Mitsubishi Repair: 92 eagle talon tsi wont start have spark, eagle talon tsi, 92 eagle talon tsi

Question
Linda i ve just acquired a 92 eagle talon tsi that has been sitting for three years.. it was parked because the guy that owned it took it to a garage and they told him the computer was bad. he drove it back to his driveway and left it parked. i rollbacked it home jumped turn the key and it fired right up ran for about 20 seconds and shut off.. now question is this. where is the computer? does that seem like the problem? i can not smell gas even old bad gas.. fuel pump prehaps or does that kick out when the computer goes bad? well thats like three or so questions but thanks in advance, Sean

Answer
Sean: One wonders how the shop knew it was the computer? Did they code it? It could be a bad sensor or sensors someplace. If you have an ZoneAuto close they will code your car for free and then you would know. Or I guess you could take the computer over to them and have them check it. I believe the computer in behind the glove box or in that area. Every car is a bit different. You need to get yourself a repair manual for your car, can get one at any parts store for around $20.00. The computer does control such things as air/fuel mix. But gee, that gas has to be so bad, I mean it starts breaking down fast. I mean the car did run for a bit, but then the fuel could have been bad. The computer is only as good as all it's sensors. It gets all it's reading from them and then processes the data to send out a command. Your fuel filter could be in need of replacement. How good is the air filter? Three years is a long time for a car to sit without being run some during those years. You could get a voltmeter, that repair manual and check all your sensors yourself. The book would explain what the code should be. It would be far better to replace a sensor or more than that computer. Hope this helps and good luck!