I think my ECU is going bad - check my symptoms?

[DSM_shop]

I was just driving my 91 GSX around, and then out of nowhere the engine just starts cutting out completely. like...say i was driving at ~2500RPM, then a second later, it drops to 0, then a second later, back at ~2500, repeat until i get to my final destination. then the car just died once i slowed down and tried to park, and it wouldn't start again. the reason i think it's the ECU is because of a loud clicking i heard everytime the engine cut out coming from where the ECU is.

 

[1gentalonfan]

that sounds like its your TPS i had the same problem with my old B16A im not sure where the sensor is exactly on DMSs but search around im sure youll find it and when you do try disconnecting it and if its better get a new tps but until you do just leave it disconnected and baby the engine as to prevent problems

 

[steve]

Does the Check Engine Light come on when it dies? What does your stock boost gauge do just before hand? Does it drop to the bottom?

How about when you try to start the car and it doesn't start? If the CEL doesn't come on and the boost gauge doesn't go to 0 then the ECU isn't running.

Steve

 

[DSM_shop]

yea the CEL came on and the ABS light came on (when it cut out while i was driving). i don't remember what the boost gauge did honestly, maybe i'll be able to start it and check. i would assume it leveled at 0 because the engine seemed completely off for that period of time.

 

[impuresoul2k3]

that sounds like its your TPS i had the same problem with my old B16A im not sure where the sensor is exactly on DMSs but search around im sure youll find it and when you do try disconnecting it and if its better get a new tps but until you do just leave it disconnected and baby the engine as to prevent problems

That would be DSM

 

[steve]

yea the CEL came on and the ABS light came on (when it cut out while i was driving). i don't remember what the boost gauge did honestly, maybe i'll be able to start it and check. i would assume it leveled at 0 because the engine seemed completely off for that period of time.

At this point just check that the CEL comes one for about 5 seconds and the boost gauge goes to 0 rather than sitting at the bottom when you turn the ignition on. If the don't then the ECU isn't starting up.

Steve

 

[Spoolin4Ever]

Well having experienced both a failing ECU, and a bad TPS, I agree with the above; high likelyhood of one or the other, I will say ECU probably.

Take it out, open the case and examine. It takes only 5 minutes to pull it.

I had mine fixed at the tv repair shop for $30 (I supplied my own capacitors).

Could be the TPS, except the not starting reminded me of the ECU.

See the bad ECU made it run like dog doo, and fouled the plugs, so it couldn't start. Clean the plugs, it will start again, but once it gets warm will run bad, that is what happened with mine.