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Question: 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse  mileage: 55,335. My 2002 eclipse pings when I accelerate, and especially when I climb hills. It also tends to do this when my rpm's drop after my automatic transmission switches to a higher gear such as third or fourth. I've already checked the ignition timing, and it's correct, I've replaced my plugs and wires. My cylinder head was just replaced in 1999. What are some of the causes of this problem or can you give me any advice to aid me with this problem? Also, as I replaced my spark plugs, I noticed that they had carbon deposits on them thus telling me that my car is delivering more fuel than oxygen into the combustion chamber. The inside of my exhaust is black and filled with carbon as well. My dad is a mechanic, and he believes all this is caused by my valve lash adjusters that tick like crazy. When we replaced my cylinder head, I couldn't afford to buy new adjusters, so we put the old ones back in. Could the adjusters be the reason for any of my problems?

Answer: Check the EGR valve to make sure it is working properly. Also, with a timing light, check to make sure the advance is correct at cruising rpm (2500). We do not think the pinging has anything to do with the adjusters. If the plugs are fouling with heavy carbon deposits, it is possible that the valve stem seals have failed or were incorrectly installed. Finally, double check the routing of all the vacuum hoses.

Question:  2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse  mileage: 72,000.  I just replaced my engine 6 months ago and the valve cover gasket is leaking.  I have had that problem before with a different engine and it was never resolved after 3 replacements at a reputable, national chain store that guaranteed their work.  Are there any type of valve cover problems specifically with Eclipses that I am unaware of (parts)?   Or is this a problem because of improper installation (service)?

Answer:    Too much internal engine pressure in the crankcase may be causing your valve cover gasket failures.  Check the crankcase breathers and PCV valve to be sure they are functioning properly.

Question: 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse  mileage: 105,000. I just replaced my radiator with a used one three days ago. Yesterday I was driving 90 miles per hour when my car started hesitating and slowing down. Then my thermostat started to show the engine heating up really fast. I was pulling off the side of the road when all of the emergency lights (oil, brake, coolant, etc.) came on. I turned off the engine immediately and a few minutes later, my upper hose blew. I replaced it and started to drive. Then my oil pressure started decreasing. I pulled over again and saw that my oil was empty (I have three minor oil leaks, but I usually am good about checking its level). I replaced the oil with three quarts, and about two minutes of driving later, my car was knocking and smoking bad. I pulled over and the oil was leaking out very fast. In a few minutes, all of the oil had leaked out. I had the car towed and I inspected it today. I am trying to find an oil diagram because I cannot figure out exactly where it's coming from. It looks to be around the crankshaft or transmission.

Answer: From what you have told us unfortunately, it sounds like the motor has been ruined from the overheating. This can be verified with a compression check and a leak down test.

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Question: 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse  mileage: 101,000. Dear Bob and Ken, I just purchased a 98 Eclipse and while driving it home the check engine light came on. I took it to the shop and they scanned the engine and came up with a code 14. Throttle position sensor was the problem. The only problem I have had with the car is it shifts slowly and sometimes jerks when it does. The car is an automatic. Are the mechanics right with their diagnosis? Or could the problem lie somewhere else? Thank you for your time.

Answer: The throttle position sensor tells the computer how far open the throttle is. This does affect the transmission shift points. Your mechanic appears to be on the right track.

Question: 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse  mileage: 107,000. Hi Bob and Ken, I have a 1999 Eclipse that I am told by a professional that there is a distributor problem and that the distributor will need to be replaced. The problem is that the car always needs a jump to get the car started and the car will continue to operate until I shut the car off and I have to go thru the same thing again. The engine will crank fine without the jump butt will not start. An automotive tech told me that there was a problem with the distributor not getting enough voltage and that is why it needs a jump. He says that I need to replace the distributor. This sounds kind of weird to me to have to replace an entire distributor for a voltage problem. Could you help set me straight on this matter?

Answer: Check the voltage at the distributor when the engine is cranking. It should be between 11 and 12 volts.

Question: 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse  mileage: 138,000. While I was changing my tire I cross-threaded a lug and broke off one stud. My question is on my model can the stud be knocked out and a new one pressed in or is it part of the axle like some similar cars.

Answer: The wheel studs press out.

Question:  2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse  mileage: 103,000.  When I drive, the engine will not warm up, but when I am still then the engine does warm up.

Answer:    Try replacing the thermostat.  It may be faulty.

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Question:  1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse mileage: 73,000.   The car is an automatic transmission.  It is having erratic shifting problems although they only occur when the car is not at the mechanics.  Whenever the mechanic drives it, the car behaves normally and was unable to reproduce the problem.  Occasionally the transmission will slip.  In addition, the engine will spin up the rpm scale.  It is a rare occurrence although when the transmission starts slipping then other things happen like the car not wanting to shift gears.  The check engine light also comes on.

Answer:  The transmission may be failing but try servicing it; replacing the filter and fluid may help.   The “check engine” light will “light” when there is a malfunction in the engine management system.  The fault code is then stored in the computer.  The computer must be scanned to retrieve these stored faults to pinpoint the malfunctioning component.  Because the check engine light indicates something is wrong, a trip to you neighborhood automobile service center sooner rather than later is recommended.

Question:  1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse  mileage: 76,000.  I just bought a 1994 Mitsubishi eclipse and it seems to be very difficult to steer at slower speeds.  I don’t know if it is supposed to be like that or if it has a problem.  When I bought it, they said it had power steering.  I have a 5-day /250 mile return policy and want to know if there is a problem with the car.  I can’t even find where the power steering fluid is supposed to be checked. There is even a diagram on the hood to show its location but 4 people haven’t found it. Please help me if you can possibly.

Answer:    Your car may not have power steering.  Have a mechanic check for you.

Answer:   A Mitchell or Chilton auto repair manual will have diagrams showing timing belt marks. The manuals also give step-by-step instructions.  These books can be found at the Car Repair Manuals page.

Question:  1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse  mileage: 79,000.  Whenever I turn the steering wheel, it makes a grinding sound from about the center of the axle.  It does not do it all of the time, and it is not the typical popping noise of a CV joint.  The car has been in the shop for a week now and it hasn't made the sound when the mechanics have taken it out, but it is sometimes very loud when I turn the wheel. It is a grinding metal on metal type of sound.

Answer:    It sounds like you may have a faulty power steering pump.

Question:  1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2.0 mileage: 127,000.  Has no spark.  Replaced ECM module, crankshaft/cam shaft sensor, wiring checked and grounds.  Car will not run.

Answer:   Here are some things to have checked:  1. Check to see if the timing belt/chain has failed, 2. Check for ignition spark at spark plugs, 3. Check for fuel pressure, 4. Scan P.C.M. (computer) for fault or error codes.  The information should pinpoint the mal functioning components.

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