1993 MX3 Starts, runs 3 seconds, stops

[lists@clearcomm.ca]

That is the ad for the car I am thinking about buying, not sure if it is a V6 or 4cyl yet, (it is too early to call) but was hoping to find some insight to the problem before purchasing it.

Thanks in advance

[millyowner]

The K8 V6 (and other K-series V6s for that matter) use an ignition coil within the distributor unit. When the internal coil starts going bad, you get stalling right after startup or when coming to a stop. I'd change the plugs, wires, and distributor cap first to see if it helps, then move on to replacing the distributor unit if it still stalls. The resistance of the coil can be checked with a meter. Not sure if it's the same on the K8 as it is on the KL (The shop manual for the 2.5L KL V6 is what I'm looking at) but it probably is. Primary should be 0.49-0.73 ohms and the secondary should be 20-31k ohms. A good sized intake air leak would also cause the same symptoms. A plugged PCV valve might also make it stall. Beyond that, it could be something related to the fuel system.

[lists@clearcomm.ca]

Thank you very much - now all I have to do is get in touch with the seller - it is proving to be a bit of a task...

[pearlwhite99]

Most common problem besides the auto tranny is the distributor for the V-6 MX-3 , MX6 , Probe GT. Check the distributor , fuel filter and the fuel pump relay.