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1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Base 3dr Coupe Manual

1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Trim Info:
Front Wheel Drive, 3 Door Coupe, Sub-Compact
22 mpg city / 33 mpg hwy
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March 15, 2012, 3:37 pm

Jo B
 

Question: Car shuts off

car starts fine. and idles normal. rev it in neutral and it sounds like theres a miss. while driving, car sputters like its going off. now while driving its shutting off. ignition lights and all go off. changed my fuel filter thinkin it was the gas. fuel filter was crazy dirty. changed it but problem persists. idk wat to do. no one seems to know the problem. Someone with an eclipse book tells me from wat he read its says it could be sum to do with the fuel. another mechanic told me to clean injectors... i need help. The car drives but i dont want it stoppin on me on the highway. pls help


March 21, 2012, 7:07 pm

Elizabeth K
Expert Mechanic

If you haven't had a tune-up recently, start there. Check all filters, replace spark plugs, inspect plug wires and coil pack, scan for diagnostic codes, check EGR system. And here's an article with some more troubleshooting steps to take:
http://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-misfires-or-runs-rough


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March 22, 2012, 5:48 am

Jo B
 

Hey, thanks alot. Needed to include this though. dont know if it caused it. So i have a manual 97 eclipse non turbo. A guy with a 98 eclipse auto tried his ecu on mine cuz he thought his wasnt working. I know i shouldnt have done that. But any way, i did, couple days later the sputtering starts.

Thanks for the response... will let my mechanic know. Pls let me know if what i did could cause car to shut down like this. Or maybe could that hav blown a fuse in the box


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March 22, 2012, 10:05 am

Elizabeth K
Expert Mechanic

If there were no problems at all until you tried the ECU swap, then it's something to keep in mind. I still recommend proceeding with a thorough tune-up and basic diagnostics, but if the ECU is causing the problem, here's what could have caused it:
-a bad connection when you re-connected your unit. If there was any corrosion at all on the connector, clean it. And unplug and replug the connector a few times to make sure there is solid electrical contact.
-the main precaution you always have to take when installing ECUs is static electricity. If you were not wearing a ground strap while working, you could have caused a spark to short out the unit. It's rare, but it could happen. How did your vehicle run with the ECU from the 98? If it was OK, you could try the swap again to see if it runs better.

But I would invest more energy in troubleshooting the ignition and fuel systems first.


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March 22, 2012, 11:01 am

Jo B
 

thanks. Car didnt start with the 98 ECU. wen they put back my ecu it started, drove fine. Just that two days later this problem started. Will keep you updated with progress. Much appreciated Elizabeth.


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March 28, 2012, 9:22 am

Jo B
 

hey, so ran a scan tool on car. Sigh, ECU is fried. :( I guess i gotta buy one from the dealership. Im so pissed now. sigh


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