Mitsubishi Repair: 96 eclipse wont start, crank angle sensor, vacuum leak

Question
So its been running fine until one day i was driving and it suddenly shut off. i put some gas in it and it didnt work right away that night but the next day i tried it again and it worked fine. then it stopped again and i cant get it to start up. the key turns over and it sounds like it wants to start - it does occasionally for a few seconds - then it stops.  

Answer
Thomas: I would have the fuel pump checked out. Sounds like it might be weak or going. If you let tank get down to "E" before filling it up and I sure can understand this with the high cost of fuel. But if you do this to much you will with time burn out the fuel pump, because believe it or not the fuel is what helps cool the fuel pump. So I would get that checked out. Other wise, and this is from my repair manual... from the trouble shooting page... under Engine starts but stops immediately... 1. Loose or faulty electrical connections at distributor(or crank angle sensor it is inside the distributor), coil or alternator. 2. Insufficient fuel reaching the fuel
injector(s) and 3. Vacuum leak at gasket between the intake manifold and throttle body or between the intake manifold and engine. So that will give you some ideas to check. I would also have the car coded, you might have a weak sensor or more someplace or even a problem with your computer. AutoZone will do this coding for free and that would rule out any problem with sensors or computer. Hope this helps and good luck! Linda :o)