QuestionQUESTION: Hi, I recently bought a 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS with an automatic transmission. I've been having quite a few problems with things, some of them were due to really messed up wiring by some random shop in WA before I had the car. The car ran fine at first, but has started acting up recently. I start the car and the only lights that are on are the SRS and Coolant level (I think it's that one, right hand side, water level inside a tank image). However, once I put it in Drive (I can put it in Reverse or Neutral, all resulting in the same thing) the check engine light comes on, the transmission goes into limp-in mode (2nd gear), the speedometer doesn't work, and the odometer stops also. I replaced the fuel filter and it solved the problem for awhile, but now its back. I haven't gotten the code off the engine light yet, mainly cause I lack the tool to do it with. Thanks!
ANSWER: Matthew: First place I would get the car coded to see what the computer might tell you is some of your problem. The computer controls every thing in that car of your's. Even the shifting,if the check engine light is being kicked on the computer is finding a problem or problems in the system. Could be one of many. The computer puts the car's transmission into that limp-in mode because it believes it will save the transmission from more damage by you driving it down the road. So you really need to get those codes to see where you need to check and what sensors to be replacing. If you got an AutoZone close by they will code your car for free. Either go to a AutoZone or find a shop that can code the car, because that is where I would start. The computer should explain its reasons for putting on that check engine light. Take care... God bless: Linda
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QUESTION: The only thing is, it only does it sometimes. Sometimes it works just fine, speedometer, transmission, and light, but sometimes it doesn't. The other day I drove it to the Hess down the street, they weren't working, I filled my car up, and then they started working again. I have a feeling it is a loose connection somewhere. Have any suggestions where to start? Thanks!
ANSWER: Matthew: The speedometer works off a cable which runs back through the firewall of the car to the engine. I guess I don't really understand your question here, but think you are talking about the lights that show up for them when you start your car, maybe? So you would have to be checking kind of under the steering wheel, behind it well it is not an easy place to be. You will have to lay on your back, between the seat and the door, well the door is open. But then look up and check all the wires back there. It might not be so easy to find and you maybe will need to take the car to a shop to find the short. They can be hard ones to find at times. You should go out and get a repair manual for your car. They have wiring diagrams in them and would walk you through how things work with the wiring. As well as ideas to check on things not working. With pictures even. Most parts stores sell them, cost around $20.00 and well worth the money if you are going to work on your own car. Haynes is the one I like. God bless: Linda
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QUESTION: Advance Discount Auto Parts scanned the Check Engine Light code. It came up as P1698 Manufacturer Computer Error. I looked it up in my online manual from AllDataDIY.com, and it said that the PCM isn't communicating correctly. The most likely problem is a missing connection, although, it could be the ECU is broken. The ECU and transmission were replaced about 2 years ago by someone else cause this happened before.
AnswerMatthew: Sometimes with these cars every two years things have to be fixed again. If the code came back as a broken computer than you will have to either have the computer in the car repaired or replaced. Get the computer pulled out of the car and have it tested if it comes back fine, then the connection needs to replaced. The problem is the whole car is controled by that computer and if it is not working right or bad. The car is not going to work right either. God bless: Linda
