The 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse came equipped with a factory-installed anti-theft system. The wiring for the anti-theft system is located inside of the steering column, beneath the ignition switch tumbler. To disable the anti-theft system in your 2001 Eclipse, disconnect the alarm wire and remove the alarm fuse.
Open the hood of your Eclipse. Work with your car turned off.
Disconnect the negative cable of your battery by using an adjustable wrench to loosen the bolt and then pulling the cable out of its mount. Disconnect the positive cable in the same manner, and remove the cable from its mount. Always remove the negative cable first, or you may short-circuit the electrical wiring in your Eclipse.
Insert the tip of a slotted screwdriver into the gap surrounding the ignition switch plate located on the steering column. (The ignition switch is the piece of equipment in which you insert your car key.) Tap the butt of the screwdriver with your palm to loosen the panel. Remove the panel, and set it aside.
Locate the anti-theft alarm wire. Each trim of Eclipse has different wiring and may use different colored wires. Consult your owner's manual for a wiring diagram for your specific trim of Eclipse. If you do not have an owner's manual, call a local Mitsubishi dealer and ask a certified mechanic which color wire in your Eclipse is the anti-theft alarm wire.
Cut the wire using wire cutters, and wrap the exposed ends in electrical tape.
Replace the ignition switch plate, and tap it into place using your hands.
Locate the fuse box on the underside of your steering column. Reach underneath the steering column and pull the fuse box downward to expose the fuses.
Remove the anti-theft fuse using a fuse puller. The anti-theft fuse is labeled --- do not remove any other fuses.
Replace the fuse box.
Connect the positive cable of your battery by inserting it back into its mount and tightening the bolt with an adjustable wrench. Connect the negative cable in the same manner. Always connect the positive cable first, or you may short-circuit the electrical wiring in your Eclipse. Close the hood of your car.
