Troubleshooting

The Cranky Eclipse

Jan. 1, 2020

The Cranky Eclipse

Dear Roy,
The vehicle is a 1992 Mitsubishi Eclipse, VIN 4A3CS34T9NE106709, with a 1.8L engine and manual transmission.

The problem is with the distributor: With the wires in one specific position, the engine will crank up, and if I move the wires around while the car is running to another position, the engine smoothes out and purrs. But then it won

About the Author

Roy Ripple

Roy Ripple passed away in September 2021 at the age of 84. He was an automotive technician his entire life. He owned his own shop for years before his first and only venture into automotive journalism, with Motor Age magazine. In his youth, he was an avid drag racer and a good friend of Don Garlits. He raised four children, rode motorcycles, hunted deer, and loved to shoot trap. His son, Roy Dennis Ripple, now writes for Motor Age. You can see his work here.