Mitsubishi Repair: check engine light @ 4,000 rpms, auto salvage yards, crankshaft position sensor


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92 mits eclipse gs, 2.0L, non-turbo, m/t.

just bought car, had been sitting a year,timing belt was broke. I repaired head ,replaced all belts,spark plugs good..it seems to be firing ok.Double checked the timing, ok. But car runs rough,engine cuts out at 4G also check engine light comes on goes out after returns to idle. I checked codes and got a 22 code, which book says its a crank shaft sensor problem. performed poinpoint test on crank shaft sensor,the book says to replace sensor. could there be any thing else that could set this code?  The part cost 250.00, I want to check everything before spending that much if it's not that. thanks for your time.
Answer -
Duane,
If the timing belt is off a few notches, then that can cause the check engine light (CEL) to come on and throw that code.  But you mentioned you thoroughly checked your timing, so it's probably not that.

Before you shell out any money for a new CKS, check your car's computer.  Read this article for further information:
http://90gsx.com/eclipse/cap/caps.htm

If your ECU is manfunctioning, it can cause such problems as RPM cut and for certain sensors to show faulty readings.  But if you do need to get another crankshaft position sensor, call around to auto salvage yards or even check eBay for used sensors.  You'll get a much better deal.  Any Eclipse, Talon, or Laser made between 92-94, 2.0L, non-turbo should would work.
Good luck!



Well, I looked at the computer and it looks okay, is there a way to send you a picture of it..i would like to show you something to see if its bad or not? I ran into a huge problem, i cranked the engine and there was a bolt out and the timming belt jumped and i had to replace more crap on the head. but thats already done. it seems to run better now, but still cutting out at 4000 rpms..Im thinking about the fuel filter..i blow through it and it seemed ok but i dont know... it seems like its not getting enough fuel...is there something else i can check, if the replacement of the fuel filter doesn't work? im very confused on this engine...im not used to cars like this...i work more on chevys..lol
Answer -
Duane,
If you have a web site that you can put that picture on, then I could take a look at it.  I don't think the AllExpert has a way to upload pictures yet.  The following site shows an example of an Eclipse ECU with damage:
http://www.bossturbo.com/talon/howto/ecu/index.html

If yours looks it may have evidence of scortches, burns, or corrosion, it may be at fault.

Fuel filters are relatively cheap and should be replaced every 1-2 years any.  If when you removed the fuel filter, and fuel was still dripping out of it, there is a small clog in it some where.  Also, if you have any sort of service manual, you should see a procedure on how to check your fuel pump.  You should also check your fuel pressure regulator to be sure you fuel pressure is increasing as you RPMs imcrease.
Good luck!





Well, heres a picture of the computer... http://home.comcast.net/~angelsrntsn/DSC00349.JPG
today, I coded it and it gave me a ecm bad, then gave me system okay...i tried three different times and still said system ok..no codes. Car still cutting out at 4g and runs rough. My wife took computer out and wiped off the gross stuff on ecm and we pluged it back in and same problem but when she was wiping it she seen dark black stuff coming from 2 of the capacitors. (guessing that is what is leaking). Do you know of somewhere cheat to repair ecm, that will do a good job? LOL thanks for you advice.  

Answer
Duane,
Thank you very much for the excellent pic of your ECU.  It's clear there are leaking capacitor and it may very well be causing your RPM cut.  Your car does come with an RPM limiter that gets enabled if you're redlining your engine, but if your damaged ECU is not recognizing your RPM readings, it can cause that safety feature to be tripped early; like at 4000 RPM.

The site I had listed in my initial response gives several links of places that service ECUs for your car.  Many require a core (your old ECU) in exchange for a working on.  Here's that link again:
http://90gsx.com/eclipse/cap/caps.htm

Contact those businesses for availablity and pricing.  You can even check eBay for used ECUs.  Any '92-94 Eclipse/Talon/Laser, non-turbo m/t ECU will work.  I'd also like to know if I can use that picture you took of your leaking capacitors and put it on my web site?  It's an excellent example of what others can look for if they suspect a faulty ECU.  Thanks!
Good luck!