Contents Section: Procedures All sections

Maintenance Information Mitsubishi Eclipse I

Procedures 5 illustrations ~1298 words

VIN LOCATION

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located on the left side of the dash panel at the base of the windshield. The VIN chart explains the code characters.

VIN CODE ID EXPLANATION

Numbers preceding the explanations in the legend below refer to the sequence of characters as listed on VIN identification label. See VIN example below.

VIN Code ID Explanation. Scheme 2

Scheme 2: VIN Code ID Explanation

SEVERE & NORMAL SERVICE DEFINITIONS

Service is recommended at mileage intervals based on vehicle operation. Service schedules are based on the following primary operating conditions

Normal Service

  1. Driven More Than 10 Miles Daily
  2. No Operating Conditions From Severe Service Schedule

Severe Service (Unique Driving Conditions)

  1. Driving In Dusty Conditions
  2. Police, Taxi, Or Commercial Operation
  3. Extensive Idling
  4. Short-Trip Operation At Freezing Temperatures
  5. Driving In Sandy Conditions
  6. Driving In Salty Areas
  7. More Than 50% Operation In Heavy Traffic During Hot Weather
  8. Driving Off-Road

CAMSHAFT TIMING BELT

CAUTIONFailure to replace a faulty camshaft timing belt may result in serious engine damage.

The condition of camshaft drive belts should always be checked on vehicles which have more than 50,000 miles. Although some manufacturers do not recommend belt replacement at a specified mileage, others require it at 60,000-100,000 miles. A camshaft drive belt failure may cause extensive damage to internal engine components on most engines, although some designs do not allow piston-to-valve contact. These designs are often called "Free Wheeling".

Many manufacturers changed their maintenance and warranty schedules in the mid-1980's to reflect timing belt inspection and/or replacement at 50,000-60,000 miles. Most service interval schedules in this manual reflect these changes.

Belts or components should be inspected and replaced if any of the following conditions exist

  1. Cracks Or Tears In Belt Surface
  2. Missing, Damaged, Cracked Or Rounded Teeth
  3. Oil Contamination
  4. Damaged Or Faulty Tensioners
  5. Incorrect Tension Adjustment

Camshaft timing and balancer belts should be replaced at 60,000 mile intervals.

Scheme 3

Scheme 3: SERVICE POINT LOCATIONS

Scheme 4

Scheme 4

Scheme 5

Scheme 5

SERVICE LABOR TIMES

Note. Labor times are provided, where available, within appropriate SERVICE INTERVAL table in SCHEDULED SERVICES article.

WHEEL TIGHTENING

Tighten wheel lug nuts 87-101 ft. lbs. (120-140 N.m).

BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS

CAUTIONWhen battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with computers may lose memory data. When battery power is restored, driveability problems may exist on some vehicles. These vehicles may require a relearn procedure. See appropriate COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL INFORMATION section.

If battery is replaced, new battery should be of the same group number as shown on the original battery's label. All models use a BCI group size 86 battery.

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) AIR BAG SYSTEM

Note. See the AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Section.

The SRS has no user-servicable parts. Always have servicing done by an authorized dealer.

When performing maintenance on air bag equipped vehicles always observe proper safety precautions.

WARNINGTo avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and carefully follow all warnings and service precautions. See appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT section.
CAUTIONDisconnect negative battery cable before servicing any air bag system, steering column or passenger side dash component. After any repair, turn ignition key to the ON position from passenger's side of vehicle in case of accidental air bag inflation

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)

CAUTIONNever mix different diameter tires. On loose or uneven surfaces, the ABS system may require longer stopping distances than conventional brake systems. Exercise caution when removing mud or snow from the wheels so as not to damage the ABS wiring or speed sensors.

BATTERY WARNING

WARNINGWhen battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with computers may lose memory data. When battery power is restored, driveability problems may exist on some vehicles. These vehicles may require a relearn procedure. See appropriate COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL INFORMATION section below.

REPLACING BLOWN FUSES

CAUTIONBefore replacing a blown fuse, remove ignition key, turn off all lights and accessories to avoid damaging the electrical system. Be sure to use fuse with the correct indicated amperage rating. The use of an incorrect amperage rating fuse may result in a dangerous electrical system overload.

BRAKE PAD WEAR INDICATOR

Indicator will cause a squealing or scraping noise, warning that brake pads need replacement.

BRAKE PAD REPLACEMENT

The pads for the left and right wheels should be replaced at the same time. Never split or intermix brake pad sets. All four pads must be replaced as a set.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER

CAUTIONContinued operation of vehicle with a severe malfunction could cause converter to overheat, resulting in possible damage to converter and vehicle.

COOLANT (PROPYLENE-GLYCOL FORMULATIONS)

CAUTIONTo avoid possible damage to vehicle use only ethylene-glycol based coolants with a mixture ratio from 44-68% anti-freeze. DO NOT use 100% anti-freeze as it will cause the formation of cooling system deposits. This results in coolant temperatures of over 300° F (149°C) which can melt plastics. 100% anti-freeze has a freeze point of only -8° F (-22°C).
CAUTIONPropylene-Glycol Mixtures has a smaller temperature range than Ethylene-Glycol. The temperature range (freeze-boil) of a 50/50 Anti-Freeze/Water Mix is as follows: Propylene-Glycol -26° F (-32°C) - 257° F (125°C) Ethylene-Glycol -35° F (-37°C) - 263° F (128°C)
CAUTIONPropylene-Glycol/Ethylene-Glycol Mixtures can cause the destabilization of various corrosion inhibitors. Also Propylene-Glycol/Ethylene-Glycol has a different specific gravity than Ethylene-Glycol coolant, which will result in inaccurate freeze point calculations.

ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE SENSITIVE (ESD) PARTS

WARNINGMany solid state electrical components can be damaged by static electricity (ESD). Some will display a warning label, but many will not. Discharge personal static electricity by touching a metal ground point on the vehicle prior to servicing any ESD sensitive component.

ENGINE OIL

CAUTIONNever use non-detergent or straight mineral oil.

FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE

WARNINGRelieve fuel system pressure prior to servicing any fuel system component (fuel injection models).

HALOGEN BULBS

WARNINGHalogen bulbs contain pressurized gas which may explode if overheated. DO NOT touch glass portion of bulb with bare hands. Eye protection should be worn when handling or working around halogen bulbs.

RADIATOR CAP

CAUTIONAlways disconnect the fan motor when working near the radiator fan. The fan is temperature controlled and could start at any time even when the ignition key is in the OFF position. DO NOT loosen or remove radiator cap when cooling system is hot.

RADIATOR FAN

WARNINGKeep hands away from radiator fan. Fan is controlled by a thermostatic switch which may come on or run for up to 15 minutes even after engine is turned off.

REMOVING AIR FILTER

Exercise care when removing the air filter so as not to damage the air-flow sensor that is attached to the air filter.

ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) OPERATION

AWD vehicles are not designed for off-road use, and are unsuitable for driving on bumpy ground that may cause excessive strain. Full-time AWD cars should be driven only under the same conditions that are suitable for front-wheel drive.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

CAUTIONAlways refer to customer's copy of warranty information for specific model application and/or coverage limitations.

NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY

Covers all manufacturer-installed parts and components for any repairs, replacements or adjustments needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship under normal use and maintenance for 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first, from date of delivery to the first retail buyer or first date of use.

POWERTRAIN LIMITED WARRANTY

Upon expiration of New Vehicle Limited Warranty, this warranty covers powertrain against defects in materials or workmanship up to a maximum of 36 months or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. On 1991-94 models, warranty period is extended to 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever occurs first. See copy of warranty for specific components covered.

BATTERY WARRANTY

Covers replacement of original battery for 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

AIR CONDITIONER WARRANTY

Covers manufacturer's air conditioners for 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Air conditioner refrigerant charge is covered for the first 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first. On 1991-94 models, refrigerant is covered only as part of a warranty repair.

ANTI-CORROSION PERFORATION LIMITED WARRANTY

Covers any body sheet metal panel found to have developed perforation (rust-through) due to corrosion for 36 months regardless of mileage. Outer panel coverage extends to 7 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

EMISSION SYSTEM DEFECT WARRANTY (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA)

Warrants that the vehicle was designed, built and equipped to conform at the time of sale with all applicable U.S. emission standards. Covers any repairs needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship which would cause the vehicle not to meet these standards for 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

EMISSION SYSTEM PERFORMANCE WARRANTY (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA)

Covers all repairs, adjustments, or replacements if vehicle has been maintained in accordance with the prescribed scheduled maintenance instructions and fails to conform to applicable emission standards and such failure results or will result in the vehicle owner having to bear any penalty or other sanctions under local, state or federal law. Warranty period is 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Covers remedy of non-conformity if vehicle fails to pass an EPA approved emissions test during the first 24 months or 24,000 miles of this warranty. During the remainder of the warranty period, covers remedy of non-conformity resulting from failure of certain emission-related components. See copy of warranty for specific components covered.

EMISSION SYSTEM WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)

Warrants that the vehicle was designed, built and equipped to conform at the time of sale with all applicable U.S. and California emission standards, and that the emission control system is free from defects in materials or workmanship which would cause the vehicle not to meet these standards for 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Certain emission-related components are covered for 7 years or 70,000 miles, whichever occurs first. See copy of warranty for specific components covered.

FUSE PANEL LOCATION

The fuse panel is located under the instrument panel on the driver's side. Spare fuses are contained in the fuse cover.

Scheme 6

Scheme 6: FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION

Fuse & Circuit Breaker Identification

  1. 1 - 10 Amp - Automatic Seat Belt Control Unit, Key Reminder Switch & Seat Belt Buzzer, Passing Control & Taillight Relays, Foglight Relay, Headlight Pop-up Switch
  2. 2 - Blank
  3. 3 - 10 Amp - Air Conditioner Control Unit & Switch, Defogger Timer, Heater & Power Window Relays
  4. 4 - 10 Amp - Radio, Power Antenna
  5. 5 - 15 Amp - Cigarette Lighter & Remote Controlled Mirror
  6. 6 - 15 Amp - Door Lock Relay & Control Unit
  7. 7 - 10 Amp - A/T Fluid Temperature Warning Light, 4-Spd A/T Control Module, Auto-Cruise Control Unit (A/T), Combination Meter
  8. 8 - Blank
  9. 9 - 15 Amp - Intermittent Wiper Relay, Wiper & Washer Motors
  10. 10 - 10 Amp - Headlight Relay & Horn
  11. 11 - 10 Amp - Cruise Control Unit & Actuator, Automatic Seat Belt Control Unit & Combination Meter, Buzzer Assembly, Seat Belt Warning Light, Motor Antenna
  12. 12 - 10 Amp - Turn Signal & Hazard Flasher Unit
  13. 13 - Blank
  14. 14 - Blank
  15. 15 - Blank
  16. 16 - 30 Amp - Blower Motor
  17. 17 - 15 Amp - Stoplight, ABS Power Relay
  18. 18 - 10 Amp - Back-Up Light (M/T), Dome Light Relay
  19. 19 - 10 Amp - 4-Speed A/T Control Unit, Dome, Door Ajar & Footlights, Ignition Key & Luggage Compartment Lights, MPI Control Unit, Radio, Automatic Seat Belt Control Unit, Motor Antenna, ABS Relay, ABS Control Unit, Door Lock Control Unit