Subject:	Stalling Mitsubishi Eclipse Gs
Question:	I had just bought a Mitsubishi eclipse Gs and it is always stalling. It stalls without notice and it cuts out on turns and stops. I took it to Firestone and they said it was the ignition coil and the ground wire to the battery. A day later it stalled out on me, so I took it to Midas and they said it was the fuel pressure regulator and it wasn't holding the desired psi. They noticed it was a recalled part and to take it to the dealer. the mitsubishi dealer said the regulator wasn't bad but the check safety valve had a crack in it and they said it might repair the problem. I got it done and 2 days later when i was at motor vehicles it stalls out on the inspection line, during the shock test. I took it to 3 certified shops and no one can find the problem. The last assumption from the dealer is that it is the computer ?? I dont know who to believe becasue its too costly to replace so many parts that MIGHT fix the problem... If you know anything about this please let me know what you think ... thanks so much ....
Answer:	James, Stalling problems are quite difficult to diagnose. I get this general question a lot, and since you had 3 certified mechanics actually look at your car and couldn't find the problem, I fear that I may not be able to lead you in the right direction either. But I will at least give you the info that I can. First, here is a list of all the general areas with your Eclipse that can cause your problem: -Purge control valve hose -Vacuum hoses -Intake manifold -Intake manifold plenum -Thottle body -EGR valve -Ignition system problems -Idle speed set too low -Idle mixture too lean or too much -Fuel injection system problems -Compression too low -Air filter clogged -Fuel filter or line clogged -Weak fuel pump -Old spark plugs and plug wires I'm sure at least some of these items were checked by your mechanics. If not, take this list to them and insist they do a very thorough check on all these areas. I know its difficult to figure out who to believe, but my guess is that no one is quite sure. Just like with me, those mechanics are giving their best guess; but they at least have the ability to look at the car. The car's computer is definately a good possibility if none of the above list is causing a problem. If you have an early model Eclipse ('90-'94), they were known for having their computer manufactured with faulty capacitors. Over time, those capacitors would leak and cause parts of the circuit board to short out. This would cause many strange problem. Typically, this problem was only seen on the turbo models, but it would not be unheard of for other models and years of Eclipse to exhibit the same problems. If you notice a small clicking noise, or may detect the faint smell of rotten seafood coming from behind your radio, your capacitors on your ECM (car's computer) have leaked. Short of that, you should have the ECM removed and checked. This job is probably best done by a dealership mechanic. I hope I was of some assistance. Good luck!