QuestionMy daughters 93 1.8 non turbo eclipse is having some starting problems. It has been hard starting, low idling intermittently. I replaced the plugs, all the filters and it has a new battery. Occasionally, her battery light will come on, but the battery is charged it would seem. It wouldnt start at all tonight, and there is fuel on the plugs, and the engine is turning over vigorously, with and without jumper cables on the battery. I had a friend give me a push, and i popped the clutch and it started right up, and i got the car home, about a mile drive. i shut the car off, and tried to restart it, and it cranked beautifully but wouldnt start. Would the coolant temperature sensor cause this? It would seem i have fuel, the alternator seems to keep the car firing when popping the clutch to start, the positive battery cable was loose, but when i cleaned and tightened, and checked the three fuses inline, all were good, and the problem persists. It seems to have gotten worse with the change in weather. Could a vaccuum line do this as well?
Any insight into this would be great!
Thanks
AnswerAndy,
A faulty coolant temperature sensor may cause this problem, though typically when the temp. sensor goes, your car will start just fine when it's cold, but will not restart once the engine temperature increases.
You may still have an alternator problem. Check your alternator fuse and all other fuses near your battery again. Many auto parts stores like AutoZone and Advanced Auto Parts can test your alternator for free to make sure it's putting out enough current. A faulty alternator or related fuse will cause the battery light to come on.
Another possibility could be your car's computer. Read this article for further information:
http://90gsx.com/eclipse/cap/caps.htm
If your ECU is malfunctioning, you can have starting problems. Have that checked out if your mechanic cannot find any other problems.
Good luck!
