Smoke from Your 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse? Here's How to Fix It

How to Fix Smoke

Smoke emanating from your 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse can be a concerning issue. It's often a sign of underlying problems that need addressing. One owner reported, "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!" (source). Addressing the source of the smoke is crucial for maintaining the vehicle's performance and preventing further damage. Based on initial owner reports, it seems that while there could be multiple causes, addressing grounding issues might be a good starting point.

Symptoms

Owners have reported various symptoms when experiencing smoke issues with their vehicles. One frequently mentioned issue involves a gas smell, often accompanying the visual smoke. This could indicate a fuel leak or incomplete combustion.

Another reported symptom is the presence of smog, which could suggest issues with the vehicle's emissions system. This can be related to problems with the catalytic converter, fuel mixture, or other emission control components.

Some owners have also raised concerns about cancer risks, which are naturally associated with prolonged exposure to exhaust fumes and smoke. This underscores the importance of addressing smoke issues promptly.

Vacuum leaks have also been identified as a potential symptom linked to smoke, which could disrupt the engine's air-fuel mixture and contribute to the formation of smoke. A disruption in this balance will in turn affect the vehicle's overall health and performance. As one owner reported: "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!" (source).

Most Likely Cause

Based on owner reports, a grounding issue appears to be the most likely cause of smoke in your 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse. A faulty ground connection can lead to various electrical problems, impacting the performance of different components. This can cause issues such as incomplete combustion or malfunctioning sensors, which could then result in smoke. A weak ground connection can also affect the performance of the fuel injectors, leading to fuel-rich conditions and increased emissions. This would explain why many owners also reported the presence of a gas smell along with the smoke.

A grounding issue can also affect the vehicle's electrical system. This can create resistance in the electrical circuits, causing components to overheat and potentially release smoke. This situation is further exacerbated when high-power components like headlights are used, as these require substantial electrical current. As one owner shared, “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..." (source). This observation supports the theory that grounding issues might be more noticeable when more electrical load is applied.

How to Diagnose

Diagnosing a grounding issue in your vehicle requires a systematic approach. Start by visually inspecting all ground connections in the engine bay and chassis. Look for loose, corroded, or damaged wires. Pay close attention to the main ground cable connecting the engine to the chassis and the battery's negative terminal.

Next, use a multimeter to check the continuity of the ground connections. Set the multimeter to the continuity setting (usually indicated by a sound wave symbol) and place one probe on the grounding point and the other on a known good ground, such as the battery's negative terminal. A good ground connection will show close to 0 ohms resistance.

If you find a ground connection with high resistance, clean the connection and retest. Use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove any corrosion from the contact surfaces. Ensure that the connections are tight and secure.

Tools Needed:

• Multimeter
• Wire brush or sandpaper
• Wrench or socket set
• Wire cutter/stripper
• Electrical contact cleaner

Step-by-Step Fix

Here's a step-by-step guide to fixing a grounding issue in your vehicle:

1. Locate Grounding Points: Identify all the main grounding points in the engine bay and chassis. Consult your vehicle's service manual for specific locations.
2. Inspect Ground Cables: Visually inspect the ground cables for any signs of damage, corrosion, or looseness. Pay special attention to the cable connecting the engine to the chassis.
3. Clean Ground Connections: Disconnect the ground cables from their mounting points. Use a wire brush or sandpaper to clean any corrosion or rust from the cable terminals and the mounting surfaces.
4. Reattach Ground Cables: Reattach the ground cables to their mounting points, ensuring that the connections are tight and secure. Use a wrench or socket set to tighten the bolts.
5. Test Ground Continuity: Use a multimeter to test the continuity of the ground connections. Set the multimeter to the continuity setting and place one probe on the grounding point and the other on a known good ground, such as the battery's negative terminal. A good ground connection will show close to 0 ohms resistance.
6. Add Additional Ground Cables: Consider adding additional ground cables to improve the grounding system. Connect one end of the cable to the engine block and the other end to the chassis. This can help to reduce resistance and improve electrical performance.
7. Check Headlight Grounding: As one owner noted that headlights made the problem worse, check the headlight grounding points specifically. These are often separate from the main engine grounds. Clean these thoroughly.
8. Inspect Wiring Harness: Carefully inspect the wiring harness for any signs of damage, such as frayed wires or cracked insulation. Repair or replace any damaged wires as necessary.
9. Spray with Electrical Contact Cleaner: Once all connections are cleaned and tightened, spray them with electrical contact cleaner to protect them from corrosion.
10. Test and Monitor: After completing the repairs, start the vehicle and monitor for any signs of smoke or electrical issues. Test different electrical loads to ensure the problem is resolved.

"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," reported one owner. So, when getting replacement parts, make sure you are using a trusted source for correct parts.

Parts and Tools Needed

• Ground cables (various lengths and gauges)
• Wire brush or sandpaper
• Wrench or socket set
• Wire cutter/stripper
• Electrical contact cleaner
• Multimeter
• Replacement wiring (if needed)

Real Owner Costs

DIY repairs for grounding issues are relatively inexpensive. The cost of ground cables, wire brushes, and electrical contact cleaner typically ranges from $20 to $50.

Professional repairs can vary depending on the extent of the problem. A simple ground cable replacement may cost between $50 and $100, while more extensive wiring repairs could range from $200 to $500 or more.

It's important to note that these are just estimates, and the actual cost may vary depending on the specific circumstances of your vehicle and the repair shop you choose.

Prevention

To prevent grounding issues in the future, follow these maintenance tips:

• Regularly inspect ground connections for signs of corrosion or looseness.
• Clean ground connections with a wire brush and electrical contact cleaner as needed.
• Ensure that all ground connections are tight and secure.
• Avoid exposing ground cables to excessive moisture or heat.
• Consider adding additional ground cables to improve the grounding system.
• Have a professional mechanic inspect your vehicle's grounding system during routine maintenance.

What Owners Say

Real experiences from MITSUBISHI owners:

Owner Experiences

"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)

"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)

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

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to fix a grounding issue?

A: The time it takes to fix a grounding issue can vary depending on the extent of the problem. A simple ground cable replacement may take 30 minutes to an hour, while more extensive wiring repairs could take several hours.

Q: Can I drive with a grounding issue?

A: Driving with a grounding issue is not recommended. A faulty ground connection can cause various electrical problems that can affect the performance and safety of your vehicle. It's best to address the issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Q: Is this a common issue?

A: Grounding issues are a relatively common problem in older vehicles, including the 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Over time, corrosion and wear can degrade ground connections, leading to various electrical problems.

Q: DIY vs mechanic - what's recommended?

A: For simple ground cable replacements, a DIY repair is often feasible. However, for more extensive wiring repairs or if you're not comfortable working with electrical systems, it's best to consult a professional mechanic. They have the expertise and tools to diagnose and repair complex electrical issues.