Mitsubishi Repair: Talon wont start, side tire, first signs

Question
Dear Anthony,
I have an Eagle Talon a 1993, it has a 1.8L with an automatic transmission. My cousin was driving it down a highway when it just shut off, he restarted it and pulled into a parking lot where it turned off again and hasnt ran since. When you try and start it, it just clicks once, the starters good and when it "kicks" thats what makes the click noise. It may be seized but if thats what you think, could you please explain how to check if the engine is locked up or not.  Thanks a ton for you help  

Answer
Zack,
You can check if the engine is seized relatively easy.  I'm more familiar with the 2.0L engines, but I think the 1.8L set up is similar for this procedure.  Raise the front of the car, put it on jack stands, and remove the driver side tire.  There, you should see a plastic splash guard with a hole in it.  Look through that opening, and you should see the crank bolt.  That bolt should have a 1/2" drive fitting in it.  You can get a breaker bar (or ratchet) and extension bar and put it in that socket-like fitting.  Next, remove your spark plugs (this makes the engine easier to turn, plus you can check and replace your spark plugs if you want).  Once the plugs are removed, slowly turn the ratchet CLOCKWISE.  Only CLOCKWISE, never ever ever the other way.  Turning it the other way can make your timing belt skip a tooth, and screw up your timing.  

If you can turn your engine by hand, your engine is not seized.  Though check your oil level to be sure you have enough.  Sometimes a clicking noise can indicate the car's computer is bad.  Read this article for further information:
http://www.90gsx.com/eclipse/cap/caps.htm

If your ECU is damaged, you'll have all sorts of problems.  Usually the first signs is inability to start and hesitation problems.  Pull your ECU and examine the board.  You may find your problem there.  The ECU is located behind you radio, near the floor.
Good luck!