Testing ECU and Dist.
 

Hello everyone from a new guy. I'm having an issue with a '92 GS 1.8 5 spd and I know that someone on here can help me. I'm a regular on some some other forums (BMW and Corvair) so I know how valuable these things are. Anyway, I've been around cars all my life (I'm 45) and am even pretty good with OBD systems but I'm pretty clueless on Mitsu. So my friend's car died on her the other day, the classic "driving along and it quit". Here's what I've done and know:

IGN fuse is ok
Timing belt is intact and turning
Red lead to the coil (I think) has power
ECU non-responsive
No obvious burning or leaking caps in the ECU

Questions:
I'm using an improvised light bulb assembly to retrieve codes since I just moved and can't find my meters. Any reason that wouldn't work?
Is there a way to test the ECU and distributor/coil/CAS assembly so I can avoid throwing expensive parts at it?

I browsed a Haynes manual but the section on engine sensors seems to favor the 2.0 and has little info testing the 1.8 dizzy.

This and other forums have been a great help (i.e. the leaking capacitors thing) but much searching hasn't answered my specific questions. Any help is greatly appreciated to get this poor girl back on the road.

Allen

RE: Testing ECU and Dist.
 

When you turn the key on does the check engine light come on? Also are you getting an injector pulse?

RE: Testing ECU and Dist.
 

CEL does come on with the key, no idea how to check for injector pulse.

RE: Testing ECU and Dist.
 

Hook up a test light to the injector harness and while crankin it should flash if not you need a ecu.

RE: Testing ECU and Dist.
 

Well problem solved. A used ECU from the yard didn't do the trick but a used dizzy did. I'll assume it was the CAS or coil and be happy with $43. Thanks for all the help guys, I really appreciate it. If y'all ever need help with a Corvair or BMW E21, look me up.