HELP Ignition problem, Car stalling.

[rscam]

96 Eclipse RS. 2.0 auto. I changed the head gasket because of a bad oil leak. Now that I have it back together the thing runs for about 15-20 mins then it just quits. I take off the pos. cable for about 5 mins and when I put it back on it starts and runs for awhile. No codes at all. Every now and then it will give a code. I pulled in Autozone right as it quit once and they ran the code and it said ignition coil. I got a used coil pack and put on it and it does the same thing. I tested both coils and they test out fine. It didnt do this until I changed the head gasket. I took the engine wiring harness off to get the head off. I have checked all the plugs in all the sensors that I plugged back in. Everything is in its place. Also sometimes it will stay running and struggle and backfire through the throttle body. I have also put new plugs and wires on it. Anyone have any ideas whats wrong?

[musicman181]

maybe your ecu needs to be programmed? i hope you checked on it cause it may have been a quick fix the entire time

[rscam]

Does an ECU loose its program? I'm not sure I know what you mean. All I did is take the battery out of the car to change the head gasket. I didn't touch the ECU. Also if I need to check it how do I do that?

[slowgsowner]

I doubt HIGHLY that its your ecu. Does it idle rough (sputtering) before it stalls? like a miss, or does it just cut out all together?

[rscam]

Since I posted this I have driven it twice and both times it started "sputtering" and struggled a few seconds then died. It would barely idle and when I tried to accelerate it backfired and died.

[GTPSPEED]

are the plugs gapped right,did you change them one bye one,just try to go over what you did and see if you hit anything,if not its probably the stuff you put in like the plugs or the wires check them again

[rscam]

I changed the plugs and wires brfore I changed the head gasket and it didn't do this till after the head gasket. I recall the last 3 times it quit I was turing. What about a fuel problem? It sputters sometimes before it quit. I am beginning to think its coincedental that it happened after I did the work.

[FRANKNW]

Originally Posted by rscam

I changed the plugs and wires brfore I changed the head gasket and it didn't do this till after the head gasket. I recall the last 3 times it quit I was turing. What about a fuel problem? It sputters sometimes before it quit. I am beginning to think its coincedental that it happened after I did the work.

i dont think that is coincidential, because i have exactly the same problem and i dont know what is, please if you fix this problem tell me. I changed ECU, crank sensor, cam sensor and didnt work, I am desesperated the car is stopped for 3 months please help me!

[gthompson97]

Originally Posted by rscam

Does an ECU loose its program?

It can if it sits for too long witout any power.

COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES
The following general procedures are to be used if driveability problems are encountered after power loss or battery has been disconnected. These procedures may provide an aid in eliminating these problems.

To reduce the possibility of complaints, after any service which requires battery power to be disconnected, vehicle should be road tested.

Vehicles equipped with engine or transmission computers may require a relearn procedure after vehicle battery is disconnected. Many vehicle computers memorize and store vehicle operation patterns for optimum driveability and performance. When vehicle battery is disconnected, this memory is lost. The computer will use default data until new data from each key start is stored. As computer memorizes vehicle operation for each new key start, driveability is restored. Vehicle computers may memorize vehicles operation patterns for 40 of more key starts.

Customers often complain of driveability problems during relearn stage because vehicle acts differently then before being serviced. Depending on type and make of vehicle and how it is equipped, the following complaints (driveability problems) may exist:

Harsh Or Poor Shift Quality
Rough Or Unstable Idle
Hesitation Or Stumble
Rich Or Lean Running
Poor Fuel Mileage

These symptoms and complaints should disappear after a number of drive cycles have been memorized. To reduce the possibility of complaints, after any service which requires battery power to be disconnected, vehicle should be road tested. If a specific relearn procedure is not available, the following procedure may be used:

Automatic Transmission
Set parking brake, start engine in "P" or "N" position. Warm-up vehicle to normal operating temperature or until cooling fan cycles.
Allow vehicle to idle for one minute in "N" position. Select "D" and allow engine to idle for one minute.
Accelerate at normal throttle position (20-50%) until vehicle shifts into top gear.
Cruise at light to medium throttle.
Decelerate to a stop, allowing vehicle to downshift, and use brakes normally.
Process may be repeated as necessary.

Manual Transmission
Place transmission in Neutral position.
Ensure emergency brake has been set and all accessories are turned off.
Start engine and bring to normal operating temperature.
Allow vehicle to idle in Neutral for one minute.
Initial relearn is complete: process will be completed during normal driving.
Some manufacturers identify a specific relearn procedure which will help establish suitable driveability during relearn stage. These procedures are especially important if vehicle is equipped with and electronically controlled automatic transmission or transaxle. Always complete procedure before returning vehicle to customer.

[ez1286]

Originally Posted by FRANKNW

i dont think that is coincidential, because i have exactly the same problem and i dont know what is, please if you fix this problem tell me. I changed ECU, crank sensor, cam sensor and didnt work, I am desesperated the car is stopped for 3 months please help me!

This is a kind of old post unfortunetly most of these people don't come on here anymore. Good job searching for the answers first if you search and find something like this where the problem is unresolved you should start a new thread.
P.S. add your can to you signature so people can help a little more because the turbo and na's have totally different set-ups for ignition and basically everything but the body.

[FRANKNW]

thank you for all, i start new thread http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...44#post4078644 please tell me more ideas or something maybe hope jeje...thanks for information about of "COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES" but my car wont start and i dont make this procedure. I read in web that possibly the ecu or engine block need ground but im not sure.

thanks for answer me!

[gthompson97]

Frank, I had a different reponse to your problem, this was for his. Now I feel like a damn idiot because I didn't catch that the thread was so old, oh well, I was tired.