Ok to start I've been tuning, racing, and wrenching on cars (mostly domestic) for about 7 years now... so I'm not "new" to things... just new to the DSM world. I bought a 95 eclipse RS (n/t) with a 2.0L engine out of a Talon. Anyways... I'm having some major computer issues or wiring issues.

Ok... so we (My boy and me) install the engine... timing is great, everything is hooked up, sensors are working... everything... so we start it... runs like a champ!
Go to drive it... forgot to tighten a control arm bolt... so we cut the car off... and tighten it... car doesn't start back up...
NOT GETTING A "SERVICE ENGINE" LIGHT at all while turning the key now!

So, figured it was the ECM... Called CritesCores.com out of FL and had them overnight me an ECM... install it, and the "SERVICE ENGINE" light comes right back on, check all sensors and fluids... perfect... start it up! PERFECT, sounds great and runs smooth... a little blueish white smoke outta the muffler but figured it must have been from a few non starts on the old ECM.

**TEST DRIVE TIME**

Well get out on the road, everything is running fine, speed is great, shifting well, everything. Stop to get some gas and the car acts like it wants to die on me. Recovers just fine and I fill up and leave heading back, well the engine starts to tick slightly and jerk about irradically. I look and the TEMP is almost on "H" so I stop immediatly and let it cool down. Limp it up to the parking lot near my buddy's barracks. Next day go to autozone to get a thermostat but it seems way to big with the rubber gasket to work. I'm blowing out nothing but cold air... and the thermostat doesn't fit!!!@!#@!
Finally start it back up, the belts are starting to screech a bit, especially the ALT belt... I slowly rev the engine manually with the TB and the car dies... Not a big deal, but NOW I'm not getting that "SERVICE ENGINE" light again... and nothing is starting, I mean it's turning over, just not starting... I'm BEYOND BAFFLED!!! PLEASE HELP!!!

PS Sorry for the book that I just wrote I just want anyone helping to understand all aspects of what's going on.

RUSTY~

Originally posted by 3clips3
we start it... runs like a champ! we cut the car off... car doesn't start back up... NOT GETTING A "SERVICE ENGINE" LIGHT at all

Very common with 95 ECU's. It's a factory defect in the ground traces. If you waited long enough, the board would cool down and start working again.

Originally posted by 3clips3had them overnight me an ECM... install it, and the "SERVICE ENGINE" light comes right back on

This is probably because the new ECU you bought needs a flash ROM upgrade at the dealership. Pull the code to be sure, but if it has anything to do with EGR or PSIAV or Pulsed Secondary Air, take it to the dealership (not autozone or anywhere else) to get the recall performed. They will charge you approx $100.

Originally posted by 3clips3
a little blueish white smoke outta the muffler
the engine starts to tick slightly and jerk about irradically. I look and the TEMP is almost on "H" so I stop immediatly and let it cool down.

These are both signs of a blown or incorrectly installed head gasket.

Originally posted by 3clips3
go to autozone to get a thermostat but it seems way to big

Autozone is a bunch of idiots. They probably gave you the wrong thermostat. Make sure they select 1997, eclipse, non-turbo, 2.0. Once they have the part number, make them pull up the 1999 Dodge Neon 2.0 DOHC and verify the number matches before they go to pull the part. Make sure the box hasn't been opened and switched with another model number.

Originally posted by 3clips3the belts are starting to screech a bit, especially the ALT belt...

This just means you got the crank pulley wet when you dribbled water down from the water reservoir/radiator cap. If you DIDN'T add any water at any point, then your reservoir might be boiling, which means you definitely have a blown headgasket.

Originally posted by 3clips3
NOW I'm not getting that "SERVICE ENGINE" light... and nothing is starting, I mean it's turning over, just not starting...

Ok now you have to troubleshoot.
1) Spark. Verify each spark plug is gapped correctly and arcing.
2) Fuel. Verify fuel pump primes when key switched to ON, and you have ~40psi pressure at the rail.
3) Compression. Do a compression test.

Without the answers to 1-3 there's nothing more we can do for you.

The plugs are gapped correctly, sparking and arching!
My fuel pressure is perfect, actually I'm sitting at 42PSI
I don't have the tools avail. to do a compression test right now, and since the "SERVICE ENGINE" light still isn't coming on I can't run any diognostics...

I called the company I got the other ECM from and they are overnighting me a new one at no charge. So I hope all goes well and it works this time... I still have to get a new thermostat...

Not sure what's going on with the belt, bone dry, too tight maybe? Too loose?

Thanks for the input thus far, keep it comng!

Actually you can pull the stored codes and run diagnostics (the keydance) even if the CEL isn't on.

You really should have a mechanic perform a compression and leakdown test to check your headgasket.

I can't do the "keydance" either... because the CEL doesn't come on AT ALL... not even when you put the key in at first, I mean NEVER! Any suggestions...

Welcome to the Family?

Originally posted by 3clips3
I can't do the "keydance" either... Any suggestions...

Well Autozone monkeys, Dealership thieves, and mechanics all have obd2 scan tools that will tell you what codes are stored without looking at the CEL light.

You could even buy a scan tool yourself from pocketlogger.com or any other obd2 tool.

I have a scanner but for some reason it will not connect... it says "error in linking"
I believe it is because the CEL is not present for any reason!

CEL doesn't necessarily have to be active (lit) to do the keydance. Search the wiki for keydance and you'll get all the instructions. It's worth a shot.

Oil in the coolant overflow tank?

Compression tester is about $30 at Autozone, by the way. It's an essential tool any mechanic should own, imo.

Where are you located? Perhaps there is a 2GNT vet in your area who might have time to stop over.

What thhedawg said.

I'm located in San Diego, CA... but the car is on Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base in area 24. I'll look into the keydance a little further... also into a compression tester this weekend and I'll keep everyone updated.