Mitsubishi Repair: engine problems, mass air sensor, coolant temp

Question
1993 mitsubishi eclipse 2.0 manual.
my dad bought me this car from a friend and it has bad acceleration. plus it idles and has cut out on me 3 times when the engine was cold. i've had my friends brother look at it (he's pretty knowledgable about cars) but he didn't know what was wrong. thanks for your time.

~lanie

Answer
Lanie,
There are many things that can cause the problem you're seeing.  Here's a brief list of items that should be checked:
- spark plugs
- spark plug wires
- ignition coil pack
- Idle Speed Controller
- throttle body
- base idle setting screw
- air filter
- Mass Air Sensor
- fuel filter
- fuel pump
- fuel injector
- timing belts (main timing belt & balancer belt)
- Cam/crank angle position sensor
- engine coolant temp. sensor

If all these items have been checked, also be sure to inspect the car's computer for damage.  Read this article for more information:
http://www.90gsx.com/eclipse/cap/caps.htm

If the ECU is damaged, it can cause all sorts of problems and most likely would need to be replaced.
Good luck!