Why is my 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse Making a Grinding Noise?

How to Fix Grinding Noise in Your 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse

Experiencing a grinding noise in your 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse can be unsettling. Based on owner reports, this issue can stem from several sources. While a definitive diagnosis requires a hands-on inspection, understanding potential causes can help you troubleshoot the problem. One owner reported a similar issue and was investigating electrical connections: "One thing I noticed is that which my headlights are on it does it a lot worse. To me it’s sounding like maybe a grounding issue somewhere but I’m kinda lost and looking for some hints or guidance, thank you!" - that silver eclipse. This guide will help you understand the potential causes, diagnosis, and fixes for grinding noises, specifically addressing the components 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse owners have mentioned.

Symptoms

Grinding noises in your 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse can manifest in a variety of ways, often accompanied by other symptoms that provide clues to the root cause. These noises can vary in intensity and frequency, depending on the specific component affected and the driving conditions. Identifying these symptoms is the first step in diagnosing the issue.

One commonly reported symptom associated with grinding noises is stalling. If your engine stalls frequently, especially when the grinding noise is present, this could indicate a problem with the solenoid relay. A faulty relay might interrupt the electrical current necessary for smooth engine operation, leading to stalls.

Rust is another issue that can either cause grinding or be related to parts that are grinding. As Rice Burner stated, "It has rust on the end where the hose would connect and other spots internal spots, In general its got bad rust issues. My issue now is locating a replacement." Rust can affect the performance of various components, making them noisy or causing them to fail.

A burning smell might accompany a grinding noise if the friction is occurring in a location where it can ignite nearby materials or cause existing components to overheat. This is particularly important if the grinding is related to the rear drums since burning smells could point to brake problems.

Rough idle is another symptom that many owners associate with the grinding noise. If your engine idles roughly, particularly when the noise is most noticeable, this may signal a connection between the engine's performance and the source of the grinding. This can occur if the solenoid relay is failing.

Most Likely Cause

Based on available data from 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse owners, the primary cause of grinding noises appears to be a faulty solenoid relay. The solenoid relay is an electrically operated switch that controls the flow of current to various components in your vehicle. When the relay fails, it may cause erratic behavior in connected systems, potentially leading to the grinding noise. This is especially true if the relay affects components related to the engine or transmission.

A failing solenoid relay can manifest in a grinding noise due to its role in controlling the flow of electricity to various parts. For instance, if the relay is responsible for activating or deactivating a specific motor or actuator, a malfunctioning relay could cause this component to operate erratically, leading to the grinding noise. This erratic operation could also manifest through other related systems, such as the ABS Power Relay.

The solenoid relay's condition often deteriorates over time due to wear, corrosion, or electrical stress. This deterioration can lead to intermittent or complete failure of the relay, producing a grinding noise as it struggles to function properly. The location of the relay within the electrical system also makes it susceptible to environmental factors, such as heat and moisture, which can accelerate its degradation.

How to Diagnose

Diagnosing a grinding noise in your 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse requires a systematic approach to identify the source of the problem. Given the data, focusing on the solenoid relay is a sensible starting point. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Gather Information: Start by collecting as much information as possible about the grinding noise. Note when it occurs (e.g., during acceleration, braking, or idling), its intensity, and any accompanying symptoms like stalling or rough idling.

2. Inspect the Solenoid Relay: Locate the solenoid relay in your vehicle's engine bay or fuse box. Refer to your vehicle's service manual for its precise location. Visually inspect the relay for signs of damage, such as corrosion, cracks, or burnt spots.

3. Test the Solenoid Relay: Use a multimeter to test the solenoid relay's functionality. Check for continuity between the relay's terminals when it is activated. If the relay fails to conduct electricity when activated, it may be faulty.

4. Listen Carefully: Start your vehicle and listen carefully to the grinding noise. Try to pinpoint the exact location of the noise. This can help you narrow down the potential sources of the grinding. If the grinding noise is more noticeable when certain electrical components are active, it may point to the solenoid relay.

5. Check for Error Codes: Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any error codes stored in your vehicle's computer. These codes can provide clues about the source of the grinding noise, especially if the noise is related to the engine or transmission.

6. Pressure Gauge: If you've narrowed the cause to a specific component, a pressure gauge can help you measure the fluid pressure within the system. Compare your readings to the values specified in the service manual to determine if the component is functioning correctly.

Step-by-Step Fix

Once you've identified the solenoid relay as the likely cause of the grinding noise, here's a step-by-step guide on how to fix it:

1. Gather Parts and Tools: Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary parts and tools. This includes a new solenoid relay, a socket set, a wrench set, a screwdriver set, and a multimeter.

2. Disconnect the Battery: Disconnect the negative terminal of your vehicle's battery to prevent electrical shocks or damage to electrical components.

3. Locate the Solenoid Relay: Refer to your vehicle's service manual to locate the solenoid relay in your engine bay or fuse box.

4. Remove the Old Solenoid Relay: Use a socket or wrench to disconnect the electrical connectors from the old solenoid relay. Carefully remove the old relay from its mounting bracket.

5. Install the New Solenoid Relay: Install the new solenoid relay in the mounting bracket. Reconnect the electrical connectors to the new relay, ensuring they are securely attached.

6. Reconnect the Battery: Reconnect the negative terminal of your vehicle's battery.

7. Test the Repair: Start your vehicle and listen for the grinding noise. If the solenoid relay was the cause of the noise, it should now be gone. Also, check for any other symptoms, such as stalling or rough idling, to ensure they have been resolved.

8. Check for Rust: While replacing the solenoid relay, take a look around the area for rust. As Rice Burner mentioned, rust can be a major issue. If you find any, clean it off and apply a rust inhibitor to prevent it from spreading.

9. Address other issues: Consider looking at your ABS relay and other electrical connections if the issue persists. As 19Eclipse90 has pointed out with various diagrams, the ABS system is interconnected and can cause unusual issues.

Parts and Tools Needed

To address a grinding noise potentially caused by a failing solenoid relay on your 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse, here's a list of parts and tools you might need:

• Solenoid Relay: (Part Number Varies Depending on Application) - This is the replacement relay that you'll install. Be sure to check your specific vehicle's requirements.
• Socket Set: A set of sockets in various sizes will be necessary to remove and install bolts.
• Wrench Set: Wrenches in different sizes are needed for various fasteners.
• Screwdriver Set: Both Phillips-head and flat-head screwdrivers are useful for removing and installing screws.
• Multimeter: A multimeter is essential for testing the electrical continuity and voltage of the solenoid relay.
• OBD-II Scanner: This tool can help you read error codes that might be related to the grinding noise.
• Pressure Gauge: This tool can help you measure the fluid pressure within a system.
• Bolts: Check the condition of the bolts while you are inspecting the solenoid relay and its location.
• Rear Drums: When inspecting brakes, remember the components are interconnected.

Real Owner Costs

The cost of addressing a grinding noise in your 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse can vary significantly depending on the cause and whether you choose to perform the repair yourself or take it to a professional mechanic.

DIY Repair:

• Solenoid Relay: $20 - $50 (depending on brand and quality)
• Tools: If you already own the necessary tools, there will be no additional cost. If you need to purchase tools, a basic socket set, wrench set, and screwdriver set can cost between $50 and $100.
• Total Cost (DIY): $20 - $150

Professional Repair:

• Labor: $75 - $150 per hour (depending on the shop)
• Solenoid Relay: $30 - $75 (including markup)
• Diagnosis Fee: Some shops charge a diagnostic fee to identify the source of the grinding noise, which can range from $50 to $100.
• Total Cost (Professional): $155 - $325+

Prevention

Preventing grinding noises in your 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse involves regular maintenance and prompt attention to potential problems.

Regular Inspections: Inspect your vehicle regularly for signs of wear, damage, or corrosion. Pay close attention to the solenoid relay and its connections.

Prompt Repairs: Address any grinding noises or other symptoms as soon as they appear. Ignoring these issues can lead to more extensive damage and costly repairs.

Quality Parts: When replacing parts, use high-quality components from reputable manufacturers. This can help ensure the longevity and reliability of your vehicle. As TortugaEclipse mentioned, it's important to find parts that actually fit your car.

Follow Maintenance Schedule: Adhere to your vehicle's recommended maintenance schedule. This includes regular oil changes, fluid checks, and inspections of critical components.

What Owners Say

Real experiences from MITSUBISHI owners:

Owner Experiences

"My spark plugs look good, spark plugs wires look good and both aren’t old less than 1 year. So my next step is to test my injectors to see if they’re the issue." — Raider_831 (source)

"My question is do any of you guys know a good place/link to get them that will fit no issues. I know Autozone and O’Rillys will often give wrong parts." — Raider_831 (source)

"You must be logged in to view this image or video. Here’s where the fuse is shown in the circuit diagram, between fusible link 8 and the ABS Power Relay." — 19Eclipse90 (source)

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to fix a grinding noise?

A: The time required to fix a grinding noise depends on the source and complexity of the problem. Replacing a solenoid relay can take as little as an hour if you have the necessary tools and experience. However, diagnosing and repairing more complex issues can take several hours or even days.

Q: Can I drive with a grinding noise?

A: It's generally not recommended to drive with a grinding noise, as it can indicate a serious problem that could lead to further damage or even a safety hazard. Have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.

Q: Is this a common issue on the 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse?

A: While grinding noises can occur on any vehicle, the frequency of this issue on the 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse is hard to quantify precisely without comprehensive data. Owner reports suggest that certain components, like the solenoid relay, can be prone to failure, leading to grinding noises.

Q: DIY vs mechanic - what's recommended?

A: Whether to attempt a DIY repair or take your vehicle to a mechanic depends on your skill level and experience. If you are comfortable working on cars and have the necessary tools, replacing a simple component like the solenoid relay can be a cost-effective DIY project. However, if you are not mechanically inclined or if the problem is more complex, it's best to seek the help of a professional mechanic.