Parts for your 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse cross-Drive belt

2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross drive-belt — purpose, care and when to replace

Yes, the 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross uses an accessory drive-belt (multi‑rib “serpentine” belt). Mitsubishi’s Eclipse Cross Workshop/Service Manual for the GK-series (4B40 1.5L turbo petrol) includes a dedicated Drive Belt section showing the belt routing across the generator (alternator) and A/C compressor, with an automatic tensioner and idler. The Mitsubishi ASA parts catalogue for GK models also lists a multi‑vee accessory belt for this engine. The vehicle uses electric power steering, so there’s no power steering pump on the belt, and the engine’s timing is by chain, separate from this external accessory belt.

On the 2017 Eclipse Cross, the drive-belt’s job is to keep the alternator charging and the air‑con blowing cold. Without the right belt tension and grip, the battery can discharge, the A/C can fade, and the dash may light up with charging warnings. The 4B40 engine uses an automatic tensioner to keep the belt loaded just right, so the system is largely self‑adjusting—until the belt or tensioner wears.

Good servicing means giving the belt a look at every routine visit (think 12 months/15,000 kilometres typical in AU/NZ). Replace on condition: if there are cracks between ribs, fraying, glazing, missing chunks, contamination with oil/coolant, or if there’s a squeal on cold start or a chirp when accessories load up. Many workshops see first replacement somewhere around 80,000–120,000 kilometres, but climate, city stop‑start and accessory load can shift that. When the belt is due, it’s smart to assess the automatic tensioner and idler pulley at the same time—if they’re noisy, rough or weak, replacing them together helps avoid a repeat visit.

• Common symptoms of a tired drive-belt: squealing after start‑up, flickering battery lamp, poor A/C performance at idle, or visible rib damage.
• Handy tips: use an OEM‑quality 6PK belt, follow the under‑bonnet routing diagram or workshop manual, and rotate the tensioner with the correct tool to avoid damage.

Just remember, the drive-belt isn’t the timing chain. The timing chain lives inside the engine and keeps the cams in sync, the external drive-belt spins the alternator and A/C. Both matter, but they’re different jobs entirely. For accuracy on intervals and specs, refer to the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Service Manual and the owner’s maintenance schedule, and match the belt to the exact variant via VIN or registration.

• Does the 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross have a drive-belt and what does it run?
  Yes. The accessory drive-belt runs the alternator and the A/C compressor on the 1.5L turbo petrol (4B40). There’s an automatic tensioner keeping it tight. Power steering is electric, so no belt for that.
• When should the drive-belt be replaced?
  Inspect at every service and replace on condition—cracks, fraying, glazing, noise or contamination. Many owners end up replacing around 80,000–120,000 km, but local conditions and use make a difference. Check the belt, tensioner and idler together.
• Is the Eclipse Cross timing a belt or a chain?
  The popular 2017 1.5L turbo petrol uses a timing chain. That’s separate from the external accessory drive-belt that runs the alternator and A/C.