Car sat for ten years, instructions needed on how to get it running

2002 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE
130,000 MILES • V6 • AUTOMATIC
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DANIE.GIRL432
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I have recently inherited the car listed above Eclipse, and I know nothing about the car. What should I check or repair first to get it running??
Apr 16, 2021 at 5:08 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good afternoon,

You will need to change every fluid in the car first.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-bleed-or-flush-a-car-brake-system

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-change-engine-oil-and-filter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-flush-and-refill-all-cars

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/power-steering-fluid-flush

You will need to drop the fuel tank and have it flushed out and replace the fuel pump. Fuel that old is no good.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-electric-fuel-pump

I would install a new battery.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-car-battery

I would also replace the tires as they must be dry rotted by now.

Roy
Apr 16, 2021 at 8:15 AM
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DANIE.GIRL432
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Okay, thank you so much for your help! You've given me a starting point. Do I need to do all of this before I even try and start it? I know there hasn't been any gas in it in a long time, so I was just going to check the fluids and put new gas just to see if it starts. Or is that a bad idea??
Apr 16, 2021 at 8:50 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
You need to change all the fluids first and the fuel has to be changed otherwise you can damage components. The fuel is no good at this point as well as the fuel pump.

Roy
Apr 16, 2021 at 9:02 AM
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