Why Won’t My Mitsubishi Eclipse Start?

The Eclipse has been a popular car for many years, and it’s easy to see why: it’s a fun, sporty ride. It’s also incredibly reliable and safe.

That’s why I love this one—it has great performance, but it still maintains all the safety and comfort features you need on the road.

If you have a Mitsubishi Eclipse, you probably know it’s a great car.

The problem is, sometimes, it can be really hard to get started. If this sounds like your situation, don’t worry! I am here to help.

You took the first step, stopping wondering, “Why won’t my Mitsubishi Eclipse start?” and looking for a solution. Leave the rest to me to help you narrow down the sources.

The most common reasons are:

Corrosion On The Battery Terminals
Spark Plug Failure
Blown Fuse
Rodent Damage
Failing Fuel Pump

You might be worried that the cost of getting your car back in working condition may be high.

I am not going to sugarcoat it for you; there is a good possibility that it could. But still, you should search for a simpler answer than jumping to conclusions.

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

1 What Would Cause A Mitsubishi Eclipse To Not Start?
2 Conclusion

What Would Cause A Mitsubishi Eclipse To Not Start?

If you read the introduction, you may have seen that there could be many possibilities that could lead to the engine of your sports car being unable to turn over.

This section will discuss them in detail, so you can confirm which one it is.

1: Corrosion on the Battery Terminals

Corrosion on the battery terminals is one of the most common reasons your Mitsubishi Eclipse can have some starting problems.

This is a common issue, and it can happen when gases from chemical reactions in the battery solidify onto the terminals.

The problem is that these chemicals are released over time and can build up and cause corrosion.

This happens over time, so you may not notice it happening until your engine won’t turn over one day.

There are preventative measures to stop this from happening, but you are not here for them.

Instead, you are looking for a solution that will fix this problem. Down below, you will find the most effective solution to fight corrosion.

What Should You Do About It?

If you’re having trouble with corrosion on your battery terminals, don’t worry! It happens to everyone.
You can easily fix it without spending a fortune or buying a new battery.
The first thing you need to do is find some baking soda and vinegar.
Make sure you get enough for each terminal—you don’t want any leftovers!
Then mix them. This will make a solution that will help break down the corrosion.
Use a toothbrush or wire brush (if you have one) to apply the mixture to the corroded areas of your battery terminal.
You will be able to get most of the corrosion off.

2: Spark Plug Failure

If your Mitsubishi Eclipse doesn’t get going, it could be because the spark plugs have failed.

The spark plug ignites the fuel in your engine, so if it doesn’t work, there’s no way for your car to start. This can happen due to wear and tear or simply from age.

Spark plug failure can be expected, depending on the type used.

Yes, there is a massive difference in their durability and longevity. Some last around 30,000 miles, while others last around 100,000 miles.

You can identify spark plug failure by a distinct cranking sound whenever you are trying to push the start button or turn the key in the ignition.

What Should You Do About It?

If you’re experiencing spark plug failure on your Mitsubishi Eclipse, you have a few options.
The first is simply replacing the faulty spark plug with a new one.
This is not recommended if you have more than one failing spark plug because others may also be failing.
Instead, you should replace all your spark plugs with new ones of the same or better quality as the originals.
Choose from iridium or platinum spark plugs only.
These two metals are much stronger than basic silver or copper materials and will hold up better under intense pressure—and they’ll also help make sure your car runs more efficiently.
They will cost a bit more but are worth it.

3: Blown Fuse

If a fuse has blown, it could be due to an issue with the ignition system or fuel pump—check these components and ensure they’re working properly before replacing the fuse.

A fuse blows when an electrical malfunction occurs, and the current level rises above the recommended or maximum the part can handle.

In a way, it saves said part from completely frying. You can identify a faulty or blown fuse by shining a flashlight through it.

With an intact one, there is a thin wire with no breakpoints. If the fuse is blown, that wire is broken.

What Should You Do About It?

If you have a blown fuse, the first thing to do is replace it with one of the same amperages.
This will get you back on track and give you some time to figure out what caused the fuse to blow in the first place.
While you’re at it, check all of your other fuses. It’s possible that one of them blew as well and just wasn’t noticed right away.
Replacing all the blown ones at once can help you rule out any electrical problems with your Eclipse’s wiring system and ensure everything is working properly before moving forward.
If they blow again, there is a short circuit somewhere, and you need to address it as soon as possible.

4: Rodent Damage

Rodent damage is a common cause when it comes to starting issues. Rodents can chew through wiring, which causes an electrical short and prevents the car from starting.

Such a problem also poses a risk of electrical fire, which is very dangerous. If you suspect rodent damage, check your car’s electrical system for signs of chewing or gnawing by rodents.

Look for chewed wires and gnawed-through plastic connectors on your vehicle’s undercarriage.

You may also confirm this if you see rat droppings on the ground where your Mitsubishi Eclipse has been parked.

All of these will confirm the presence of a rodent infestation in the engine.

What Should You Do About It?

You’ve got a problem, and you know it. But before I get into the nitty-gritty details of what to do about rodent damage on your Mitsubishi Eclipse, let’s talk about prevention.
Like most car issues, rodent damage can be prevented with some simple measures.
Don’t put food in it for long periods. Also, make sure to use deterrent sprays that keep mice away.
If the damage is too severe, you might have to replace the entire electrical system, which can be expensive.
This cannot be done at home; as there is a good chance that the entire engine will have to be taken out. All damaged wires will be replaced.

5: Failing Fuel Pump

The fuel pump is responsible for delivering fuel from your vehicle’s gas tank to the engine.

When you start your Mitsubishi Eclipse, the fuel pump must work quickly and efficiently to ensure enough fuel in the engine to power it through starting up.

If your vehicle is having problems starting up or running, then it may be time for you to have your fuel pump checked out.

Older Eclipses may see it fail because it has not been designed to last forever. Although it is unlikely it failed, there is always the possibility.

What Should You Do About It?

When your car’s fuel pump starts to fail, you’ll notice that the car is harder to start.
You may also notice that when it does start, it runs roughly and has a hard time accelerating. A cranking sound may also accompany starting.
Get your Mitsubishi Eclipse towed to the nearest mechanic or repair shop, where they’ll look at it and let you know whether the pump needs replacing.
This is the safest way but also the most expensive option because of labor costs.
You could also do it yourself, but it is not recommended. As you will be working directly with something that can be ignited, you must be careful.

Q1. Why Won’t My Mitsubishi Eclipse Start With New Battery?

If you are having a problem starting your Mitsubishi Eclipse and it has a new battery, try charging the battery.

Jumper cables can start the engine and get the alternator going. Another option is to use a battery charger.

Q2. Why Won’t My Mitsubishi Eclipse Start Even With A Jump?

Your Mitsubishi Eclipse may not get power even with a jump because of corrosion on the terminals or frayed wiring in your electrical system.

Both will prevent current from passing through and into the starter motor. It could also simply be that the terminal connections are loose. Check them all before moving to other solutions.

Q3. Why Won’t My Mitsubishi Eclipse Start But Lights Work?

The lights may still work because there could be an issue with the fuses or the starter motor.

The battery may be fine because it is powering the lights, but if a fuse blows or the starter motor has become faulty, you could be experiencing starting issues.

Q4. Why Won’t My Mitsubishi Eclipse Start But Cranks?

It could be the spark plugs or the fuel pump. If either one of these two parts are faulty, you may have to replace them.

Spark plugs are easy to replace and can be done in minutes. On the other hand, the fuel pump is more involved, and it’s best to get a professional to do it for you.

Q5. Why Won’t My Mitsubishi Eclipse Start Just Clicks?

If your Mitsubishi Eclipse produces a clicking sound, it could be a simple electrical issue. Your starter may be faulty, or your battery may be dead.

Check the fuses and ensure they are in working order, then try jumping the car with another vehicle to see if it starts.

Q6. Why Won’t My Mitsubishi Eclipse Start In The Cold Weather?

If your Mitsubishi Eclipse refuses to get going in cold weather, it could be because you don’t have enough CCA (cold cranking amps) on your battery.

You will want to buy a battery with at least 800 CCA to handle lower temperatures more easily. This will ensure reliable startups every single time.

Q7. Why Won’t My Mitsubishi Eclipse Start After I Get Gas?

If the issue arises after you fill up, there may be issues with the fuel pump or the fuel filter clogging up inside the tank.

You may need to replace either one. But before you do that, confirm if they are indeed the faulty parts on your Mitsubishi Eclipse.

Q8. Why Won’t My Mitsubishi Eclipse Start But Radio Works?

If the radio works fine and your Eclipse is not working, the battery may be low on charge. This can happen if you leave the lights on overnight.

You can jump-start the engine or use a battery charger to get it going again. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace it altogether.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I believe there are several possible reasons of these starting problems. The first is that the battery might be dead.

Another reason could be that the fuel pump is not working properly. Another possibility is that the starter is bad or not turning the engine.

Regardless of the issue, I can assure you it is addressable. All you need to do is identify why this is happening.

So, instead of wondering, “Why won’t my Mitsubishi Eclipse start?” you should start working on identifying why is this happening.

I hope you got all the information you were looking for and your car can get back on the road in no time and with as little expense as possible!

Tahir Azam

I am Tahir Azam, and I have been writing amazing articles for TaxiHack for as long as I can remember. I know everything that is to know when it comes to automobiles and is always on top of industry news and developments. While I am not an expert by any means, I pride myself on knowing the ins and outs of many different problems and, of course, their solutions. The articles on our website are some of the best and well-researched content that you will find, and I spend countless hours making sure this remains to be true. This is why I ask you to take your time out and read some of my articles, especially if you find a topic that resonates with you or is something you are looking into. This way, you will find the perfect mix of information and tips on your desired topic. Learn more about Tahir.