Engine shut off while driving, funny smell from exhaust and more issues

SAVANNAH PRATER

MEMBER
2001 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
263,850 MILES

I just got the car today, yes I has high miles. I was not aware of 3/4 of the issues it is having. The car will randomly start shaking stupidly when you are going twenty to thirty five mph. Hit forty mph and it stops. Wiper blades when you click them up it is just suppose to wipe once mine does if seven or eight times then stops whenever it feels like it. I was on interstate car started acting super funny, a tractor trailer flashed their lights at me so I got off at the next exit made it down the ramp car shut off completely (I was about fifteen minutes from home). Car has a funny smell (burning) coming from the exhaust. What causes it to randomly shut off, then turn back on a few minutes later. I need help with some factors it could be so I can take a look at it tomorrow. Also, the car has been sitting for a while.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,269 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com.

It sounds like you have your hands full. However, it does have a lot of miles. As far as the shaking, often times tire balance will cause what you described. The tires hit a speed when they shake and then work through the vibration as you increase speed. Check to make sure the tires are in good condition, too. Check tread, check for separated belts (bulge or out of round) and also check all steering components.

The wiper issue seems to be switch related. I have attached a flow chart to guide you through checking it. Here are the specs and pin information:

Measure the resistance value at terminal numbers 27 and 28. The resistance value should rise smoothly from approximately less than 2 ohms ("FAST" position) to approximately 1 ohm ("SLOW" position).

As far as the stalling, strange smell. I need to know if the check engine light has come on, if you can describe the smell (is it a sweet smell, rotten egg?). Also, if the check engine light is on, you need to scan the computer to identify trouble codes. They will lead us to the issue. Here is a video which shows how to scan the computer. If you do not have access to a scanner, most parts stores will scan it for free.

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

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