Starters are small electric motors that set the engine in motion. After time and extended usage, starters can malfunction or stop working altogether. It is important to replace a starter immediately as it starts to go bad. Otherwise, you could find yourself stranded with no way to start your vehicle, even with a jump. Replacing the starter on a Mitsubishi Eclipse requires only basic tools and 10 to 20 minutes of time.
Pull the vehicle up on car ramps and place the transmission in park. Lock the emergency brake.
Pop the hood and climb out of the vehicle. Lift the hood and disconnect the negative (black) terminal from the battery using a crescent wrench.
Climb under the vehicle and locate the starter next to the transmission housing. The starter is a vented, cylindrical aluminum part.
Unscrew the electrical connection bolt from the top of the starter using a 12 mm socket wrench.
Remove the mounting bolts around the edge of the starter, still using a 12 mm socket. Gently pull the starter out of its housing.
Slide a replacement starter into place in the starter housing and replace the mounting bolts around the part.
Replace the electrical connection on the starter. Be sure not to tighten the bolt down to the point where it damages the connection.
Climb out from underneath the vehicle and replace the negative terminal on the battery. Pull your Eclipse off the car ramps.
