2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Maintenance

2002 MITSUBISHI
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BIGREZ
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Hi all -

We picked up this car in excellent condition from a dealer. We've had it for about 8mo and driven about 6K mi. Everything seems to be working well. (Well, gotta get the brakes done.)

Since we don't know what maintenance has been performed on it in the past, should we just continue with the "planned" maintenance in the owner's manual? Is there anything we should have checked that Eclipse's are known for having problems with?
Jan 17, 2007 at 12:10 PM
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SERVICE WRITER
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Send a PM to this person, she may be able to help answer that.

Is that automatic trans?
Jan 17, 2007 at 12:23 PM
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BIGREZ
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Sorry - yes, it's an auto trans.
Jan 18, 2007 at 4:58 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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If it were mine...
I would replace the transmission fluid, spark plugs, fuel filter. Perform an air induction service, and professional fuel injection cleaning.

Definitly replace the balance and camshaft belts (timing) and look at the tensioners and replace them if they are even in question. This has an interference motor if it is the one I think it is.

https://www.2carpros.com/diagrams

I would replace the battery as it is 5 years old as well as flush the coolant.

Look at the condition of the power steering fluid and brake fluid, If they are discolored, I would flush them and get new fluid in them.
Jan 18, 2007 at 10:29 PM
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Suggested Repair

Because prior service is unknown, catch up on maintenance: replace the automatic transmission fluid, spark plugs, and fuel filter; perform an air induction service and professional fuel-injection cleaning. Replace the balance and camshaft timing belts and inspect the tensioners, replacing them if questionable, because this may be an interference engine. Replace the roughly five-year-old battery, flush the coolant, and inspect the power steering and brake fluids, flushing them if discolored. Also address the brakes that the owner already noted need service.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT with a V6 and automatic transmission bought the car in excellent condition but does not know its prior maintenance history. After about 8 months and 6,000 miles, it runs well, though the brakes need service. The owner asked whether to follow the owner's manual schedule and whether Eclipses have known issues to check. The expert recommended replacing the transmission fluid, spark plugs, fuel filter, timing belts, and battery; performing induction and fuel-injection cleaning; flushing the coolant; and inspecting and flushing the power steering and brake fluids if discolored. The expert also advised checking the timing-belt tensioners because the engine may be an interference design.

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