2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse

The 2.4L 4G69 and 3.8L 6G75 engines use timing belts that must be replaced at 60,000-mile intervals. Both are interference engines where a timing belt failure will cause severe engine damage. The hydraulic tensioner can also fail, allowing the belt to slip even if the belt itself is not worn. Many used Eclipse vehicles have unknown service history.

Replace the timing belt, hydraulic tensioner, idler pulleys, and water pump as a complete service. If the vehicle's service history is unknown, replace immediately. The 3.8L V6 requires more labor due to its transverse mounting. Use OEM Mitsubishi or premium aftermarket timing components. This is a non-negotiable maintenance item.

The 4-speed automatic transmission can develop shift quality issues, slipping, and eventual failure. The transmission may bang into gear, hesitate before engaging, or exhibit flare (RPM spike) during upshifts. Overheating is a contributing factor, especially in the V6 models with higher torque output. Transmission failure between 80,000 and 120,000 miles is common.

Perform transmission fluid and filter changes every 30,000 miles using Mitsubishi SP-III or equivalent ATF. If shift quality is degrading, a solenoid pack or valve body replacement may help. Once significant slipping occurs, the transmission typically needs a complete rebuild or replacement with a remanufactured unit.

The paint on 2006-2012 Eclipse models is notorious for peeling, flaking, and clear coat delamination, particularly on the roof, trunk, and hood. The clear coat separates from the base coat in sheets, leaving the vehicle looking severely weathered. Dark colors (black, dark grey) are most commonly affected. Sun exposure accelerates the degradation.

Professional repaint of the affected panels is the only permanent solution. The vehicle must be sanded down to bare metal or good base coat, reprimed, and repainted with automotive-grade basecoat/clearcoat. Mitsubishi did not issue a recall or paint warranty extension for this issue. Touch-up or clear coat restoration products provide only temporary improvement.

The power window motors fail frequently, with the driver's side window being the most common failure. The window may move slowly, stop partway through travel, or stop working entirely. A grinding or clicking noise from inside the door panel when pressing the window switch indicates the motor is failing. The window regulator cable can also break.

Replace the window motor or the complete window regulator assembly (motor and regulator combined). Replacing the complete assembly is recommended since worn regulator cables and pulleys can put excessive load on a new motor. The repair requires removing the door panel and disconnecting the glass from the regulator.

The exhaust manifold on the 4-cylinder models can warp from thermal cycling, developing exhaust leaks that produce a ticking noise on cold start and a persistent exhaust smell. The exhaust manifold studs can also corrode and break during removal, complicating the repair. The gasket between the manifold and head deteriorates as the manifold warps.

Replace the exhaust manifold gasket. If the manifold is warped, it can be resurfaced if warpage is minor, or replaced entirely if severe. Use anti-seize compound on the new manifold studs during installation to facilitate future removal. Extract any broken studs before installing the new gasket and manifold.