Hello all! I've had this problem for a couple months, and can't find a remedy. I've searched multiple forums, but found nothing quite as unique as my problem. The car is a 1996 Eclipse RS, with basic bolt-ons, and 130k on motor. Every so often the car will just cut off while driving or sitting at a light. It does not sputter or anything, it just dies. I still have power to the car when this happens, i.e. stereo, dash lights, etc. When this happens, the car will not start for about an hour or more. In addition to the car dying, I always get a code for the camshaft positioning sensor (code 54). I have replaced the battery, battery cables, cleaned all contacts from battery to starter, to alternator. The battery, starter and alternator all tested fine. I've also replaced the coolant temperature sensor and camshaft positioning sensor. The car has not died since I replaced the CPS, but that was only a couple days ago. Has anybody had this problem before, and would a bad CPS cause the car to do what mine is doing? Any help is appreciated. This car is my DD, and is used to get my kids to and from school, and to get myself to and from work. I cannot have it breaking down on me with my kids. It could be very dangerous.

Thanks!

Originally posted by mysticstylez
The car has not died since I replaced the CPS, but that was only a couple days ago. Has anybody had this problem before, and would a bad CPS cause the car to do what mine is doing?

Yes it could, but the time thing would only be happenstance. Time would not be a factor, heat is probably the factor.

Which brings us to the common egr tube heat melting/cracking wires. You should check the wire harness that goes near the egr tube. It often times can heat up the wires (or burn through them) if it gets too close. This could be a scenario where when you replaced the CPS, you moved a wire enough that it is giving you a good connection.

Or you could have already fixed the problem with the CPS.

I had a Neon that did this.

It was the ECU.

Yes I suspected the ecu. You may be right about that one. Are other ecu's compatible, or must I have a 96 version? I'll check those wires near the egr. I will try to wrap them up in some tubing maybe to keep them cool. Thanks for the help.

Though it could be ECU, I do not suspect it because of this;

Originally posted by mysticstylez
In addition to the car dying, I always get a code for the camshaft positioning sensor (code 54).

Generally ECU problems are not so consistant.

Originally posted by mysticstylez
Are other ecu's compatible, or must I have a 96 version?

You want to get the same year and same tranny (5sp or auto) as the car you have.

Originally posted by bullettdsm
Though it could be ECU, I do not suspect it because of this;

Originally posted by mysticstylez In addition to the car dying, I always get a code for the camshaft positioning sensor (code 54).

Generally ECU problems are not so consistant.

Originally posted by mysticstylez Are other ecu's compatible, or must I have a 96 version?

You want to get the same year and same tranny (5sp or auto) as the car you have.

Could be a coincidence Mark.

One of my 98 ECUs throwing the timing belt skipped code no matter which car its on. Its stuck like that.

Originally posted by teklein

Originally posted by bullettdsm Though it could be ECU, I do not suspect it because of this;

Originally posted by mysticstylez In addition to the car dying, I always get a code for the camshaft positioning sensor (code 54).

Generally ECU problems are not so consistant.

Originally posted by mysticstylez Are other ecu's compatible, or must I have a 96 version?

You want to get the same year and same tranny (5sp or auto) as the car you have.

Could be a coincidence Mark. One of my 98 ECUs throwing the timing belt skipped code no matter which car its on. Its stuck like that.

Nope, not disagreeing Tim. Just stating why I shied away from ECU.

Okay I replaced the CPS and shielded the loose wires around the egr. I also took off the egr, and cleaned it. Car has not died yet. Thanks for all the help!!!

(fingers crossed) Good luck.

Had a similar problem when my speed sensor went out. Car would randomly shut off but would restart after I pulled the keys out for a few minutes.

When the speed sensor goes bad it usually causes the car to die when you come to a stop because the ECU doesn't realize that it needs to adjust the idle for a stopped car.

The cam sensor an crank sensor are a magnet basically. Some times after time the sensor signal will fae when the sensors get hot. sensor fades. Had two crank sensors on two NT do this to me.
Just foo for thought.