Lost your key fob or bought a replacement for your 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse? Don’t want to pay dealership prices to get it programmed? You’re in luck! Reprogramming your keyless entry remote for your 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse is a straightforward process you can accomplish yourself, saving you both time and money. This guide will walk you through each step, making it easy to regain the convenience of keyless entry.
What You Will Need
Before you begin, gather these simple items:
- A short piece of wire or a paper clip
- Your 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Key Fob remote(s)
Step-by-Step Programming Instructions
Follow these steps carefully to program your 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse key fob:
Step 1: Locate the OBDII Data Port
The first step is to find the OBDII (On-Board Diagnostics II) connector in your 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse. This port is typically located just to the right of the steering column, beneath the dashboard. You don’t need to remove any panels to access it; simply look under the steering wheel column covering.
Alt text: Location of the OBDII port underneath the dashboard of a vehicle, positioned to the right of the steering column, for key fob programming.
This image provides a closer look at the OBDII port’s location and its surrounding area within the car’s interior.
Alt text: Detailed view of the OBDII port situated beneath the car dashboard, illustrating its position relative to surrounding interior components during Mitsubishi Eclipse key fob reprogramming.
Step 2: Prepare Your Vehicle
Insert your key into the ignition of your 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Leave the key in the ignition, but do not turn the car on. Ensure all doors are closed throughout the programming procedure.
Step 3: Access the OBDII Port Pins
Now, you will need to access specific pins within the OBDII port. It’s crucial to have your wire or paper clip and your 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse key fob remote within reach before proceeding, as you’ll need to work quickly in the next steps.
The OBDII port has a wider end (top) and a thinner end (bottom). We will be working with pin 1 and pin 4. Pin 1 is the top left pin, and pin 4 is located to its right.
Alt text: Diagram of an OBDII port connector illustrating pin assignments, specifically highlighting pin 1 and pin 4 for Mitsubishi Eclipse key fob programming procedure.
Refer to this image for a labeled diagram of the OBDII port pins to correctly identify pin 1 and pin 4.
Alt text: A labeled diagram emphasizing pin 1 and pin 4 on the OBDII port, crucial for grounding during the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse key fob reprogramming process.
Step 4: Ground Pin 1 to Pin 4
Using your wire or paper clip, jump pin 1 to pin 4 within the OBDII port. This means creating a connection between these two pins. Alternatively, you can ground pin 1 to the chassis of the car if you find that easier. When you make the initial connection, you might hear a faint clicking sound, which is normal. Keep the wire or paper clip connected throughout the programming process.
Step 5: Activate Programming Mode
Within 10 seconds of connecting the pins, press the hazard light switch on your Mitsubishi Eclipse 6 times. This means turning the hazard lights on and off three times (on-off-on-off-on-off). After the sixth press, the doors of your 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse should automatically lock and then unlock. This indicates that the system has entered programming mode.
Step 6: Program Your 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Key Fob
Take your 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse key fob remote and press the lock button three times within 10 seconds. After pressing the lock button three times, the doors should lock and then unlock again. This confirms that your key fob has been successfully programmed to your 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Step 7: Complete the Process
Congratulations! You have now successfully programmed your 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse key fob. Remove the wire or paper clip from the OBDII port and take the key out of the ignition. You can now test your newly programmed key fob.
Important Notes and Tips
- Multiple Remotes: You can program up to four remotes for your 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse. To program additional remotes, repeat Step 6 within one minute of programming the first remote. After each successful remote programming, the doors will lock and unlock once to confirm.
- Remote Compatibility: While this procedure should work for most 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse models, ensure you are using a compatible key fob. There are different types of remotes for Mitsubishi vehicles. If you are unsure, check the back of your original remote for a part number or consult your owner’s manual.
- Speed is Key: Ensure you move quickly from step to step, especially after connecting the pins in the OBDII port. The system has a time-sensitive programming window.
- Confirmation: The door lock/unlock sequence is crucial confirmation that each step is completed correctly. Pay attention to these signals throughout the process.
By following these steps, you can easily program your 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse key fob yourself, restoring the convenience of keyless entry without the expense of a dealership visit. Enjoy the ease of use of your newly programmed remote!
