2000 mitsubishi eclipse GT/68k miles/never miss maintenance checks. No problems until this morn...wouldn't start.


PROBLEM:
-Keyless entry doesn't work, unlock w/key and try to start and get a fast clicking sound for 2x, (won't start or turn over) after the first attempt the clicking goes away for awhile when trying to start.
-On dash the door open light flickers every second (1hz rate) along with dome light. Battery is at 12.7v. Checked all fuzes, checks good. Relays near battery in engine compartment make clicking when you turn on ignition & lights.

IDEAS:
-Possible ignition or relay problem. How do you check relays? possible starter relay? Power is getting to dome light but w/ slight flicker.
-Possible anti-theft system issues? not sure how to verify this. Wouldn't there be a anti-theft light flashing if so?
-Possible ECU defective?
-Used spare key (valet key) to open car door. didn't use remote entry. Locked manually then shut door. Now this morning, won't start. anti-theft mix-up?

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Thanks for any help on this. This is my girlfriends car so I am very unfamiliar with it. Just spent a few hours today looking through possibilities on the internet.


-jus crusin.

Battery voltage means nothing. Try load testing it. Does the car start if the battery is jumped?

Yes, tried to jump start but still same thing....Think it may be the igniton switch. no way a ecu, right?

Ihave seen bad ignition switches on them but normally they will still run.But it is inexpensive and easy to replace.

....I load tested the battery and found that to be the problem. Battery was 4 months new and I read 12.5 volts so I thought it had to be good, nope. I even tried to jump start. Later I removed the battery from the loop and used my other cars with a jumper cable conected to the eclipse battery cables and it started right up. I replaced the battery and it starts just fine. I left the multimeter connected and verified the the voltage increases when the car is started so I think the alternator is good. I still think that something is causing the battery to go kaput...I'll have to keep a close eye on it. Thanks for all who replied. I thought I'd get way more help than 2 responses.

Aftermarket battery? Not an uncommon problem. You check for a draw by disconnecting the negative cable and putting a test light between the post and the cable.