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ECM Reprogramming For No Start Or Hard To Start (TSB-08-13-004)

WARNING: This page is about the Lancer DE, Automatic CVT, which is a different variant/trim than selected.
Publication date: 2008-04-01
Reference number: TSB-08-13-004

ECM REPROGRAMMING FOR NO START OR HARD TO START

ECM REPROGRAMMING FOR NO START OR HARD TO START

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): TSB-08-13-004, Date of Issue:  April 01, 2008
MITSUBISHI: 2008-09 Lancer

PURPOSE

Customers of some affected vehicles may complain that the engine cranks for a long time but does not start. Some customers may state that the vehicle will start if they then depress the accelerator pedal slightly while cranking. The condition is due to an incorrect parameter in the ECM that closes the Electronic Throttle Valve (ETV) during startup and doesn't allow sufficient air flow

This TSB advises technicians to reprogram the ECM with new software to correct the parameters controlling the ETV.

AFFECTED VEHICLE(S)

2008 Lancer

2009 Lancer as per the following chart:

AFFECTED VEHICLE(S)

Specification Affected Production
2009 Lancer CA 4B11 5M/T Built before 02/26/2008 and before VIN JA3AU26U39U007009
2009 Lancer CA 4B11 CVT Built before 02/22/2008 and before VIN JA3AU16U49U006526

REQUIRED OPERATIONS

OVERVIEW

This procedure covers the following operations:

  1. Reprogram the ECM with new software parameters.
  2. Check for ALL DTCs. If DTCs are recorded in memory, diagnose and repair per the service manual.

    The following equipment is needed to reprogram the PCM. 

    • VCI (Vehicle Communication Interface) - MB991824
    • MEDIC-II Laptop computer with A/C power adaptor- 520924, 528535, or 547708
    • MUT-III main harness 'A' (blue connector at the DLC end) - MB991910
    • USB 2.0 cable - MB991827
    • "Engine Compartment/Control Module" labels - p/n MSSF-024G-00
    • MEDIC-II Download at M207 or higher.
    NOTE: The software for this reflash is the same as the software for TSB-08-13-005 which modifies the software to change the rate that engine speed returns to idle. THE ECM WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO REPROGRAM WITH THE SAME "NEW S/W PART #" A SECOND TIME. If there is a reprogramming label on the underside of the hood and the ROM ID on the label matches the New Software No. listed in the chart at the end of this TSB, then the vehicle's software is to the latest specification and no reflash need be performed.

PRELIMINARY STEPS

  1. Check the underside of the hood to verify that there is no label previously installed to indicate that this reprogramming has already been done.

    For MEDIC II users only: (MUT III/STV users go to step  5)

  2. Verify that the MEDIC-II is at version 4.5A and at download M207 or higher.

    If your MEDIC-II Down-load is below M207  , update your MEDIC-II as follows.

    Fig 1: MEDIC-II Screen Display - Version And Download Numbers
    G05607840Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
  3. On the MEDIC-II main screen, click on "Maintenance".
    Fig 2: MEDIC-II Screen Display - Maintenance
    G05607841Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
  4. Click on "Download". After the download completes, click on "Cancel" to exit the "Maintenance" window.

    GO TO THE REPROGRAMMING PROCEDURE. 

    Fig 3: MEDIC-II Screen Display - Download
    G05607842Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
  5. Scan Tool Viewer (STV) ONLY (MEDIC-II USERS go to the Programming Procedure).  Verify that your MUT-III has the most current version of the reprogramming database:
    1. Select "Special Function", then select "ECU Reprogramming."
    2. Select "Database File Display." The database version is displayed in the top right corner of the screen. Make sure the database version is N08030 or greater. 
    3. If the database version is N08030 or greater,  reprogram the PCM as described in the Programming Procedure. 
    4. If the database version is less than N08030,  you must transfer the new reprogramming data from the Reflash Update CD 03/08  to the MUT-III hard drive as follows:
      1. Install Reflash Update CD 03/08  into the PC's DVD-- ROM drive.
      2. Follow the instructions on the screen. The system will automatically transfer the reprogramming data onto the PC's hard drive.
      3. Continue to the Reprogramming Procedure.
        Fig 4: MEDIC-II Screen Display - Menu
        G05607843Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.

REPROGRAMMING PROCEDURE

CAUTION: BATTERY VOLTAGE (AS MEASURED AT THE BATTERY POSTS WITHOUT ELECTRICAL LOAD) MUST BE KEPT AT 12.4V OR HIGHER IN ORDER TO REPROGRAM THE PCM. MEASURE THE BATTERY VOLTAGE AND CHARGE AS NECESSARY. A BATTERY CHARGER SHOULD BE CONNECTED TO THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY DURING THE REPROGRAMMING PROCEDURE. DO NOT ALLOW THE BATTERY CHARGER TO TIME OUT.
NOTE: VCI Stand-alone reprogramming is not available for this procedure. The MUT-III laptop and the VCI must remain connected for the entire procedure.

Connect the equipment as follows: 

If the procedure is to be conducted with the laptop running on battery power only, insure that the battery icon at the lower RH corner of the screen shows that the battery is at least 1/2 charged.

NOTE: If the USB cable is disconnected during this procedure, a warning message will display. Close the message display by clicking on the OK button and check USB connections.
Fig 5: Connecting MUT-III Main Harness With Blue DLC Connection To VCI
G05607844Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
CAUTION: DO NOT DISTURB THE HARNESS CABLES OR CONNECTIONS. INTERRUPTION DURING THE REPROGRAMMING PROCESS COULD CAUSE THE CONTROL UNIT TO LOSE DATA OR PREVENT FUTURE REPROGRAMMING.

ECM Reprogramming

  1. Conduct the following steps to reprogram the ECM.
    1. Turn the ignition key or knob (F.A.S.T. equipped) to the ON position. If the vehicle is equipped with the F.A.S.T. System, the fob must remain in the vehicle for the entire procedure.
    2. Select "Special Function."
      Fig 6: MEDIC-II Screen Display - Special Function
      G05607845Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
    3. Select "ECU reprogramming."
      Fig 7: MEDIC-II Screen Display - ECU Reprogramming
      G05607846Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
    4. Select "Automatic Reprogramming (CAN)."
      Fig 8: MEDIC-II Screen Display - Automatic Reprogramming (CAN)
      G05607847Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
    5. Click on the car icon at the bottom of the page.
      Fig 9: MEDIC-II Screen Display - Car Icon
      G05607848Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
    6. Click on the Eraser Icon at the bottom of the page. Select VIN by clicking on the VIN button.
      Fig 10: MEDIC-II Screen Display - VIN Button
      G05607849Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
    7. Click on the icon in the lower RH corner of the screen to have the MUT-III automatically read the VIN. If a message appears saying that the VIN cannot be input automatically, manually type the 17 digit VIN into the VIN field.

      Make sure the VIN is correct and click on the check mark.

      Fig 11: MEDIC-II Screen Display - VIN
      G05607850Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
    8. If it was not completed automatically, input the vehicle class. Click on the CLASS button, select the appropriate class from the menu and then click the check mark at the bottom of the page. Vehicle class can be found on the Vehicle Information Code Plate riveted to the base of the RH b-pillar (see photo below). The class is part of the model code.

      Click the check mark to enter the class. Confirm that all of the data is correctly entered and click the check mark at the bottom of the page.

      Fig 12: MEDIC-II Screen Display - CLASS Button
      G05607851Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
      Fig 13: MEDIC-II Screen Display - CLASS & Locating Model Code Plate
      G05607852Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
    9. MFI should already be highlighted. If not, click on it to highlight it.

      Click on the check mark at the bottom of the page.

      Fig 14: MEDIC-II Screen Display
      G05607853Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
    10. A message will advise you that the system will "Automatic search the data."

      Click on the check mark to continue.

      Fig 15: MEDIC-II Screen Display - Automatic Search Data
      G05607854Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
      NOTE: If this screen does not  appear, continue with step k.

      If the ECM is already reprogrammed for this concern, this screen will display. If this message displays, do not continue with this reprogramming procedure.

      Click the check mark to clear the window, then click on the Home icon at the lower left corner of the screen to return to the System Select main page.

      Fig 16: MEDIC-II Screen Display - Complete Reprogramming
      G05607855Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
    11. The CAN database screen will display.

      Confirm the database number at the top right of the table is N08030  or higher.

      If more than one row is displayed in the table, select the appropriate ECM part number.

      Click on the check mark to continue.

      Fig 17: MEDIC-II Screen Display - CAN Database Screen
      G05607856Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
    12. Click on the check mark to begin reprogramming.
      NOTE: It will take up to 5 minutes to complete the reprogramming process.
      Fig 18: MEDIC-II Screen Display - Reprogramming
      G05607857Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
      CAUTION: The Daytime Running Lights and both the engine and condenser fans will automatically be turned on during reprogramming. Care should be taken to insure nothing gets caught in the moving fan blades. The radio will be turned off and you will also hear a chime in the interior for a short period of time. These are normal conditions.
    13. This message will display when the ECM reprogramming is successfully completed. Record the S/W (Software) Part No. and compare it to the "New S/W Part No." from the table in attachment 1 at the end of this TSB.

      Click the check mark and you will be returned to the "ECU Reprogramming" page.

      Fig 19: MEDIC-II Screen Display - Completed
      G05607858Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
  2. Turn the ignition key/knob to the OFF position for 10 seconds, the turn it back on and continue with Erase and Read All DTCs on the next page.

Erase and Read ALL DTCs

  1. Using the MUT III, check and erase ALL DTCs from all systems as follows.
    1. Select "Special Function."
      Fig 20: MEDIC-II Screen Display - Special Function
      G05607859Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
    2. Select "All DTCS."

      When the screen changes, select ERASE AND READ ALL DTCS.

      Fig 21: MEDIC-II Screen Display - All DTCs
      G05607860Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
    3. Inspect the list on the left side of the screen and ensure that the selections checked match the options on the vehicle. DTCs may be set if the the options are incorrectly entered.

      At this time, the check mark at the bottom of the page is not highlighted (active).

      Fig 22: MEDIC-II Screen Display - Check Mark
      G05607861Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
    4. Scroll to and click on FAST/IMMOB/KEYLESS and check the correct option code (VF#) from the Loading Options Setup list. Compare the selections with the vehicle's equipment to select the correct options. This will activate the check mark at the bottom of the page.

      Click the check mark for DTC reading and erasing to begin.

      Fig 23: MEDIC-II Screen Display - Check Correct Option Code
      G05607862Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
    5. Click the check mark in the "ALL DTCs" window to continue.
      Fig 24: MEDIC-II Screen Display - All DTCs
      G05607863Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
  2. After the ALL DTCs procedure is completed, if DTCs remain diagnose and repair the condition as per the Service Manual. If no DTCs are listed, click the check mark to clear the window and then click the Home icon in the lower left of the screen to return to the main menu.
  3. Using a ball-point pen, enter the appropriate Engine Control Module (ECM) part number, vendor number, ROM ID# (new S/W Part #), this technical service bulletin number (TSB-08-13-004  ), your dealer code, and the current date on the Engine Compartment / Control Module Label (p/n MSSF-024G-00). The label is available from your facing PDC.
    Fig 25: Identifying Control Module Label (Sample)
    G05607864Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
  4. Carefully remove all dirt and oil from a vacant area near the VECI label on the underside of the hood, and affix the Engine Compartment Label (LH side, above) to that area.

PARTS INFORMATION

Use the Genuine Mitsubishi Parts listed below.

PARTS INFORMATION

Description Model Part Number
Label, Engine Compartment All MSSF-024G-00

WARRANTY INFORMATION

This bulletin is supplied as technical information only and is not an authorization to repair. Repairs should be made on a complaint only basis. If an affected vehicle is observed with the described condition, diagnose the condition, repair as described in this bulletin and submit a normal warranty claim using the following information.

NOTE: This reflash software is the same as that used in TSB-08-13-005 to change the rate that engine speed returns to idle. The ECM will not allow you to reflash the same software more than once. Therefore, you may only claim for one reflash.

ECM Reflash for Hard to Start 

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Nature Code:  02A Cause Code:  605  
Labor Operation No:  13850191 PCM Reprogramming Time Allowance:  0.3 hr.
Warranty Coverage:  Emissions Coverage. See Warranty Superscreen.    
Special Warranty Information:  Normal warranty procedures apply.    

Attachment 1 

ECM Reprogrmming Chart 

ECM REPROGRAMMING CHART

MODEL Current Part # Data # DISPLAY ON MUT-III SCREEN AFTER REPROGRAMMING Vendor #
New Part # New S/W Part #
2008 Lancer CAL 4B11 D4 MT 1860A752 1862A858 1860A752 1860A75203 E6T49585HL1
2008 Lancer CAL 4B11 D4 CVT 1860A753 1862A859 1860A753 1860A75304 E6T49586HL2
2008 Lancer FED 4B11 D4 MT 1860A842 1862A860 1860A842 1860A84203 E6T71571HL1
2008 Lancer FED 4B11 D4 CVT 1860A843 1862A861 1860A843 1860A84304 E6T71572HL2
2009 Lancer CAL 4B11 D4 MT 1860B055 1862A862 1860B055 1860B05501 E6T72677H1
2009 Lancer CAL 4B11 D4 CVT 1860B056 1862A863 1860B056 1860B05601 E6T72678H1