A Guide to Ignition Coils for the 2001-2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
If your Eclipse is running rough or the check engine light is on, a bad ignition coil could be the problem.
- Verify your engine (2.4L 4-cylinder or 3.0L V6) before ordering, as the ignition systems are different.
- A misfire code (P0301-P0306) is the best way to identify which cylinder's coil has failed.
- Premium brands like NGK, Delphi, and Hitachi offer OE-level quality and are recommended for long-term reliability.
- On the V6, replacing the rear coil pack is a difficult job that requires removing the intake manifold; it's best to replace spark plugs at the same time.
Is Your Eclipse Misfiring? It Could Be an Ignition Coil
A failing ignition coil is a common problem that can make your 2001-2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse run poorly. When a coil goes bad, it can't deliver enough voltage to the spark plug. This causes an engine misfire, which you might feel as a shudder, hesitation, or a general lack of power. Ignoring a misfire can lead to more serious problems, like damage to your catalytic converter, so it's a good idea to address it quickly.
Symptoms of a Bad Ignition Coil
Look out for these common signs of ignition coil failure:
- Check Engine Light: A misfire will almost always trigger the check engine light. The most common codes are P0300 (random misfire) or codes P0301 through P0306, which point to a specific cylinder.
- Rough Idle: Your car may shake or vibrate when stopped at a light.
- Loss of Power: Acceleration will feel sluggish, and the car may struggle to get up to speed.
- Poor Fuel Economy: The engine burns more fuel to make up for the misfiring cylinder.
- Gasoline Smell: Unburned fuel from the misfiring cylinder can travel into the exhaust, creating a raw gas smell.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Ignition Coil
You don't need to buy parts from the dealer to get your Eclipse running right. 🎬 See this 4-cylinder ignition coil replacement walkthrough Aftermarket brands offer a wide range of quality and price. They can be grouped into tiers.
- Premium Brands (NGK, Delphi, Hitachi): These companies are often the original equipment (OE) suppliers for many car manufacturers. They are known for excellent quality, durability, and performance that meets or exceeds factory specifications. Choosing one of these brands is the closest you can get to the original part.
- Standard Brands (Standard Ignition, Walker Products): These brands are well-regarded in the aftermarket and offer a good balance of quality and price. They are a reliable choice for daily driving and are often trusted by professional mechanics.
- Economy Brands (DriveWire, Motorad): These are budget-friendly options that will get the job done. While they are more affordable, they may not have the same long-term durability or precise performance as premium brands. They can be a good choice if you are on a tight budget.
V6 Owners: Replacing the Rear Coils is a Big Job
On the 3.0L V6 engine, the three front ignition coils are on top of the engine and easy to replace. However, the rear coil pack is located underneath the upper intake manifold. Replacing it requires removing the manifold, which is a much more involved and time-consuming job. 🎬 Watch: The easy way to access V6 spark plugs If you need to replace the rear coil pack, it is highly recommended to also replace the spark plugs and valve cover gaskets at the same time.
How Much Does a New Ignition Coil Cost?
The cost to replace an ignition coil depends on your engine and the brand you choose. Labor costs can also vary significantly, especially on the V6 model.
| Part Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Ignition Coil | $34 - $203 |
| New OEM Ignition Coil | $100 - $250 |
| Shop Labor (4-Cylinder or V6 Front) | $75 - $150 |
| Shop Labor (V6 Rear Coil Pack) | $300 - $500+ |
Cost estimates are for a single part and typical labor rates. Prices will vary by location and supplier.
Pro Tip: Replace Spark Plugs with Coils
Old, worn-out spark plugs can put extra stress on your ignition coils, causing them to fail sooner. If you are replacing a coil, it's a smart and inexpensive move to replace the spark plugs at the same time. This is especially true if you are doing the difficult rear coil job on the V6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I replace all ignition coils at once?
It's a good practice. Ignition coils are all the same age and have been exposed to the same conditions. If one has failed, others may not be far behind. For the V6, it is strongly recommended to replace the rear coil pack and all three front coils if you have to remove the intake manifold.
Is there a recall on the 2001-2005 Eclipse ignition coil?
No. Searches of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database show no recalls or technical service bulletins (TSBs) specifically for ignition coil failure on the 2001-2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
How do I know which coil is bad?
If your check engine light is on, an OBD-II scanner can read the trouble code (e.g., P0304 for cylinder 4) to tell you which cylinder is misfiring. A common diagnostic trick is to swap the suspected bad coil with a known good coil from another cylinder. If the misfire code follows the coil to the new cylinder, you've confirmed the coil is the problem.
🎬 Watch: How to diagnose a faulty ignition coil packWhat is the difference between a coil pack and a coil-on-plug?
A coil-on-plug (COP) is a single coil that sits directly on top of the spark plug. A coil pack is a single module that contains multiple coils. It sends voltage to the spark plugs through spark plug wires. Your Eclipse may have one or both types, depending on the engine.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: MD362907 MD361710 UF295
Varies by engine. The 2.4L 4-cylinder uses two coil packs. The 3.0L V6 uses three individual coil-on-plug units and one rear coil pack.
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Mitsubishi Eclipse:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your Eclipse Misfiring? It Could Be an Ignition Coil
- Symptoms of a Bad Ignition Coil
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Ignition Coil
- V6 Owners: Replacing the Rear Coils is a Big Job
- How Much Does a New Ignition Coil Cost?
- Pro Tip: Replace Spark Plugs with Coils
- Frequently Asked Questions
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