Why won't my Mitsubishi 3000GT start sometimes, or why does it die losing power?

Short answer: If your 3000GT cranks but starts only sometimes, worse in wet or cold weather, have someone listen at the tank for the fuel pump when it fails to start, and test the ignition coils and computer; one VR-4 owner had read those suspects on 3000GT forums. A member also suggested dry gas for water in the tank. If the battery runs down while driving and it dies at stops, that sounds like a failing alternator: get a charging system test.

Symptom: The car has full electrical power and cranks but won't start, mostly when it's wet or cold, then starts fine on a dry day. Or the battery loses charge while driving and the engine dies when you stop.

What to check first

1. Note whether it cranks normally or just clicks.
2. Listen for the fuel pump at the tank when it won't start.
3. Have the coils and ignition tested while it's failing.
4. Add a bottle of dry gas if the car sat and may have condensation in the tank.
5. Get a charging system test if the battery drains while driving.

Likely causes

1. Ignition coil or computer problem. The suspects an owner found on a 3000GT forum.
2. Water in the fuel. A member's suggestion after the car sat.
3. Failing alternator. Battery runs down while driving.

What it usually costs

No owner posted prices.

Is it safe to keep driving?

A car that dies when stopping can strand you in traffic. Don't put off a charging test. Verify with a mechanic.

DIY or shop?

DIY for listening tests and dry gas. Coil, computer and alternator diagnosis is often a shop job on these crowded engine bays.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Recalls: NHTSA lists no recall for starting or charging on the Mitsubishi 3000GT for these model years (checked 2026-10-26). Other recalls may exist for your car, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If your car is part of a recall, the dealer fixes it for free.
• NHTSA complaints: 23 keyword-matched complaints for Mitsubishi 3000GT 1991–1999 (of 393 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-26; keywords: won't start, no start, stall, dies, battery, alternator, coil, fuel pump) (NHTSA returned no complaint data for 1 model-year queries). This counts complaints that mention these words. It is not a defect finding.

What owners report

• In 1995 3000GT VR4 starts occasionally on Car Talk, a 1995 VR-4 with about 135,000 miles that ran well for a year started having trouble starting, especially when wet or cold; it cranks but won't start, with full electrical power. The owner had read the ECU or coils may be to blame and planned to listen for the fuel pump next time. A member suggested dry gas for possible condensation in the tank.
• In 1995 Mitsubishi 3000GT - loses power when driving on Car Talk, an owner said the battery loses power while driving and the car dies when it stops. A member said that sounds like a failing alternator and to get a charging system and battery test soon, before it leaves them stranded.

Quick tip

Intermittent no-starts are hard to diagnose after the fact. The next time it won't start, check the fuel pump and spark right then.

Vehicle focus: 1991–1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT (3.0L V6, including VR-4).

Safety / mechanic note

A failing charging system can cut out with little warning. Verify with a mechanic.