Question
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The text above is a follow-up to ...
-----Question-----
I have a 97 eclipse that will not start. It has done this before, but always started. Three days ago it did this and I assumed that it was the coil pack or bad plugs. Replaced both and it worked fine. Tonight it did it again, and luckily I had another coil pack and set of wire, figured I could get lucky again, swapped them in and it will not start. The first time this happened and I swapped the coil packs and plugs the check engine light came on and when I took it to be checked out the errors were secondary and primary ignition failure. It was working fine so they reset it and now its done it again. Any suggestions. Just to mention both coil packs were from a 97 talon and another 97 eclipse, plugs were new and gapped properly as well as new wires. This is an unmolested car, no modifications.
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Vince,
This could be the result of a faulty ECU (car's computer). You may want to pull that and see if there is any damage to it. The ECU is located behind and below the radio. There also is a power transistor that powers the coil pack, and if that is faulty, it could cause the errors you saw.
If the problem continues to occur, you may want to have a mechanic inspect it. The dealership may be best equipped to diagnose this problem.
Good luck!
I changed the plugs again and after 5 or so times of turning the key and letting it turn for 5 or so seconds, it started up. I dont trust it to last, but from what I'm noticing, I dont think that it is the coil pack, plugs, or wires. I have never heard of the power transistor, but I would bet that is the problem. Error code did say primary and secondary ignition problems. Do you know where this transistor is located? It could be the ecu, I will try to swap it with one that I know operates right. Just curious, but isn't the ecu on this car located just in front of the battery in the engine bay. I have also thought that it might be a fuel relay. Im not sure if this car has such a thing, but it's worth looking into I suppose.
Thanks for your help, If you have any other suggestions or help it would be greatly appreciated.
AnswerVince,
I think I did give you some bad info about the power transistor. Mitusbishi stopped using the power transistors in there non-turbo Eclipse after 1994, so I don't think yours has one. ECUs were installed in different places depending on the sytle (RS, GS-T, GSX, etc.). For your RS, it may be in front of your battery, though if you don't find it there, check behind your radio.
Good luck!
