QuestionI just purchased a 1995 Eclipse GS manual, I just have some small questions.
1. are these cars known for longevity? this car has 200k (mostly highway) miles, the service records were left in the glove compartment and it looks like it was serviced regularly, the car seems to run great and is in very nice shape, I only paid $200 for it (yes $200), it has a new clutch, tires, the belts and gaskets were recently changed and it has new plugs and wires, I'm just wondering how much longer I can expect this car to last (assuming it is regularly serviced).
2. Where can I get spare keys made? do I need to go to a dealer or can I go somewhere else?
3. You cannot unlock the driver's side door with the key, it won't turn either way but works fine from the passenger door. Is there any common thing I should look into?
4. The lock and window buttons on the driver's door stick a little, is there any quick fix for this?
5. I was told the scan tool only came up with an engine code 12 (which relates to the battery disconnect) is there a site where I can check some engine codes in the future? the site you gave out long ago is no longer available.
6. will the key stroke approach (on-off...) work for reading some of the codes on a '95? From what I've read it seems like only 96 and later.
Thanks for any help you can offer.
AnswerLilly,
These are all good questions. I'll see if I can answer them all:
1. These cars can last a long time if the regular maintenance has been performed. With 200k miles on it now, the maintenance must have been performed. Look through the records and confirm the timing belt, balance belt, tensioner and water pump have been replaced within the last 60,000 miles. If you cannot find that record, have the those items replaced ASAP. If your timing belt slips or breaks, your entire engine would be ruined.
2. You should be able to get a key made at any hardware store. But if you don't mind spending an extra couple bucks, you can have a dealership make it per your VIN and get it made with greater precision.
3. It sounds like your lock cylinder on the drivers side is frozen from rust or other corrosion. You can attempt to spray some WD-40 into the lock cylinder to lubricate it. That's may be all it needs. Else, you'd have order a new lock cylinder from the dealership.
4. I can't think of any "quick" fix for unsticking the window/lock buttons. But you can remove the inner door panel and inspect the window control switch. They are not too expensive and you can order a new one and replace it yourself. You can even check your local salavage yard or ebay for a used one.
5 & 6. You can check out this site:
http://www.2gnt.com/nuke/modules.php?name=Sections&op=viewarticle&artid=8
That gives the info you need to understand what any error codes that may come up. I cannot confirm if your '95 has the ability to find the codes with the on-off method or not. I've heard some folks have been able to do it, and some haven't. It probably depends on the production date. But it can't hurt to try it out.
Good luck!
