Hello everyone. I own a '98 Eclipse GS, recently I have had problems getting it to start. Symptoms are - Car cranks, but no fuel to the engine, thinking it was the fuel pump I bought and installed a new one BUT this did not fix the problem, IF and when it does start it runs perfectly. At times it stutters trying to start (lack of fuel), I took it to the Mitsubishi dealership in hopes they could solve the problem, but low and behold it started every time for them, so they could not fix it, a week later it now will not start again - it starts about 1/10 tries. So I took the car to a local mechanic and he can't seem to figure it out, and I'm stumped. I've read several things on previous posts with similar problems, but naturally I'm not much of a Mechanic. Some of the things relating to my problem that I have read have been - relays (Crank,Cam), wiring, ignition switch, fuel filter (replaced with fuel pump), ECU (computer?). What are the easiest/cheapest solutions and where do I start to figure out the problem? Any and all help very appreciated, the car remains at a clueless lost mechanics shop who is not very versed in foreign cars so I'm trying to help him figure it out as much as I'm trying to solve it myself.. please help, and thank you for your time.

Originally posted by SolarEclipse007
Hello everyone. I own a '98 Eclipse GS, recently I have had problems getting it to start. Symptoms are - Car cranks, but no fuel to the engine, thinking it was the fuel pump I bought and installed a new one BUT this did not fix the problem, IF and when it does start it runs perfectly. At times it stutters trying to start (lack of fuel), I took it to the Mitsubishi dealership in hopes they could solve the problem, but low and behold it started every time for them, so they could not fix it, a week later it now will not start again - it starts about 1/10 tries. So I took the car to a local mechanic and he can't seem to figure it out, and I'm stumped. I've read several things on previous posts with similar problems, but naturally I'm not much of a Mechanic. Some of the things relating to my problem that I have read have been - relays (Crank,Cam), wiring, ignition switch, fuel filter (replaced with fuel pump), ECU (computer?). What are the easiest/cheapest solutions and where do I start to figure out the problem? Any and all help very appreciated, the car remains at a clueless lost mechanics shop who is not very versed in foreign cars so I'm trying to help him figure it out as much as I'm trying to solve it myself.. please help, and thank you for your time.

If your pretty sure its a fuel problem, because of the inconsitency of your problem. I would start the ASD relays on the firewall if I were you. Also check to make sure the fuel pump is giving off a 12v reading when running. How long has it been since you changed the fuel filter? might want to go ahead and switch that out at the same time.

I'm positive it's a fuel problem because none was getting to the engine when trying to start it. The fuel filter was replaced with the fuel pump just yesterday. Could you point me in the right direction of this ASD relays, where abouts on the firewall? I have a Haynes repair manual sitting in front of me but can't seem to find it.

Thanks for the response.

The ASD relay is on the firewall upper left hand side of the car under the hood (as you are sitting in the seat left side). There is also the fuel pump relay there as well and mabye another relay too depending on the year I think.

You check the fuel pump relay? Check if you have spark, also. If the relay is okay, I'd go with the Cam Pos. Sensor (RightFront of head, lookin from front of car)

Thanks for the responses, I have both relays on order will be here in the morning, also I was mistaken, the fuel filter did not get changed (just bought a new one to replace it anyway), rather it was some little filter attached to the fuel pump (in tank). Car fired up today 3 times without the new relays in it, the 4th try it didn't start and the fuel pump was not kicking on. Which leads me to think it very well could be those relays. you guys have been great help!! Thanks a ton. Few more question, could the Computer have anything to do with my problem? or defective wiring (though wires were not touched prior)? Also is there a fuse for the fuel system itself (I doubt its the culprit, rather a general question, me and the Mech. could not find one). Thanks again.

Originally posted by SolarEclipse007
Thanks for the responses, I have both relays on order will be here in the morning, also I was mistaken, the fuel filter did not get changed (just bought a new one to replace it anyway), rather it was some little filter attached to the fuel pump (in tank). Car fired up today 3 times without the new relays in it, the 4th try it didn't start and the fuel pump was not kicking on. Which leads me to think it very well could be those relays. you guys have been great help!! Thanks a ton. Few more question, could the Computer have anything to do with my problem? or defective wiring (though wires were not touched prior)? Also is there a fuse for the fuel system itself (I doubt its the culprit, rather a general question, me and the Mech. could not find one). Thanks again.

Not the ECU so quit worrying about that. Probably the ASD or fuel pump relay. Like previously stated its the BIG relays located on the drivers side of the firewall. If you have a manual there will be 2 there and if you have an automatic there will be 3, because one is in relation to the atx.

heres the relay:

On an auto its the Middle relay for the fuel pump. On a manual it will be the right side.

On manuals it should be the passenger side one... At least mine is- may have been swapped with the other one

FIXED!!! Thanks guys.. it was the fuel pump relay, damn 30 dollar fix. Really appreciate all the help once again =) take care!