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My daughter has a 96 Eclipse that the engine intermittently ...


Sent to Car Experts March 20, 2006 11:37 a.m.
My daughter has a 96 Eclipse that the engine intermittently kills at low RPMs. Usually at IDLE when braking or stopping at a stop light (primary problem). Also when it does happen... it may not restart unless the gas peddal is slightly depressed when cranking it over (secondary problem). It happens about 3 times a day but the majority of the time the idle is fine which is making this difficult for the mechanics trying to fix it. The plugs, plug wires, oxygen senor and temperature sensor have been replace. A couple of fuel additives have been added to try make sure the injectors are clean. NO check engine lights come on.   Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!!

Optional Information:
1996 Mitsubishi eclipsa 2.0

Already Tried:
plugs, plug wire, oxygen sensor, temperature sensor, fuel additives
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $9   
Answer
March 20, 2006 12:44 p.m. (1 hour and 6 minutes later) 		ACCEPTED Check Mark

Greetings!

The symptoms you describe can be due to several possible causes, and you are right that this type of problem can be difficult to diagnose if the technician cannot duplicate teh symptoms.

Since the symptoms you describe are consistent with a n idle control system fault, I would suggest taking the vehicle to the dealer (or an independent service facility that is equipped for Mitsubishi programming) to make sure that the latest PCM software revision has been installed.

There is a Mitsubishi service bulletin out (#03-13-006) which describes an updated software calibration for your daughter's car, that corrects various common problems in this model. You may be experiencing one, two, or several of these symptoms; it seems to be a multi-purpose calibration update to address multiple issues, not all of which you may be experiencing. You will note that several of the corrections are idle speed related; if your daughter's car is calculating too low of an idle speed during certain conditions such as on deceleration, it can cause the engine to stall mysteriously and intermittently, with no other symptoms.

When diagnosing driveability complaints on late model vehicles, installing the most recent software calibration is always one of the first steps taken. If you are experiencing a software calibration issue, you can replace all of the parts under the hood and the car will still act the same if the correct software is not installed.

I hope this is helpful to you, and saves you lots of $$$ and frustration! if so, an accept would be most appreciated! Thanks!

Here is a partial copy of the TSB referenced above; any dealer or shop equipped for programming will have a copy of this in their repair database:

No.: TSB-03-13-006
DATE: May 2003
MODEL: 1996 Eclipse

SUBJECT:
ECLIPSE PCM REPROGRAMMING (420A ENGINE)

This bulletin supercedes TSB-96-13-022, to include additional conditions that Reprogramming Cartridge MIT992012 will correct.

PURPOSE

On some affected vehicles, poor driveability and/or certain false trouble codes may be due to software programming in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Reprogramming the PCM using PCM Reprogramming Cartridge MIT992012 will correct the condition.

This bulletin describes diagnostic and PCM reprogramming procedures for several conditions. Use PCM Reprogramming Cartridge M1T99201 2 to recalibrate the PCM to correct any of the conditions described below:

< cellSpacing=2 cellPadding=1> < vAlign=top> <>^ <>PCM does not store OBD-II Readiness Codes

< vAlign=top> <>^ <>Generic scan tool cannot read all DTCs

< vAlign=top> <>^ <>Rough engine idle

< vAlign=top> <>^ <>Hard to start; runs rough, unstable, or flares when at idle

< vAlign=top> <>^ <>Engine stalls at idle during warm-up

< vAlign=top> <>^ <>Poor driveability at any time and at any engine temperature

< vAlign=top> <>^ <>Long cold engine start time in ambient temperatures above 30 degrees F

< vAlign=top> <>^ <>Engine rpm undershoot right after cold start, or after releasing the clutch, or with gear engagement, A/C engagement, power steering input, and/or heavy electrical load after cold start in ambient temperatures above 30 degrees F

< vAlign=top> <>^ <>Engine rpm flare or surge while driving at low speeds, or when stopped with light brake application

< vAlign=top> <>^ <>Engine rpm flare after power steering input with the A/C and blower motor switches in the "ON" position

< vAlign=top> <>^ <>Slight hesitation during shifting on manual transmission models

< vAlign=top> <>^ <>Sharp acceleration in 3rd gear while climbing a hill with the auto speed control activated

< vAlign=top> <>^ <>False DTC P0401 "EGR System Failure"

< vAlign=top> <>^ <>False DTC P0703 "Brake Switch Stuck, Pressed or Released" (M/T only)

< vAlign=top> <>^ <>False DTC 106, 107, 108, 109, and/or 110 is set and the "CHECK ENGINE" light comes on

< vAlign=top> <>^ <>False DTC 46 is set and the "CHECK ENGINE" light comes on

< vAlign=top> <>^ <>"CHECK ENGINE" light intermittently comes on and DTC 129 and/or DTC 104 is set

AFFECTED VEHICLES

1996 Eclipse 2.0L DOHC non-turbocharged models
PictureSteve7654  -- Auto Service Technician -- 99% Positive Feedback on 1662 Car Accepts
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