Why does my Mitsubishi Mighty Max crank and not start, or not go into first gear?

Short answer: If your Mighty Max cranks with spark but won't start, spray a little starting fluid into the throttle body. If it fires, look at fuel delivery. Check the fusible links too, which blew on one hot-weather truck. If the manual won't go into first or second at a stop, check the clutch fluid and the shift linkage before assuming the transmission is bad.

Symptom: It cranks fine and has spark but won't start, sometimes only for one driver. Or at a stop, the shifter won't go into first or second.

What to check first

1. Spray starting fluid into the throttle body when it won't start. If it runs briefly, it's fuel.
2. Inspect the fusible links under the hood with a wiring diagram.
3. Try the key gently and firmly to see if the ignition switch is the difference.
4. Check the clutch fluid level and look for leaks.
5. Check the shift linkage under the console boots for wear.

Likely causes

1. Fuel delivery problem. A member said to spray starting fluid into the throttle body when it won't start. If it fires, it's a fuel problem.
2. Blown or weak fusible links. Fusible links are short wires that act like fuses. A 1991 truck had blown many in hot weather.
3. Worn ignition switch. Since it started for the dad but not the daughter, a member wondered if a different twist on the key was the difference.
4. Weak clutch hydraulics or low fluid. If the clutch doesn't fully release, gears grind or won't go in at a stop.
5. Worn shift linkage. A member said slamming it into gear can wear the linkage, which can often be reached from inside the cab.

What it usually costs

No owner posted prices in these threads. A member said clutch hydraulics and linkage aren't expensive if you do the work yourself.

Is it safe to keep driving?

A clutch that won't release can leave you stuck at a light. Get it checked before relying on the truck. Verify with a mechanic.

DIY or shop?

DIY-friendly. Fusible links, clutch bleeding and linkage bushings are home jobs.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Recalls: NHTSA lists 1 recall for the Mitsubishi Mighty Max in these years, and none match this problem. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If your car is part of a recall, the dealer fixes it for free.
• Plain words: No recall we found matches this problem, so it's a normal repair, not a free recall fix. Still run your VIN, since other recalls may be open.
• NHTSA complaints: 13 keyword-matched complaints for Mitsubishi Mighty Max 1987–1996 (of 56 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-28; keywords: start, crank, fusible link, stall, clutch, gear, shift, transmission) (NHTSA returned no data for 5 model-year queries). This counts complaints that mention these words. It is not a defect finding.

What owners report

• In 1991 Mighty Max (Montero) not starting on Car Talk, a father's 1991 Mighty Max V6 4WD would crank but not start for his daughter, yet start for him. It had spark. The truck had blown many fusible links when driven across the country in the heat, and a rebuilt computer didn't help. Members said to spray starting fluid in the throttle body to test for a fuel problem, find a wiring diagram for the links, and think about whether the key is being turned differently.
• In 1991 Mitsubishi Mighty Max Transmission problem on Car Talk, a 1991 manual Mighty Max wouldn't go into first or second at a stop, and the owner forced it into first. A member said it sounded like weak clutch hydraulics or low fluid, plus worn shift linkage, both inexpensive if you do the work. He said the linkage can usually be reached by pulling the console and rubber boots without removing the transmission.

Quick tip

If it starts for one person and not another, watch how each of you turns the key. That clue is free.

Vehicle focus: 1987–1996 Mitsubishi Mighty Max pickup (US).

Safety / mechanic note

Use starting fluid sparingly and never near an open flame. Verify with a mechanic.