Lost your 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Key Fob or need to reprogram a new one? Dealership programming can be expensive and time-consuming. Fortunately, you can easily program your key fob yourself at home in just a few minutes with a simple wire or paper clip. This guide provides a step-by-step process to get your 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse keyless entry working again, saving you both time and money.
What You’ll Need:
- A wire or paper clip
- Your 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse key fob remote(s)
Step 1: Find the OBDII Data Port
The first step is to locate your 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse’s On-Board Diagnostics II (OBDII) port. This port is your gateway to programming the key fob. It’s positioned just to the right of the steering column, underneath the dashboard. You don’t need to remove any panels to access it; simply look under the dash, and you’ll find it.
Alt text: Location of the OBDII port in a 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse, positioned under the dashboard to the right of the steering column.
Here’s a wider view to help you orient yourself. You can see the OBDII port in relation to the surrounding components under the steering wheel.
Alt text: Dashboard view in a 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse showing the OBDII port location for key fob programming, emphasizing its accessibility under the steering wheel.
Step 2: Prepare Your Mitsubishi Eclipse
Insert your key into the ignition of your 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse and leave it in the “off” position. Ensure all doors are closed throughout the programming process to maintain a stable environment for the system.
Step 3: Jump Pins 1 and 4 on the OBDII Port
Now, take your wire or paper clip. Looking at the OBDII port, you’ll notice it has two rows of pins. Pin 1 is located at the top left, and Pin 4 is directly below it in the same column on the left side.
Alt text: OBDII port pinout diagram illustrating pin 1 and pin 4, crucial for initiating key fob programming in Mitsubishi vehicles.
Carefully use the wire or paper clip to create a connection between pin 1 and pin 4. You are essentially jumping these two pins. Alternatively, you can ground pin 1 to the chassis of your Mitsubishi Eclipse if you find that easier. When you make the connection, listen closely – you might hear a faint clicking sound, indicating the system is ready for programming. Keep the jumper wire or paper clip in place throughout the subsequent steps.
Alt text: Close-up of a labeled OBDII port highlighting pin 1 and pin 4 for Mitsubishi Eclipse 2003 key fob programming procedure.
Step 4: Activate Programming Mode with Hazard Lights
Within ten seconds of jumping pins 1 and 4, press the hazard light button six times. This means turning the hazard lights on and off three times each (on, off, on, off, on, off). After the sixth press, the doors of your 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse should automatically lock and then unlock. This lock-unlock sequence confirms that your car has successfully entered key fob programming mode.
Step 5: Program Your 2003 Eclipse Key Fob
Take your 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse key fob remote. Within 10 seconds of the doors locking and unlocking in the previous step, press the “lock” button on your remote three times. After pressing the lock button three times, the doors should lock and then unlock again. This second lock-unlock sequence confirms that your 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse has successfully recognized and programmed your key fob.
Step 6: Complete the Programming
Congratulations! You have now successfully programmed your 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse key fob. Remove the wire or paper clip from the OBDII port and take the key out of the ignition. Test your newly programmed key fob to ensure the lock and unlock buttons are working correctly.
Important Notes:
- Multiple Remotes: You can program up to four key fobs for your 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse. To program additional remotes, repeat Step 5 within one minute of programming the first key fob. After each successful programming, the doors will lock and unlock once.
- Remote Compatibility: For the 2003-2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse models, the key fobs are typically Omron brand. Earlier 2000-2002 models used Denzo remotes. You can check the back of your original remote to identify the type. This programming procedure is compatible with both types for the 2003 model year.
- Speed is Key: Ensure you move swiftly from step to step, especially after connecting the pins in Step 3, to ensure the programming sequence is successful.
By following these simple steps, you can easily program your 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse key fob and regain keyless entry functionality without the expense of dealership service. Enjoy the convenience of your reprogrammed key fob!
