Monday, December 22nd, 2008 AT 10:54 PM
I just bought a used 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse 4 cyl 2.0 liter turbo. The car runs fine but after one days driving the battery is too weak to start the car. Recharge the battery, and you're good for another day. The amp meter on the dash points to L (-) at startup/idle, but rises toward H (+) as the rpm rises. I'm obviously suspicious of the electrical system so I had it checked by 3 different parts houses. All said the battery & starter were good, but the alternator was bad (not charging). So I removed the alternator (which looked new) and it bench tested good at 2 different stores! So I had a friend at Firestone spend some time troubleshooting and he says it may be a bad Engine Control Module. Not providing an electrical field for the rotor to interact with. That sounded crazy, but if you agree, I can get an ECM for $89 and give it a try. If so, how do you program the ECM for VIN and mileage?