Mitsubishi Eclipse. Manual - part 670

STARTING SYSTEM

TSB Revision

ENGINE ELECTRICAL

16-23

• For models equipped with A/T, when the ignition 

switch is switched to the "ST" position while the 
selector lever is at the "P" or "N" position, the 
contact (magnetic switch) of the starter is 
switched ON and the starter motor is activated.

STARTING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS

M1162000700248

TROUBLESHOOTING HINTS

The starter motor does not operate at all.

WARNING

Battery posts, terminals and related accessories con-
tain lead and lead compounds. WASH HANDS AFTER 
HANDLING.

• Check the starter (coil).

• Check for poor contact at the battery terminals and 

starter.

• Check the transmission range switch. <A/T>

• Check starter relay. <M/T>

• Check the interlock switch.<M/T>

The starter motor doesn't stop

• Check the starter (magnetic switch).

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

The starting system troubleshooting guide is shown in the fol-
lowing steps.

WARNING

Battery posts, terminals and related accessories con-
tain lead and lead compounds. WASH HANDS AFTER 
HANDLING.

STEP 1.
Q: Is the battery in good condition? (Refer to GROUP 54A, 

Chassis Electrical 

− Battery − On-vehicle Service − 

Battery Check 

P.54A-5

.)

YES : Go to Step 2.
NO :  Charge or replace the battery.

STARTING SYSTEM

TSB Revision

ENGINE ELECTRICAL

16-24

STEP 2.

• Disconnect the starter motor S (solenoid) terminal connec-

tor.

• Using a jumper wire, apply battery positive voltage to the 

starter motor S (solenoid) terminal.

• Check the engine condition.

OK: Turns normally

Q: Dose the starter motor operate normally?

YES : 

• Check the ignition switch (Refer to GROUP 54A, 

Chassis Electrical 

− Ignition Switch − Ignition 

Switch 

− Inspection 

P.54A-43

.)

• Check the starter relay.

• Check the transmission range switch. (Refer to 

GROUP 23A, Automatic Transaxle 

− On-vehicle 

Service 

− Essential Service − Transmission Range 

Switch Check 

P.23A-408

.)

• Check the line between the battery and starter 

motor S (solenoid) terminal.

NO :  Go to Step 3.

STEP 3.

• Check the cable between starter B (battery) terminal and 

battery positive terminal for connection and continuity.

Q: Is the starter cable in good condition?

YES : Go to Step 4.
NO :  Repair or replace the cable.

STEP 4.

• Check the connection and the continuity of the cable 

between the starter motor body and the negative battery 
terminal.

Q: Is the ground line in good condition?

YES : Go to Step 5.
NO :  Repair or replace the cable.

STEP 5.
Q: Is the starter motor in good condition? (Refer to Starting 

System 

− Starter Motor Assembly − Inspection 

P.16-26

.)

YES : Excessive rotational resistance of the engine.
NO :  Replace the starter motor.

STARTING SYSTEM

TSB Revision

ENGINE ELECTRICAL

16-25

ON-VEHICLE SERVICE

STARTER RELAY CHECK

M1162001400121

BATTERY VOLTAGE TERMINAL NO. TO 

BE CONNECTED 
TO TESTER

CONTINUITY 
TEST RESULTS

Not applied

5 

− 2

Open circuit

Connect terminal 1 to 
negative battery 
terminal.
Connect terminal 3 to 
positive battery 
terminal.

5 

− 2

Less than 2 ohm

2

3

4

5

1

5

1

3

2

AC102579

STARTER RELAY

AB

STARTING SYSTEM

TSB Revision

ENGINE ELECTRICAL

16-26

STARTER MOTOR ASSEMBLY

INSPECTION

M1162001100056

.

PINION GAP ADJUSTMENT
1. Disconnect the field coil wire from the M-terminal of the 

magnetic switch.

2. Connect a 12-volt battery between the S-terminal and 

M-terminal.

CAUTION

This test must be performed quickly (in less than 10 sec-
onds) to prevent the coil from burning.
3. Set the switch to "ON", and the pinion will move out.

4. Check the pinion-to-stopper clearance (pinion gap) with a 

feeler gauge.

Standard value: 0.5 

− 2.0 mm (0.02 − 0.07 inch)

5. If the pinion gap is out of specification, adjust by adding or 

removing gasket(s) between the magnetic switch and front 
bracket.

.

AKX01238

<2.4L ENGINE>

B

M

S

BATTERY

SWITCH

STARTER 
MOTOR

WIRE

AC

AKX01239

<3.0L ENGINE>

B

M

S

BATTERY

SWITCH

STARTER 
MOTOR

WIRE

AB

AKX00198

STOPPER

PINION GAP

PINION

AB

AKX00199