Subject: troubleshooting
Question: I have a 91 Mits/Mirage.Runs excelent until yesterday.Engine quit with no indication of a problem.It was like I ran out of gas.Still had all elec. power (power steering,heat,radio,etc...)The same thing happened last week and the very next day it started and has ran fine until yesterday.Does this sound like a fuel systems problem and what should I look at? Also, on both occurances it was very cold, could the cold be triggering the problem.
Thanks,
Ron
Answer: Ron,
I've been getting this questions a lot from others that live in a very cold climate. Here are the most common causes for your problems:

-Weak fuel pump. Have your fuel pressure regulator checked to be sure you're getting adequate pressure.
-Clogged fuel filter. This is pretty common. Your fuel filter should be changed every 1-2 years.
-Add a water removal fuel system cleaner durning your next fill up. Water can accumulate relatively easy in your fuel system when the temperature gets this low
-Weak alternator. Usually, alternators don't just sudden quit working. They display various warning signs similar to the ones you described. Have it load tested at a local garage or auto parts store.

When the weather gets extrememly cold likes its been lately, your battery has half the power as if it were above freezing temerpatures. If your alternator is weak, your battery will not have enough power turn the starter to turn over the alternator.

There is another possibility. Refer to this page for a further information: http://serverg3.ath.cx/eclipse/cap/caps.htm
If your capacitors are bad, that can cause all sorts of strange problems. Problems can come on suddenly in some cases.
Good luck!