New to the forum but have been reading posts for a few years. When I needed to replace the valve seals in the 94 SR, thank god for this forum! But now I have a real problem with the SR that has been driving me nuts for 4 weeks! basically the car is not starting on the first turn of the key, sometimes it can take up to 6 times hitting the key. Had the same issue with my '01 Ford E350 Service van. Replace the ignition electrical switch and it solved the issue like now. So...I tried the same idea in the SR, only after replacing it, it would not fire up...spent 5 hours going through ignition system - I even removed the after market alarm system. I removed the key lock and using a screw driver, it started right up! Got a new ignition key lock, installed and it would not start. Then I attempted to adjust the cable interlocks, no adjustment yielded better, quicker starting. I checked the neutral safety switch (NSS), and it seems to function correctly, that is the SR will not start unless it is in Park or Neutral. BUT...the strange side bar is that the back up lights keep blowing the 15 AMP fuse. I took it to mechanic, he just shook his head, same at the locksmith. Wife is scared to drive it - she tried with the screw driver one day and the lock fell out on the floor of the SR - that was fun re-assembling in the bank parking lot! I am baffled beyond belief! My question: could it be the starter? Could the NSS be bad and that's why the backup lights fuse is blowing? Would really appreciate some help...

Below are a couple of links that may provide some extra info. There are a number of other link in the archives that reference Mitsu and hard starting. Use the Search function at the top of the page to see others....

http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/1079457/Help_-_1990_Gen_1_not_starting.html

http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/1227899/site_id/1

Thank you for the threads. I'll go through the archives as well. For those following: Now the SR won't start at all. Just a very low "click". So, ahhh, I thought, it's a bad starter. Nope. Just got back from NAPA, it fires right up and the little machine glows green and says "Good". ARRRRH!!! Tested the blue ignition wire at the starter, when the wife hits the key,I get continuity between it and the large 12v power lead. I am getting some (I think my continuity meter range is 1 to 1000, so say 500) continuity at the blue wire at all times...is this normal? Even though the SR doesn't act it, it only starts in Park and Nuetral, things seem to point to the Neutral Safety switch...? I am really frustrated with this....any help out there in Monteroland would be appreciated!

More info: Before re-installing the starter, I checked it at home and kicks on no problem. I also checked the blue wire and with the key in the start position, I get 12v....so any reasonable person would think there is no issue. Put starter in, no start. So, pulled out key cylinder lock, stick a screw driver in the slot and wham! Starts on first click! What the hell do I do????? Send my wife out with a frigging screw driver? How can anyone like, let a alone love a car that does this crap? Someone out there mentioned shaving the lock cylinder or the something to this effect....after this, I am sticking to American cars!!!!

Can you clarify. By "no start" do you mean the starter does not spin the engine, or the engine does not start when turning with the starter?

Thanks for asking! When you turn the key with the cylinder lock in place, nothing happens. Remove the cylinder lock, insert flat blade screw driver in the slot the end of the cylinder lock would engage, turns right over...no hesitation at all! It's weird. I think there is wear in the plastic parts that are part of the cable interlock - which I would GLADLY replace if I was positive that was the issue. These are held in place with tamper proof screws, which will require me to remove everything in the column and then drill them out...2 to 4 hours of work...again, if I was sure...its $300.00 for the part and oh, they are no longer made....

It sounds to me like the ignition lock cylinder is not rotating enough to turn the electrical part of the ignition switch, based on your being able to start it with a screwdriver but not with the key. Loosen the ignition switch and see if you can rotate it clockwise to try to reach the point where turning the lock cylinder will engage the starting contacts.

When you replaced the ignition switch, did you install a Mitsubishi or an aftermarket part?

Thank you Ryany. I did use an aftermarket, but I am sure it was a "brown-bagged" part - a Mitsubishi part number was stamped on it....So SR is fixed. I ended up replacing the lock cylinder housing. I was dreading it, but actually it was moderately difficult job. I was able to remove housing without removing the steering wheel and air bag. I cut the bolts retaining the cylinder lock housing with a dremel fitted with a metal cutting disc. Once I exchanged the housing, installed my old lock cylinder and hit the key...started right up. Something was wrong in the interlock. Madding. I appreciate the insights and responses. Now I have to go and fix the 87 - it wont start....