Self Proclaimed newbie: Quick question...

Hey, I'm currently looking to buy a new Eclipse, and I think I may have found one (a 1995 GST), but there's one problem: It won't start for the current owner. He thinks he's narrowed it down to either the ECU or the Power Transistor. I was just wondering A) How much a used one of either would run me? B) How easy they would be to swap? (plug-and-play, so to speak, or major issue) and C) Would it be easier/smarter to find an aftermarkey one and do it that way? He said it started one day and then didn't the next, which is what led him to believe it's something electrical, and nothing too serious like a cam angle sensor or timing belt.

Any input is much appreciated! Thanks!

If its the ecu and you don't need another eprom you can get them fairly cheap and they are quite quick to install. But one thing I've learned is don't take this guys word for it. And if it doesn't start who knows what problems it may have when you do get it running?
I wouldn't pay much more for that car then I would for a rolling chassis.

Thanks. The owner said that he drove it home from work one night, and the next morning when he was leaving it wouldn't start. Obviously, like you said, I'm not going to assume that everything he's telling me is the 100% truth, but I'm going to have a look at it, see if anything else appears to need a repair, and then decide if I should even bother looking for an ECU, or a new car lol...

we got a guy on the board that is from ohio here I don't know how far they are from you but It maybe possible for them to help you out.

we got a guy on the board that is from ohio here I don't know how far they are from you but It maybe possible for them to help you out.

Unfortunately, he is clear on the other side of the state from me... Probably about a good 6 hour drive or so from me...


I would have to agree with Steve on this car. I wouldn't pay much more for it than I would a rolling chassis. I would be nice if it was just the ECU, but it sounds a bit strange that it was running fine one night and then wouldn't start the next morning... Makes me wonder what could have gone out overnight just like that... Not saying it isn't possible that it's just the ECU, I'm just saying be cautious in this situation...

Too bad theres no way to see if there are any DTC's. That might give you a hint at whats wrong. I would think that if it was just the ECU, he would have just gone out and gotten one since they are pretty cheap. But if he was pricing an EPROM, that might be why he held back on buying it.

Did he check the battery...?