Car Shuts Off While Driving?!!!

[toicy4ya]

Sup Guys,

I have a 99 GS Eclipse Spyder with a 2.4 engine, lately it has been shutting off on me while driving. Initially it would shut off while stopped at a red light and I would just quickly turn the ignition and it would start up again. I didnt think much of it then because it rarely happened but now I've noticed that it's been happening while I'm driving, the car would just shut off. The dash board lights would come on like when your initially starting the car meaning the Service Engine, SRS and seat belt reminder lights. Also sometimes when I drive the "Service Engine Light" would come on and I feel momentary a loss of power but then the light would come off and the car would continue driving like normal. Any one have any idea what this might be? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Blackcrow64]

You have been here long enough to know better than to post every thread in the main forum. Post in the correct subforums from now on. You never do and I always have to move them. This is an official warning...

[defiancy]

Sounds like you need to check your battery cables and make sure they are connected good. Check the power cable and the ground.

Also check the alternator, make sure it's plugged in and all that good stuff.

[Talon69]

my guess would be your alternator mesing up.

[gthompson97]

If the battery connections are good, it's probably the ECU. That's exactly what happened to my RS. It would randomly die and then start back up the first couple times but then it quit starting until it sat for like an hour. Replaced the ECU and haven't had the problem since.

[toicy4ya]

The battery connections are fine. I checked them and re-checked them. How much is an ECU? Was it difficult to replace?

[gthompson97]

I don't know about the 2.4, but on a NT 2.0 it's like 4 bolts. Takes like 5 mins. I'm not sure how much they are, you could try a used one on ebay for whatever the price, buy a remanned one, or get a new one. You'll have to search around and see what you can find.

[toicy4ya]

Sup guys,

I'm still having the same problem. I rechecked the cables on the battery and retightened them in addition I checked the spark plug wires which are plugged firmly. This morning while driving, the check engine light flickered then the car shut off. All the lights on the dashboard came on as if I was starting the car. I placed the car in park, through on my hazzard lights on and turn the ignition, the car cranked for a bit but didnt start. After a few tries the car started. I placed it on drive and it quickly shut off again. Same scenario, put the hazzards on, put it in park and cranked it, after several tries the car started and I was able to drive it to my destination which lucky for me was a short distance away. Anyone ever experience this problem? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[gthompson97]

Sounds like the ECU to me. It could be the alternator, but eventually you would have no power to anything and wouldn't even be able to crank it.

[violent31601]

I had this problem with my old GS....Eventually it will get worse to the point that your car will not start, the problem is a heat sensor/ or relay i forgot mostly what it is but get them checked out

[MazdaX]

If you put it in drive and it happens then park and start up then drive again and it happens again it just may happen to be a fault park/nuetral switch if it's an automatic.

[toicy4ya]

Violent31601: Heat Sensor/Relay? Where is it located? Did you get a check engine light?

[violent31601]

i think i did.....and i don't know i had a mecanic do it, i'm just giving you ideas what it could be

[gthompson97]

You say you're getting a CEL? Go to Autozone and have them scan the codes for you and see what they come up with. That'll help tremendously.

[4g63rice]

It could be a faulty alternator because the alternator might not be taking over for the battery after the car starts.