During the first start of the day, the engine started up normally, but immediately quit after about 2 seconds -- this happened each time during 3-4 start attempts. After that, the engine cranked, but would not start/run. After 5 minutes or so, the engine started and operated normally. The car was driven to work and started and ran normally later in the day. The next day, the engine again started and shut down after 2 seconds, twice. After that, the engine cranked, but did not start at all. I tried to start it a few minutes later, then several times throughout the day, with the same "crank, but no-start" results. During the few times that the car started and ran, the rpm gage went to zero right before the engine quit, the same as when the key is shut off.
Since owning the car (about 1.5 years), I've experienced an occasional problem with the engine not cranking at all. Mitsubishi & another mechanic could not duplicate the problem. This condition did not happen very often, and I wrote it off to a possible clutch switch problem. Not sure if this is related to the more immediate problemed above.
Any ideas appreciated.