Mitsubishi Repair: 1993 MIRAGE STALLED WHEN STARTED, THEN LATER OK???, coolant temperature sensor, radiator cooling fan

Question
Hi Anthony!!
I have a 1993(I bought it new) Mitsubishi Mirage (1.5 liter engine) with 110,000 miles. I never had a problem with until yesterday. It stalled when I was leaving the post office. It cranked up and then died within 5 seconds; I tried again and it did the same thing.  I was towed to the repair garage but by the time they got to it later in the day the mechanic said it started right up. He claimed the diagnostics showed nothing. He said it was something passing through the fuel pump (like a kidney stone) and now it was gone!!!! Anyway, I drove the car home but am afraid I will stall again.  Thanks, Johanna

Answer
Johanna,
It's more likely your mechanic as a kidney stone rather than your car.  A clog in the fuel line would not go away all of a sudden.  Your problem is most likely electrical.  Have your engine coolant temperature sensor check and replaced if necessary.  The sensor's output is monitored by the engine computer to regulate various ignition, fuel and emission control functions, and to turn the radiator-cooling fan on and off as needed.  If the sensor is sending false readings, then your car's computer may send the incorrect amount of fuel to the engine; hence preventing it from starting.  But when the car is left to sit long enough for the engine to cool down, your car will always start right back up.  So, your first step should be to find a new mechanic.  This is not an uncommon problem and a good mechanic should know this.

Also, it's a good idea to have your car's computer checked out.  Read this article for further information:
http://90gsx.com/eclipse/cap/caps.htm

If your ECU is malfunctioning, it can cause all sorts of strange starting and driving problmes.
Good luck!