2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse starts sometimes then wont and just makes a clicking sound, is my starter going out?

Sounds as if the starter has gone bad and is not fully engaging the flywheel.

Might be a bad ignition switch or wiring. May need to check both. Do you have any codes in the ECM ?

Turn your steering column while turning on the car this should help. I had a problem with mine once and it did this (wouldn't start) but once the battery was replaced problem went away. You could also have a defected battery which also happened to my 2001 Eclipse RS last year.

If I had to guess, I would say that the starter is not engaging the engine. When you turn the key to start, it energizes the starter and a solenoid that "pulls" the starter gear into the flywheel gear to turn the engine ovr. I suspect the roar is the starter motor turning and not engaging. You need to replace the solenoid, on some cars it is part of the starter and not available by itself.

I had the same problem with my 2001 Eclipse last week. Headlights, Radio and such all worked but the car would not crank up. Sounds like your "starter" needs to be replaced. The "Starter will have the solnoid attched to it also" Remove he "Starter and take it tested at an Advance Auto store for free.

To remove the starter you will have to raise the car up, and remove the small metal heat shield.
-bradley10

Josh, take the battery to Sears or a large auto parts store and have them test the condition.They do it for free. A battery will play the radio or run the lights with no trouble.It takes alot of amp power to turn the starter over. After you get it started check the volts across the battery.It should be just over 12 and less than 14 volts. If its not the alternator is not chargeing your battery,replace it.
I hope this helps you and your Mitsu.

SOUND LIKE DEAD BATTERY.IT THE BATTERY VOLTAGE SHOULD BE 12.5 VOLTS.IF NOT.CHARGE BATTERY OR REPLACE IT.IF BATTERY CHECK OUT GOOD.MAKE SURE BATTERY CABLES IS TIGHT AND FREE FROM CORROSSION.IF ALL IS GOOD.TURN OFF RADIO SO YOU WONT LOSE CODE TO PLAY RADIO.REMOVE STARTER.HAVE IT CHECKED AT AUTO ZONE OR ADVANCE AUTO FREE.ALSO MAKE SURE YOUR ALTERNATOR IS CHARGING.IT SHOULD BE 13.5 TO 14.5 VOLTS WHILE CAR IS IDLING.DO THIS TO MAKE SURE THIS IS NOT THE REASON YOUR BATTERY GOT WEAK.

that is the battary problem your battary might have finished or have less output power or say insuficent for mitsubishi Eclipae..

you need a new starter most likly. see if the small wire at the starter is getting power when you try to start car. if so i would replace the starter.

you don't hit the alternator, you hit the starter to help is shake free because it is already going bad. take battery and alternator to parts store and have both tested. check the wires at the starter and make sure they are on SECURELY. very important SOLID CONTACT is occurring. do your lights turn on? check starter relay if the eclipse is equipped with one.