Subject: 92 Lancer sudden engine stop
Question: Anthony, thanks once again you have been very helpful. Having not had much experience in modern electronics what does a typical ECU unit look like? Where is it normally located? and will unplugging/disconnecting/pulling out the unit upset any settings, memory, timing etc. Should I disconnect the battery etc. You mentioned a TV repair shop, would any electronic repairer do eg.computer, auto electritian etc.?
Regards
Rick
Answer: Rick,
I'm not exactly sure where the ECU is located in the Lancer, but typically it can be found behind the radio. You
can usually gain access to it be removing the passenger side kick panel of the center consoul. The ECU case looks like a small metal box with LOTS of wires connected to it via a harness. It should be fairly easy to access and remove.

Check out this page to give you an idea of what is involved in replace the capacitors on the ECU from an Eclipse:
http://www.tmo.com/howto/ecu1g/caps.htm
There are links on this page that can also give you an idea of where the ECU may be located in your car.

It's always a good idea to disconnect your negative battery terminal working with electrical components of your car. When you disconnect the ECU from your car, you will erase some "memory" that your car has. This is not a problem because that ticking you here is the ECU resetting by itself. It will not change the timing of your engine.

The reason I mention a TV repairman for the fix is because these components are very small and require precise soldering. A computer repairman or auto electrician may not be as experienced, but again, there's no harm in asking. You want to be sure this gets done right the first time. I performed the fix myself only because I'm a trained electrical engineer. I made my share of mistakes in school, but I got a lot of experience out it. At least I got to apply my degree to fix my own car :)
Good luck!