed including a turbo swap as well as a retune for the new parts. Of the work/parts mentioned, my first step would be to have the tune checked out and adjusted, them work from there.

 

You can see it lean for a brief time like he states after u come to a stop. I dont have to always being driving spirited either for it to do this just not as lean. Its a great not good idea to have a wb if you dont have one already.

 

^ I agree with all this

Also, what spark plugs are you using?

 

It's currently using Mitsu OEM stock spark plugs. And getting a WB was not a priority for me. Should I swap out the spark plugs for aftermarket since its already running on a Walbro 400 FP with FIC 900 injectors?

 

You say OEM. Is that OEM RA plugs or X plugs? Should be X plugs.

Also, learning that you're running bigger injectors and fuel pump opens another can of worms.

 

You need to SERIOUSLY reconsider your priorities. Two things these cars should have, a WB and a knock sensor/light; boost gauge is good too, but not nearly as important as the first two.

 

Yep, cranking enrichment when warm possibly. OP just try turning the power on and wait 10 seconds for the fuel pump to finish priming, then crank the engine.

 

Ok so I pre-ordered the AEM WB and aftermarket X spark plugs. Question is, what knock sensor kit should I buy? Any opinions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!