1998 Eclipse won't accelerate?

MDOWDAL

MEMBER
1998 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE
93,000 MILES

My 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse suddenly wouldn't move out of first gear, the engine is making a loud rattling noise, and the Check Engine Light came on. It won't move past 10-20 mph on a flat surface, and won't go past 5 uphill. When idling or sitting in park, the sound of the engine running is choppy, not consistent.

How do I fix this?

3 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Check engine light on

Have the computer scanned for code/s-you have a problem within the engine management system that caused the CEL to turn on-This is your starting point of diagnosis, finding out what's going on.

Go to Autozone and get it scanned for free and get back with the code/s

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Sunday, January 23rd, 2011 AT 7:52 PM

MDOWDAL

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Unfortunately, now the car is cranking, but won't start. The battery is working, but the car doesn't ignite, and after a 30 seconds or so just clicks when trying to start it up. Does this sound like a problem with the fuel pumps?

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Sunday, January 23rd, 2011 AT 8:10 PM

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Battery could have run down -charge it till its full and do below to determine if its fuel or spark issue-

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine at least 3/16 away from ground -have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, Do you hear the fuel pump come On when you turn key on? If not check fuel pump fuse and fuel pump relay if so, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, coil's resistances, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it

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Sunday, January 23rd, 2011 AT 9:03 PM