420A random no start, resetting ecu fixes

[Anubis_4_99]

Ok, i have searched and not found anything similar, so am resorting to posting.

For about a little more then a week or two i've been having an issue with my eclipse rough starting, dieing, then not starting again no matter how much i crank it.

But if i unplug the ECU for a few seconds, then plug it back in it will start right away. I'm at a loss here, i haven't checked for codes yet, and dont know if im throwing a cel due to the light being blown out, but will do that probably tomorrow.

At this point i'm just looking for things i can test, it isn't a big deal when it happens to me, but it has started happening more frequently and tonight happened to the wife and i had to talk her through unplugging the ECU to fix it, which is not easy for someone who is car-tarded .

Help!

 

[kongo]

Stock ecu or megasquirt? Is your check engine lite on? Is so have you scans the code? Sounds like your timing is of are a bad sensor.

 

[TallestHERETIC]

Did you take a look at your crank sensor or cam sensor?

Sounds like one of them is hitting the bucket. Does it turn of at idle? how about when you drive it?

 

[Anubis_4_99]

Stock ecu or megasquirt? Is your check engine lite on? Is so have you scans the code? Sounds like your timing is of are a bad sensor.

Factory ECU, as stated in original post i dont know about the cel because the light is burnt out but i plan to have it scanned tomorrow.

I'm about 99.98% sure my timing is correct.

This no start is entirely random, i can drive three days without it happening, then i can stop for gas, turn the car off, then go to start it and it will start rough, die, and not start again until i unplug the ECU and plug it back in. Otherwise the car runs flawlessly, plenty of power, MPG is on par, etc.

Did you take a look at your crank sensor or cam sensor?

Sounds like one of them is hitting the bucket. Does it turn of at idle? how about when you drive it?

It will die at idle, but once it is on the road runs perfect. I have been having an idle issue when cold ever since i owned the car though which is unrelated.

I haven't looked at anything yet, i will search for how to test them unless someone wants to chime in with a link and i will be able to update on any tests done tomorrow after work.

 

[TallestHERETIC]

Yea, its defintley a sensor issue. I had this problem on my old '99 RS. It was for the crank.

You can find out if one or the other is bad by using a voltmeter, like the ones used to trouble a blown lightbulb socket. Put the key to on (not start!) then check the voltage. I believe if it is lower than 9 volts, its bad.

 

[Anubis_4_99]

Yea, its defintley a sensor issue. I had this problem on my old '99 RS. It was for the crank.

You can find out if one or the other is bad by using a voltmeter, like the ones used to trouble a blown lightbulb socket. Put the key to on (not start!) then check the voltage. I believe if it is lower than 9 volts, its bad.

Sweet, i'll do some searching and test it tomorrow when i have light. Feel free to keep idea's coming guys just incase.