Intermittent No-Start and Oil in the PCM: 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse

October 12, 2026

This 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse had an intermittent starting problem, with fault codes appearing and disappearing.

A failed VVT sensor was identified as the source of oil entering the wiring and reaching the PCM. The shop photos show oil inside the PCM casing, on the circuit board and at the connector pins.

Assessing the repair options

For this particular car, AMR could not find a provider who could reliably guarantee programming a used PCM. A rebuilt PCM was too expensive for the vehicle, and it was ultimately scrapped.

Photos from the shop

Oil visible inside the opened PCM casing from a 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse — Oil inside the PCM casing.

Close view of the Eclipse PCM connector pins and oil inside the casing — The connector-pin area during the inspection.

Opened Mitsubishi Eclipse PCM showing the circuit board above its black casing — The circuit board with the PCM opened.

Close view of the Eclipse PCM circuit-board edge and black casing — A second view of the board and casing.

Exterior of the Mitsubishi Eclipse PCM with its identification label — The PCM exterior and identification label.

Request vehicle diagnostics

If your vehicle sometimes will not start or has an intermittent electrical concern, call AMR Automotive at 403-243-2483 or request a diagnostic appointment in southeast Calgary. Tell us when the problem occurs and which symptoms you have noticed.