1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS not holding a charge

DICDRAGIN12

MEMBER
1998 MITSUBISHI

Got a 98 Eclipse GS 2.0L DOHC that will not hold a charge. I can drive it home if it is jumped and runs fine. Once I turn it off, after just 5 seconds it will not even turn over, just the starter will click.

Just replaced alternator today 11/29/07, battery new in 9/07. I believe there is a short somewhere draining, but not 100%. Bought car in 2002, didn't have problems till it sat for a few months, through winter. Took it to 2 mechanics, first one I got the vibe he didnt wanna work on it so he didnt really do anything besides change plug wires. That didn't fix it. Took it to another, he just replaced the battery and said it was fixed. About a month or 2 later, it sat for maybe 2 or 3 days without being started, and it wouldnt start, wouldnt even turn over. Now it must be jumped to even get it to run, once running it runs fine but like I said before once I turn it off, its done till it is jumped again. Battery has a charge of about an average of 13.6v while running and 12.4v not running. I have NOT added anything electrical to her.

1 Reply

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,938 POSTS

Hi there,

The first thing to do is find a good mechanic who cares about his work and his customers. He /she should do a current draw test. Remove the Pos battery terminal and hook up an Amp gauge, this will tell you what current is being drawn from the battery with key off and doors closed. If above about.35 Amps there is a problem. Start there and if you need further assistance re post results for more assistance.

Mark (mhpautos)