Starters: Other Mitsubishi Eclipse III

PINION GAP

1. Disconnect the field coil wire from the "M" terminal of magnetic switch. (Scheme 12)
2. Connect a 12-V battery between "S" terminal and "M" terminal.
3. Set switch to ON position and pinion will move out.
4. Check the pinion to stopper clearance (pinion gap) with a feeler gauge. (Scheme 14)
5. If the pinion gap is out of specification, adjust by adding or removing gasket(s) between the magnetic switch and front bracket.

Scheme 12

Scheme 13

Scheme 14

STARTER MOTOR DOES NOT OPERATE

1. Check starter coil.
2. Check electrical connections.
3. Check clutch pedal position switch (M/T).
4. Check starter relay or theft alarm starter relay (if equipped).
5. Check park/neutral position switch (A/T).

STARTER MOTOR DOES NOT STOP

1. Check starter magnetic switch solenoid.

1. Is the battery in good condition? If Yes, go to the next step. If No, then charge or replace battery.
2. Disconnect the starter motor "S" (solenoid) terminal connector. Using a jumper wire, apply battery positive voltage to starter motor "S" (solenoid) terminal. Does starter motor operate normally? If Yes, then check ignition switch, starter relay, park/neutral position switch, line between the battery and starter motor "S" (solenoid) terminal. If No, then go to the next step.
3. Check if the cable between starter "B" (battery) terminal and battery positive terminal for connection and continuity. Is the starter cable in good condition? If Yes, then go to the next step. If No, then repair or replace the cable.
4. Check the connection and continuity of the cable between starter motor body and the negative battery terminal. Is the ground line in good condition? If Yes, then go to the next step. If No, then repair or replace cable.
5. Is the starter motor in good condition? If Yes, problem is excessive rotational resistance of the engine. If No, then replace the starter motor.

STARTER RELAY

Note. Galant and Montero do not use starter relay.

Diamante

Remove starter relay located under relay box in left side of engine compartment. For testing (Scheme 15)

Scheme 15

Eclipse

For starter relay location and testing (Scheme 16)

Scheme 16

Lancer

For starter relay location and testing (Scheme 17)

Scheme 17

Mirage

Remove starter relay. (Scheme 18) Connect positive ohmmeter lead to terminal No. 4. Connect negative ohmmeter lead to terminal No. 2. Continuity should exist. Connect positive ohmmeter lead to terminal No. 2. Connect negative ohmmeter lead to terminal No. 4. Continuity should not exist. If continuity is not as specified, replace relay.

Scheme 18

Montero Sport

For starter relay location and testing see scheme 8

PINION GAP MEASUREMENT

1. Disconnect field coil wire from terminal "M" at starter solenoid. see scheme 12, see scheme 13 or see scheme 14. Connect jumper wire between positive battery terminal of 12-volt battery and terminal "S" of starter solenoid.
2. Connect a second jumper wire from negative battery terminal and touch terminal "M" of starter solenoid. Using a feeler gauge, measure clearance between pinion and stopper. see scheme 15
3. Clearance should be within specification. See «STARTER SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-139180-S16831425772002042600000) table. Adjust clearance by adding or removing gaskets between solenoid and front housing.

STARTER MOTOR

Note. It may be necessary to disconnect transmission oil cooler lines, air cleaner, engine undercover and/or front actuator assembly for starter removal.