Buy Mitsubishi Eclipse Alternators

What It Does

An alternator is a small electric generator that charges the battery while the engine runs; without it, the car would die once the battery emptied. Alternator basics (en.wikipedia.org)

How It Works

• A ribbed belt spins the rotor inside the alternator housing.
• Magnetic fields make alternating current (AC), which diodes convert to direct current (DC).
• A built-in voltage regulator holds output near 14 V to protect electronics.

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Generational details come from the Eclipse model overview.

• Voltage: 12 V system; regulated output 13.5-14.8 V. (mmc-manuals.ru)
• Standard amperage: 90-110 A (3.8 L V6 uses 110 A).
• Pulley: 6-groove serpentine (4G/3G) or 4-rib V-belt (older 1G/2G RS).
• Mount bolts: 33 ft-lb for pivot, 30 ft-lb for slider per factory chart. (club4g.org, tearstone.com)

• Battery or ALT light glows on dash. (yourmechanic.com)
• Dim or flickering headlights, especially at idle.
• Whining or grinding from the unit.
• Engine stalls after the battery drains.
• Needing frequent jump-starts.

1. Voltage test: With the engine idling, probe the battery. Healthy output reads 13.8-14.5 V. Drop below 12.5 V points to alternator trouble. (yourmechanic.com)
2. Load test: Turn on lights and blower; voltage should hold above 13 V.
3. Fuse check: First- and second-gen cars hide a 100-A fuse on the positive battery lead near the strut tower. (dsmtuners.com)
4. Belt inspection: Glaze, cracks, or more than ½-inch deflection calls for retension or replacement. (club3g.com, dsmtuners.com)

• Inspect the serpentine belt every oil change; tighten via the jack-screw or auto-tensioner shown in this short how-to video.
• Keep battery terminals clean to reduce alternator load.
• Add an extra engine-to-frame ground strap to curb voltage spikes. (club3g.com)

1. Disconnect battery negative.
2. Loosen belt: For 3G/4G models, rotate the tensioner; older cars use the adjusting bolt. (club3g.com, dsmtuners.com)
3. Remove pivot and lock bolts (≈33 ft-lb when reinstalling). (club4g.org)
4. Unplug harness and B+ stud.
5. Swap in new or reman alternator, align, torque bolts, and reinstall belt. A full walk-through appears in this Eclipse alternator swap video.

• Parts: $293-$493 for standard-output units.
• Labor: $128-$188 (1.5-2.0 hours).
• Total average: $421-$681 nationwide. Repair cost guide.
• Mobile mechanics quote about $297 all-in. (yourmechanic.com)

Adding big stereos, light bars, or winches? A 200-220 A high-output generator keeps voltage steady and prevents head-light dimming. MotorTrend's alternator primer explains why extra amperage matters.

• Battery: Stores power; weak cells overwork the alternator.
• Serpentine/V-belt: Drives the rotor; squeal means slip. (club3g.com)
• Voltage regulator: Built-in on most Eclipse units-if it fails, voltage spikes.
• Ground cables ("Big 3" upgrade): Larger cables help audio builds handle current. (motortrend.com)

Rebuilt alternators save raw materials and often carry a core deposit refund. Many local parts stores accept old units for recycling. (motortrend.com)

Keeping your Mitsubishi Eclipse's charging system healthy is simple: inspect the belt, secure grounds, and swap the alternator at the first sign of weak voltage. Whether you stick with a standard 100-amp unit or step up to a high-output charger for big audio, the right alternator keeps every drive bright and worry-free.