check engine light on?

1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE
238,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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QUENTIN24
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99 mitsubishi eclipse, 2.0, non-turbo, manual transmission, 238,000 miles, have owned it since new and taken very good care of it. Intermittent missing problem. Sometimes the check engine light flashes on and off, but I feel no engine miss at all. Other times it misses badly, but then stops after I pull over. Sometimes the check engine light stays on, other times it does not. I have changed the plugs and wires twice. A shop replaced the coil twice. I was told it might be the ECM. I bought a used ECM and put it in myself, but the problem immediately continued. I've never changed the rings or head gasket. Trying to decide if it's worth it to keep spending money, or bail to a new car. Thanks!
Jun 3, 2008 at 9:42 AM
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KHLOW2008
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Hi quentin24,

If the check light flashes, then there should be some code stored in the ECU. Have you done a diagnostic check on it? If none is found, get the diagnostic done after the check flashes without stopping the engine. Some codes are not stored in memory after the ignition is switched off.

This video will help us fix it

https://youtu.be/vMwTzURWXmk

Don't think is anything to do with the rings or head gasket.
Jun 3, 2008 at 10:52 AM
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QUENTIN24
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Hi there. Yes, I forgot some information. I have had the codes checked, and it has generically pointed to misfiring on cylinder 3. My mechanic did some wire switching to make sure it wasn't a plug or wire, but the second occurence was also cylinder 3. At this point, he was fairly convinced it was the ECM because of how good the car ran when it was "not" missing. Also, he was driving it during one of the "cel flashing" episodes, and concluded that at that moment the car was running perfect - not missing at all. Of course, at other times it does miss - badly.

I should also mention that about 8 months ago, or slightly more, I had an O2 sensor fail and replaced it. That one was properly diagnosed with the engine light code.
Jun 3, 2008 at 11:20 AM
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KHLOW2008
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Hi quentin24,

Since it is an intermittent problem, The ECU could be faulty but a loose or insecure wire connector or internally broken wires can cause the problem.
Jun 4, 2008 at 8:48 AM
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QUENTIN24
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[quote:94996f8a12="KHLow2008"]
Since it is an intermittent problem, The ECU could be faulty but a loose or insecure wire connector or internally broken wires can cause the problem.[/quote:94996f8a12]

Thank you. Since I've already replaced the ECU, I guess it's on to the wires now? I'm, unfortunately, very inexperienced in this area. Am I right in saying that I'd need to replace the wiring harness next? Is this a job that a semi-amateur like myself could attempt? Am I even saying any of this correctly? :)

thanks!
Jun 4, 2008 at 4:16 PM
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KHLOW2008
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Hi quentin24,

It is not necessary to have the whole harness replaced unless you can see bad damages at many places.

Since the misfiring is from the 3rd cyliinder, then you need to check the wire from the ECU to the coil.

If you understand the basic principles of electrical circuit, it is possible to DIY but might be quite tedious.

Just start from the coil and check backwards to the ECM.

Having a wiring diagram would be much easier.
Jun 5, 2008 at 6:20 AM
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ALLIERAYE
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My 'service engine soon' light came on a couple days ago. Nothing is different with my car and it's driving the exact same as before. How to re-set my 'service engine soon' light? If the light comes back on again after I reset, my plan is to then take my car in to get it checked out.
Aug 3, 2020 at 2:52 PM (Merged)
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BLACKOP555
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you can disconnect the battery for 10 minutes and restart it and see if it goes away.
Aug 3, 2020 at 2:52 PM (Merged)
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4G63WITBIG16G
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did u try to pull codes?
Aug 3, 2020 at 2:52 PM (Merged)
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BLACKOP555
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he dont want to pull the codes. just wants it reset to see if they come back. could have been a random occurance.
Aug 3, 2020 at 2:52 PM (Merged)
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FANTASIA
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After the check engine light has been cleared and the problem fixed, If i ran another scan on it, will the check engine light that provides the trouble codes tell me everything i had once already fixed?


I have already changed the fuel pump, fuel filter and relay but my car still dies after a minute of running. It dies as if the fuel has been cut off, like ni pressure is behind it. The only thing i have been able to come up with is it could possibly be the fuel pressure regulartor. AM i correct or could there be something else that i am over looking?
Thank You
Barbara
Aug 3, 2020 at 2:52 PM (Merged)
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OBXAUTOMEDIC
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[quote:b759166df3="fantasia"]Engine Mechanical problem
1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Manual 140000 miles

After the check engine light has been cleared and the problem fixed, If i ran another scan on it, will the check engine light that provides the trouble codes tell me everything i had once already fixed?


I have already changed the fuel pump, fuel filter and relay but my car still dies after a minute of running. It dies as if the fuel has been cut off, like ni pressure is behind it. The only thing i have been able to come up with is it could possibly be the fuel pressure regulartor. AM i correct or could there be something else that i am over looking?
Thank You
Barbara[/quote:b759166df3]


Hi Barbara,

What were the codes you got?

Once you fix a problem and clear the codes they shouldn't come back. Unless there is a problem with something else on the circuit.

You should go ahead and check the fuel pressure and regulator.


.
Aug 3, 2020 at 2:53 PM (Merged)
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MANDY353
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I have a 1999 eclipse with 135000 miles on it that i recently puchased. I was told the solenoid needs to be replaced. The car will not go and faster then 30mph and will shift up to 2nd gear it seems like but will not shift after that. Also when i start the car there is a loud knocking noise and the car seems to have a hard time when starting it and again the noise is heard when shutting the car off. The check engine light is on, The car does not seem to over heat (ive only driven it once). I'm not sure what these problems are. I know that the car needs new belts, alignment and a radiator fan. If someone could give me an idea of what these problems might be id REALLY apreciate it. & maybe an estimate of how much theyd be to fix. thanks
Aug 3, 2020 at 2:53 PM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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Have the computer scanned for code/s-you have a problem within the engine management system that caused the CEL to turn on-This is your starting point of diagnosis,finding out what's going on.
Aug 3, 2020 at 2:53 PM (Merged)
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COWBOY41
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I have a 99 eclispe it starts just fine but is idiling a little rough and the service engine soon light came on i used a obd2 reader and it says bank one is running to rich how do i fix it?
Aug 3, 2020 at 2:53 PM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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Probable causes:

1.Excessive fuel pressure can be cause by restricted fuel return line
2.Defective Oxygen Sensors.
3.Leaking injectors and fuel pressure regulator.
4.Coolant temperature sensor out of calibration.
5.Restricted air intake system.
Aug 3, 2020 at 2:53 PM (Merged)
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DAVENAF
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my check engine light came on. I took it to autozone to get it diagnosed. The computed code given was p1105, which is for the fuel pressure solenoid. My question is what is the fuel pressure solenoid? what does it do? Where is it found? and Is it expensive to replace? What should I do about it?
Aug 3, 2020 at 2:53 PM (Merged)
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LEGITIMATE007
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fuel pressure solenoid ,i believe is your fuel pressure regulator. located on left side of firewall
Aug 3, 2020 at 2:53 PM (Merged)
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7IRISH1
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Here is the answer to your Fuel Pressure Solenoid question with pictures/location/description. P1105 is not your Fuel Pressure Regulator, it IS your Solenoid. The Solenoid is connected to your Regulator via a vaccum hose. Autozone, Checker, PepBoys employees are not mechanics, they sell parts to us hobbyists/mechanics. The below information can be confirmed with the dealer, don't waste your time with the local "experts" at part stores, they will try to sell you a regulator and say it is the same thing:)
Aug 3, 2020 at 2:53 PM (Merged)
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2CP-ARCHIVES
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1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse mileage: 101,000. I just purchased this car and while driving it home the check engine light came on. I took it to the shop and they scanned the engine and came up with a code 14. Throttle position sensor was the problem. The only problem I have had with the car is it shifts slowly and sometimes jerks when it does. The car is an automatic. Are the mechanics right with their diagnosis? Or could the problem lie somewhere else? Thank you for your time.
Aug 3, 2020 at 2:53 PM (Merged)
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2CP-ARCHIVES
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The throttle position sensor tells the computer how far open the throttle is. This does affect the transmission shift points. Your mechanic appears to be on the right track.
Aug 3, 2020 at 2:53 PM (Merged)
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98ECLIPSEGST1
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i have a 98 Mitsubishi eclipse gst my car reaches 80mph and it cant go any faster it stays their at 80 and i thought it was weird because i have a turbo and for the car to just go 80 i thought it was weird because it usto reach 140 and im guessing its the ECU but im not sure.. please help 2carpros
Aug 3, 2020 at 2:53 PM (Merged)
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WARREN SECKLER
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I have a few questions for you. Does the car reach redline? Automatic? Stock turbo/wastegate/blow off valve?
Aug 3, 2020 at 2:53 PM (Merged)
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98ECLIPSEGST1
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yes it has a Stock everything including turbo and blow off valve.... it does not reach redline and it is standard, like i said just hits 80 in 5th gear no higher and the rpm stays at 4 or 5.
Aug 3, 2020 at 2:53 PM (Merged)
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SHEECOL
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I have a 1998 eclipse that runs fine until I go up a hill. Then the check engine light comes on, car jerks, makes a pop noise and I loose overdrive and drive. Remove battery cable, reset computer and everything is fine until the next hill. This doesn't happen at a slow speed, only at higher 50-70mph speeds
Aug 3, 2020 at 2:53 PM (Merged)
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MHPAUTOS
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Hi there,

Don't clear the code, get it read and post the code No for more information.

Mark (mhpautos)
Aug 3, 2020 at 2:53 PM (Merged)
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SHEECOL
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Had to drive it for about 50 miles to get them to come up again, but I got 2 of em the first came up as a pending code 0700 (transmission control system), the second was code 1776 (drivetrain power) But it does not happen on hills, we drove it up and down some 10% grades and it worked fine
Aug 3, 2020 at 2:53 PM (Merged)
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MHPAUTOS
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Hi there,

OK,thanks for that, i will do some reasearch and get back to you in a day.

Mark (mhpautos)
Aug 3, 2020 at 2:53 PM (Merged)
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SHEECOL
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Anybody?
Aug 3, 2020 at 2:53 PM (Merged)
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MSADLER
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In order to remove the check enginer light from my car to pass California SMOG, I used a diagnotics tool to reset the computer. After driving for over 400 miles in stop/go plus freeway conditions, none of the 5 non-continuous tests have been marked as complete. 2 years ago I was able to reset the computer, and after a week the SMOG went through with 3 of the 5 tests being marked complete. Any suggestions on why the computer has not completed any of these tests?
Aug 3, 2020 at 2:53 PM (Merged)
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2CARPRO JACK
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What was the original code that made the light come on? It could be part of the reason why it wont reset the monitors.This could be a control problem or even a bad ECM
Aug 3, 2020 at 2:53 PM (Merged)
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MONTY STEPHENS
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I wouldn't believe that code. The trans won't kil the motor. But you must be mechanical -- you figured out how to reset the PCM and get it going again.

Spend Saturday afternoon with it and check the basics: trans fluid first, then fuel resssure, pull the plugs and check their condition, check compression (engines that are worn out have problems with hills, maybe that doens't sound like your motor), clean the EGR, take off wires and check the conections, especially grounds, check O2 sensors, treat it to a new air filter, clean the plenum, replace old crappy vaccum lines, change the oil, etc. Some of that is totally unrelated but all of it is good stuf to do on an older car.
You very well may fix and never know what the problem specifically was.
Aug 3, 2020 at 2:53 PM (Merged)
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MSADLER
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The code was P0421 "Warm Up Catalyst"
I was able to pass last time with 3 of 5 tests being complete (obviously not the cat test), but this go around I haven't been able to complete any of the tests. Any suggestions?
Aug 3, 2020 at 2:53 PM (Merged)
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HOTROD1995
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I have a 1998 Mitsubishi eclipse gs it had a cylinder 3 misfire in it so I replaced spark plugs and wires and coil pack. So I finally had to break down and buy a valve to do a head job that fixed the misfire and the check engine light went off...for about a day then it said cylinder 2 misfire and cylinder 3 misfire but it doesn't sound like it has one please help really don't want to go through another head job
Aug 3, 2020 at 2:54 PM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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you replace all valves on this repair, not 1. did you do a compression test to test all cylinders??

Roy
Aug 3, 2020 at 2:54 PM (Merged)
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HOTROD1995
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Yes all valves were fine except the cracked one and yes we did they all had good compression except 3 it only had 70lbs before it
Aug 3, 2020 at 2:54 PM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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hope you used new head bolts as they are torque to yields.

re check compression. it could be injector related, vacuum leak.

roy
Aug 3, 2020 at 2:54 PM (Merged)
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COFFEEJOCKEY07
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I've had my car for about 5 years now. With in the past year, we found out there is an oil leak, but we are unsure where the oil is leaking from. About a week ago, I was driving home, and realized my temperature gauge was a little high, so I popped the hood, and the coolant was low. No big deal I thought, so I had it filled. The next day, I was driving, and my check engine light came on. On my way home, I stopped at a red light, and the temperature started to rise again higher then normal (check engine light still on), but as soon as I would give it gas, the temp would go down. My boyfriend drove it around back roads the next day, and even let it idle for a good 20 minutes, and nothing happened. Now, a week later, the coolant has to be filled about every 3-4 days. Help! I don't know if it's engine problems from running on low oil, but we haven't taken it to a garage to get looked at yet because we wanted to fix it ourselves. Any advice would be great, thank you for your time!
Aug 3, 2020 at 2:54 PM (Merged)
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MHPAUTOS
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Hi there,

you will need to get the cooling system pressure tested to locate any external coolant leaks, also you will need a scan to read the ECU fault code, this will give you an indication as to what has caused the check light to come on, start here.

mark (mhpautos)
Aug 3, 2020 at 2:54 PM (Merged)
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DDIX585
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i had just baught a 98 eclipse for the winter and i just put it n the road. i been driving it all day and the check engine light came on... i figured it would come on because it sat for a year and a half and the battery was dead.. but my question is the light will flash at higher rpms.. my first thaught was maybe the knock sensor but the car is not knocking and there is oil in it. what could it be..
Aug 3, 2020 at 2:54 PM (Merged)
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BLUELIGHTNIN6
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Have a local auto part store read the diagnostic for you. AutoZone or O'Reilly's are a couple that do it for free but there are many more. Post the codes and I will follow up.
Aug 3, 2020 at 2:54 PM (Merged)