| Subject: | 92 Lancer sudden engine stop |
| Question: | 1992 Lancer SE Auto
EFI (50,000kms). Without warning, it could be once in 6 months or twice in a week, the engine will just cut out. It doesn't follow any pattern in the lead up to cutting out eg. hot or cold motor, hot or cold weather, accelerating idelling or decelerating, no spluttering or anything just silence then of course you lose your power steering and brakes. All accessories are off. The car will always restart again, it may be straight away, it may take a minute or even 30 minutes. After it has cut out the only thing that is always present is a real strong odour that smells like the combination of smelly feet, maybe burning plastic or rotten fish (definately not fuel). There can be this slight smell at various other times. Apart from the obvious safety issues of losing brakes and steering , the smell in the weird thing. Can you help? Regards Rick |
| Answer: | Rick, Sounds like you have a clear case of ECU failure. A very common problem on a Mitsubishi of your age. Read this article for further information: http://www.90gsx.com/eclipse/cap/caps.htm When you indicated the smell of "rotten seafood" was evident,
that is a clear sign of melted capacitors. You will need a new computer
for your car. |