Delica Canada | Mitsubishi Van Club

So, I have had starting issues. Replaced the starter with a new one. Still doing the same thing. Turns out the small wire on the starter solenoid atop the starter is not getting power on startup. I've run a wire to the battery and essentially hotwired it so I can move it. Anyone know where this wire goes on its way up to the ignition switch in the steering column? I'm assuming there is a relay or something between the ignition switch and the starter, and would like to find this part. Or a wiring diagram? The diagrams on this site are for the diesel models. Thanks!!

I just bought repair manual volume one. Volume two is electrical so if I can't find anything I'll have a look at the library and let you know.

Very kind of you. I actually found Vol 1 and 2 a couple days ago after not getting anything here and realizing I'd better get factory service manuals or constantly be bugging you folks. Should get here early next week and as you know that means I'll have the full electrical manual. I'm excited I found one - been casually looking for months. Again - thanks. If you get ambitious, I'm looking for something between the ignition switch and the starter solenoid. I'd be surprised if its just a straight wire powered by the switch.

Doug

I took pics of the diagram with a Kindle but being somewhat technologically challenged I can't figure out how to attach them. The wiring is essentially the same as the diesel diagram here on the forum though. Power from the ign sw is run through a relay which is mounted in the shifter console. The relay ground is routed through the neutral safety switch which the manual identifies as an inhibitor switch. The inhibitor switch has two internal switches the are closed in either neutral or park providing continuity for the relay ground. Of course you'll have all this info when you get your manual set but maybe this will help you fix your current issue before they arrive. I'll post the pics anyways when I figure out how to for the benefit of others. Good luck.

Ooh - good input. Will poke around on the neutral switch.

OK, so the solution was not dramatic but finding it was. I got the two service manuals and was able to trace the wiring and figure out what I had to look at and check. Oddly, the wire at the starter was often getting only 7-8 Volts. So I tracked the wire to the starter relay which is under the shifter trim cover. Same 7-8 when the starter would not go. Weird. So I pulled the steering column to check voltage at the ignition switch and....the idiot previous owner had some hack wiring in there. He'd completely CUT the ignition wire that goes to the starter solenoid, soldered a relay in line for some long ago removed accessory. And just left the relay in there. Over time the cheap relay was breaking down so it was randomly failing to give enough voltage to fire off the starter solenoid. Though maddeningly, it would make the solenoid click as though all was well. Cripes. Now the premium new NAPA starter is cranking fast and the starts are fast.

Thanks for the offer for help above!!

Glad you got it fixed.

Yeah, me too. Kind of an odd thing to find since the vehicle was very well mechanically cared for otherwise. No evidence an amateur has been at work on this girl. Just ordered shock absorbers - hoping to improve the ride from "bouncy" to merely active....

IdahoDoug wrote:Very kind of you. I actually found Vol 1 and 2 a couple days ago after not getting anything here and realizing I'd better get factory service manuals or constantly be bugging you folks. Should get here early next week and as you know that means I'll have the full electrical manual. I'm excited I found one - been casually looking for months. Again - thanks. If you get ambitious, I'm looking for something between the ignition switch and the starter solenoid. I'd be surprised if its just a straight wire powered by the switch.

Doug

I'm trying to trouble shoot some wiring around my horn, it got screwed up by an old alarm system install. Any chance you could send me images of the wiring diagram for the horn system?

Thanks!

PK

Sure, let me know what you think will be useful and I'll send you a picture or something. Also send me a PM with your contact info I can text a photo to or something.