Mitsubishi Repair: Inertia switch?, inertia switch, fuel pump

Question
Linda- my son's car died on him last night, he said it started shaking and then just died as he was driving down the road. We check a lot of the simple things...it was a quart low on oil and the water was very low. We filled both, and started the car using starting fluid. It ran well...until the fluid was gone.We do not hear the fuel pump running at all when we turn the ignition on. Someone mentioned an "inertia switch" that turns the power off to the fuel pump when fluids are low. What are your thoughts. Thanks for your time!

Answer
Stacy: Sorry to say I have not heard of a inertia switch. Your son's car is controled by a computer and a group of sensors through out the engine, transmission and car. If the car will start in that the belts turn and the engine will run on that starting fuel. Though not a good idea to use in these cars. Still that would mean the timing belt is ok, I would say that maybe the fuel pump has gone out. They often go out like a light bulb. If he is like everyone  with the high cost of fuel and runs his car down to empty before he fills it up. The fuel pump could have got cooked, see what people don't know is the fuel(gas) is what keeps the pump cool, if you run the car down all the time with time you will cooked that pump. I would have that fuel pump checked, but I really think that is what went. The car is not getting any fuel. Low oil or water, when  it is not good will not keep the car from running, and the computer will not shut it down for that. Being it started to shake before it died, does sound like a fuel pump to me. Other wise have the computer coded, it would kick out any problem it is having with the car. I hope this helps and God bless: Linda