Tech Talk (TT220)

GROUP 13 - Fuel

√ DTC P0463 RECORDED IN PCM, FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT REGISTER - 2007-16 Outlander, 2011-16 Outlander Sport/RVR. 

Reports from the field indicate DTC P0463 - Fuel Level Sensor Circuit High Input - may be set when the level of fuel in the tank is extremely low (no bars showing on the MID fuel gauge). Typically, this condition has been reported at PDI. If fuel is added and the DTC status changes from active to stored, erase the DTC. If DTC P0463 can be cleared after fuel is added to the vehicle, the low fuel condition was the likely cause of DTC P0463 being set. Further diagnosis is not required.

√ DTCs P0420 & P0421 DUE TO HIGH SULFUR CONTENT GASOLINE - 2013-15 Outlander Sport/RVR. 

The following paragraph comes directly from the Owner's Manual and addresses Poor Quality / High Sulfur Gasoline:

"Gasoline sold in parts of the country other than California is allowed to have a higher sulfur content. Using such gasoline could adversely affect the vehicle's catalytic converter and cause the engine malfunction indicator ("SERVICE ENGINE SOON" or "Check engine" light) to come on. Illumination of this indicator while using high-sulfur gasoline does not necessarily mean the vehicle's emission-control system is malfunctioning. Your authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer may suggest you try using a different, lower-sulfur brand of unleaded gasoline to determine whether the problem is fuel-related." 

During the colder months, especially when reformulated gasoline is used, dealers report DTCs P0420, P0421, and P0137 for catalytic converter and O2 sensor concerns. In many cases, testing of returned parts has revealed no trouble with the function of these parts. If a customer reports the MIL illuminated due to the subject DTCs for catalytic converter or O2 sensor operation, has no driveability issues and no faults can be found with standard diagnosis, please ask the customer where their fuel is being purchased. After recording the DTCs, Mode $06 and FFD, clear the DTCs and suggest that a Top Tier gasoline be used for several tanks if they have not regularly used Top Tier gasoline. If these DTCs are eliminated after switching to a Top Tier gasoline then previous gasoline with a high sulfur content was likely the cause.

Do not replace any related parts until the customer has used Top Tier gasoline for at least 3 tank refills. Top Tier Detergent Gasoline helps drivers avoid lower quality gasoline which can leave deposits on critical engine parts, affect in-use emissions, and reduce engine performance. 

Visit www.toptiergas.com/retailers/for the current listing of Top Tier gasoline retailers.

GROUP 13 - Fuel and GROUP 17 - Engine and Emission Control

√ DTC P0442: EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM LEAK DETECTED (SMALL LEAK) - 2013-15 Outlander Sport/RVR. 

The vent solenoid bracket attached to the evaporative canister may be susceptible to bending and cause DTC P0442 to be stored in the ECM. During DTC P0442 troubleshooting, a visual inspection of the vent solenoid bracket may assist in proper diagnosis.

Also, inspect the hose clamps around the evaporative canister and ensure they are positioned correctly. If either of these conditions are present, repositioning the part(s) may correct the issue. You can force the monitor to run with MUT-III to determine if the repair was effective.

GROUP 15 - Intake and Exhaust

√ BUZZ, SQUEAK, OR RATTLE (BSR): FRONT EXHAUST PIPE HEAT SHIELD ADJUSTMENTS - 2011-2015 Outlander Sport/RVR. 

When diagnosing a buzzing noise from under the vehicle, the source could be either of the following locations:

If the noise occurs around 2500 rpm, while driving or in Park, inspect the exhaust gasket between the front pipe and catalytic converter. It's possible that a front pipe heat shield is contacting the exhaust gasket tabs. The noise can typically be recreated with the vehicle in Park for easy confirmation. To resolve this condition, increase the clearance between the heat shield and the tabs using a long screwdriver or appropriate pry bar. Retest to confirm the repair.

Also verify that the heat shields shown in the photo below are not touching. If the heat shields are touching, use a screwdriver or appropriate device to pry them apart so there is approximately 4 mm clearance. Do NOT replace the center exhaust pipe with catalytic converter until all other potential causes of BSR have been eliminated.

√ EXHAUST HEAT SHIELD SERVICE PARTS AVAILABILITY - 2013 and newer Outlander Sport/RVR. 

Several of the exhaust pipe heat shield components are now available as service parts. When repairing a vehicle for a noise due to a loose heat shield, do NOT replace the center exhaust pipe with catalytic convertor if the heat shield can be serviced separately. Consult CAPS for further details.

GROUP 23 - Automatic Transmission

√ CVT WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF P (PARK) POSITION - 2013-2015 Outlander Sport/RVR. 

If the customer cannot shift the vehicle out of the Park position, even intermittently, refer to GROUP 52A , Floor Console Assembly, and perform the following procedure before replacing the shifter.

Remove the RH console side panel. While watching the movement of the shift lock solenoid, have someone apply the brake pedal with the ignition ON to determine if the solenoid retracts. If the solenoid does not retract, it may be due to foreign material, identified as a sugary drink (e.g., Cola) residue built up in the solenoid plunger bore and on the solenoid plunger. This prevents the solenoid from retracting and the shifter cannot be moved from Park.

Remove the solenoid for cleaning as follows:

• Remove the solenoid from the shifter assembly by GENTLY releasing TAB 1.
• Carefully wedge a small screwdriver into the channel of TAB 2 to release the lower locking tab.
• Remove the solenoid by pulling it straight out.
• Unplug the electrical connector.
• Remove the spring and plunger and clean them with soap and water.
• Dampen a wet paper towel or lint-free rag with water and insert it into the bore of the solenoid to clean it.
• Reattach the electrical connector and re-install the solenoid to the shifter in reverse order of removal.
• Confirm solenoid and shifter operation and reinstall the console side panel.

Repairs as a result of this type of contamination cannot be claimed under warranty.

GROUP 31 - Wheel and Tire

PHOTO REQUIRED CONDITION (PRC) FOR TPMS SENSOR REPLACEMENT - 2014-15 Mirage. 

If you replace a TPMS sensor on any 2014 - 2015 Mirage you are required to submit a photo to the PRC. The photo needs to show whether or not the TPMS sensor (body) was attached to the wheel (valve stem) when the tire was dismounted. In addition to posting the photo, please report the failure DTC(s) on the PRC report, and add a comment describing whether or not the tire had ever been dismounted prior to this service (e.g., YES - The tire was dismounted prior to this service, or NO - the tire was never dismounted prior to this service). If it is not apparent that the tire was previously dismounted, the customer should be able to provide that information. MMNA will issue a Warranty Parts Return Request for all replaced (Mirage) TPMS sensors (which includes the valve stem and bulb in addition to the sensor body). Once returned, the TPMS sensors will be combined with their respective PRC photos and forwarded to the supplier for analysis. Please continue posting the TPMS sensor photos to the PRC until a cancellation notice is published by MMNA headquarters. Upload PRC photos into the category titled "TPMS Sensors in Wheel Photos."

GROUP 35C - ACTIVE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM

√ STEERING WHEEL SENSOR (SAS) DTC C1219 & CALIBRATION - 2013-15 Outlander Sport/RVR. 

If an Outlander Sport/RVR exhibits an illuminated ASC Warning Symbol with DTC C1219 (Abnormality in Steering Wheel Sensor Signal), test drive the vehicle to determine if the steering wheel is straight when driving on a straight flat road. If the steering wheel appears off center, perform an alignment. If alignment is not necessary or an alignment is performed, recalibrate steering angle sensor according to the procedure in the Service Manual, Group 35, Steering Wheel Sensor Calibration. After recalibration, test drive the vehicle again to confirm the DTC does not return. If the DTC returns, follow the procedure in the Service Manual.

Many warranty return parts have been evaluated by the supplier with no problems identified with the returned sensors.

GROUP 37 - STEERING

STEERING WHEEL OFF CENTER - 2014-17 Mirage. 

MMNA has received reports of steering wheel being off center when going straight on a flat road. There have also been reports of directional drift (when on a flat road). Dealers can help us investigate these concerns by providing actual measurement data. Actual measurement data can be provided in the form of a Drive Recording made on MUT-III. The MUT-III drive recorder should be set to record the following variables:

1. Steering angle (Item 11)
2. Vehicle speed (Item 2)

With MUT-III set to capture these items the technician, when going straight on a flat road, merely starts the recording (by hitting the manual trigger button) and stops the recording a few seconds later (by hitting the manual trigger button). The zero seconds time frame on the drive recording will show the amount of steering wheel offset (degrees) and the vehicle speed (when the problem is noticed). Once captured, the Drive Recording data should be faxed along with the completed Steering Wheel Offset Questionnaire that is posted on MDL.

The questionnaire can be found on MDL under service -> service tech resources -> Service Related Items -> Worksheets, Questionnaires, Job Aids  .

Since most Steering Wheel Off Center and Directional Drift complaints are corrected by performing a wheel alignment, it is crucial the before and after wheel alignment measurement data also be faxed to MMNA Techline.

GROUP 52A - Interior

√ SEAT CUSHION COVER LOOSE, RETAINING CLIPS DETACHED - 2013-15 Outlander Sport/RVR. 

If a customer reports the seat cushion cover (seat bottom) is loose, check under the seat to see if the cover retaining strips are detached. Over time, the white plastic "J hooks" can lose their shape and become detached, causing the cover to loosen. If you find that a loose seat cushion cover is caused by detached cover retaining clips, discuss the possibility of repair with a local upholstery shop to determine if the cover can be securely reattached using "hog rings" or some other suitable retention method.

Do NOT replace the cover unless it cannot be successfully reattached by an upholstery shop.

A-PILLAR TRIM LOOSE - 2016 Lancer. 

If a vehicle exhibits loose trim at the top of the right or left A-pillar, dealers are asked to take clear photos of the condition, then submit a Product Quality Report (PQR) in MDL, attaching the photos to the report. This should be done prior to any A-pillar trim removal.

When replacing the A-pillar, be aware that there are 2 different clip types used, specific to location. The black clip with the tether is positioned at the top of the trim, as shown below.

Inspect for any damage to the clip ends. Note in the PQR which portions of the clips have come loose. Replace the clips as necessary using Service Manual procedures.

GROUP 52B - Supplemental Restraint System

DTC B223D OR B1558 FOUND IN SRS-ECU MEMORY - 2012-17 i-MiEV, 2008-16 Lancer, 2009-16 Lancer Sportback, 2008-15 Lancer Evolution, 2014-17 Mirage, 2017 Mirage G4, 2007-16 Outlander, 2011-16 Outlander Sport/RVR. 

The subject DTCs are set when the Occupant Classification Module (OCM) communicates a fault to the SRS-ECU. If you find either B223D or B1558 in SRS-ECU memory, the Service Manual will tell you to check for OCM DTCs.

As the code that identifies what you diagnosed and repaired, record the OCM DTC in the "DTC" field on the "Labor" page when submitting a warranty claim. Knowing the root cause of a fault, identified in this case by the OCM DTC, helps MMNA and MMC with their investigations, which helps them quickly develop countermeasures when needed.

√ DRIVER'S SEAT SLIDE SENSOR WIRING HARNESS DAMAGE UNDER DRIVER'S SEAT WITH DTC B1556 - 2013-15 Outlander Sport/RVR. 

As published in TIN-15-52B-001, MMNA has identified warranty claims for SRS DTCs B1558 (Occupant Classification-ECU DTC Present) and B1556 (Driver's Seat Slide Sensor Malfunction [Occupant Classification-ECU]) with OCM DTC B1B8D (Driver's Seat Slide Sensor Open Circuit). Additional OCM DTCs that may also be present are: B1B8C (Driver's Seat Slide Sensor Circuit Performance) and B1B8E (Driver's Seat Slide Sensor Short Circuit).

During diagnosis, technicians should check for damage to the driver's seat slide position sensor harness in the location shown below.

If a damaged harness is found, DO NOT replace the front seat adjustor or SRS ECU for this condition. The harness is now shown in CAPS and is available as P/N 6979A429.

Additionally, wiring for the seat belt buckle switch, heated seat, and power seat motor (if equipped) are found in the same under-seat location as the harness for the driver's seat slide sensor. MMNA has identified claims for inoperative function or DTCs for the seat belt buckle switch (SRS DTC B1527 [Open], or B1528 [Short]), heated seat, and power seat motor that could also be related to wiring concerns under the driver's seat area. These components are not serviced with the front seat adjustor and are available separately as identified in CAPS. Please inspect these harnesses if inoperative functions or DTCs exist for the driver's seat belt buckle switch, heated seat, and/or power seat.

GROUP 54 - Chassis Electrical

√ INCORRECT INDICATION THAT KEY IS IN IGNITION (REVISED) - 2013-15 Outlander Sport/RVR. 

If the vehicle incorrectly indicates "KEY IN IGNITION" or chimes after the ignition key has been removed, one of 2 components may be the cause. The Lock Cylinder & Key Set (P/N6369A052) or Engine Starting Switch-Attaching Switch (P/N 4408A155) may not be functioning correctly. The key cylinder plunger may not return to the proper position when the key is removed or the key indicator switch may have an electrical malfunction. In some cases these may be intermittent conditions. Test the function of this system by removing and inserting the key several times to recreate the customer complaint. This is necessary to help determine if the first of the 2 functional checks is the root cause of the concern.

In order to investigate the Lock Cylinder & Key Set or Engine Starting Switch-Attaching Switch, follow the steps below:

Step 1.  Remove the steering wheel, separate the upper and lower column covers, and remove the steering column switches. Refer to SECTION 37 , Steering Column Shaft Assembly, and SECTION 52 , Driver's Air Bag Module and Clock Spring, for proper disassembly.

Step 2.  Remove the key cylinder lock from the housing and inspect the key cylinder plunger. Remove and insert the key into the cylinder several times to determine if the key indicator plunger properly retracts into the cylinder housing when the key is removed. Lightly lubricate the plunger and retest. If foreign material is present on the plunger, also apply lubricant into the key opening to loosen any foreign material inside the cylinder.

• If the plunger does not operate freely, replace the key cylinder. The repair is complete.
• If the plunger functions properly, reinstall the Lock Cylinder & Key Set into the housing. Go to step 3.

Step 3.  Reconfirm if the key indicator is working correctly by inserting/removing the key several times.

If the malfunction continues, replace the Engine Starting Switch-Attaching Switch (P/N 4408A155). Remove 3 screws (marked with circles below; 1 for the antenna and 2 on the micro-switch), detach the switch, replace, and reassemble. Check for proper function.

2017 MIRAGE DAS (DISPLAY AUDIO SYSTEM W/SMART PHONE LINK): ANDROID AUTO USB CONNECTION NOT RECOGNIZED - 2017 Mirage & Mirage G4. 

Some customers may find that after connecting their Android phone to the Display Audio System with Smart Phone Link (DAS), the connection is not being recognized. Follow the steps below with the customer to resolve the connection.

1. Select the "Home" hard button on DAS.
2. Connect the USB cable to the smart phone micro USB and the DAS USB port.
3. If auto connection to DAS is established, the DAS will show connected. If connection is verified, continue to step  8 below.
   NOTE: Some phones may take a few seconds longer to auto connect.
4. If auto connection to DAS is NOT established, the DAS will show not connected. Continue to step 5.
5. Swipe from top of phone screen to bottom to invoke the "Settings" menu options (PHONE).
6. Select "Connect USB" (PHONE).
7. Select "Media Transfer" (PHONE).
   NOTE: Some phones may display a different heading such as "Transferring Images."
8. The phone might ask you to download Android Auto or other apps (e.g., Google Maps) Select Yes if you accept the conditions (Phone/DAS).

   Review the Terms & Conditions on your phone (only required first time app is used). There may be additional messages asking the user to "accept" various features necessary for Android Auto.

9. Once the Android Auto icon is lit up, select Screen button (DAS), then read and accept the "Drive Safely" warning.
10. If Android Auto does NOT start after download is complete, disconnect the micro USB cable from phone and reconnect.
    NOTE: Steps  5 and  9 must be done every time the phone is connected via USB on Android phones with software 6.0 and above.
11. Confirm the DAS shows connected.

2017 MIRAGE DAS (DISPLAY AUDIO SYSTEM W/SMART PHONE LINK) REAR VIEW CAMERA INOPERATIVE - 2017 Mirage & Mirage G4. 

Customers may complain that the rear view camera image is not displayed on DAS when vehicle shift selector is placed into reverse. One possible cause may be the bullet connector (blue wire with white stripe - reverse signal) on the DAS wire harness is disengaged. Reconnect bullet, and check that the bullet connectors are properly secured prior to reassembly.

√ DOOR SPEAKER REPLACEMENTS - All Models. 

Technicians are reminded that a completed Door Speaker check sheet is required whenever a speaker is replaced. See TSB 15-54-004 for additional information and a copy of the check sheet.

REPLACEMENT ODOMETER CANNOT BE RESET ON SOME NEWER MODELS - 2014 and later Mirage, Outlander, Outlander Sport/RVR. 

When replacing the odometer/speedometer cluster in certain newer models, the replacement odometer cannot be reset to reflect the actual mileage. As detailed in the Warranty Policy and Procedures Manual on MDL, dealers should contact Specmo Enterprises BEFORE sending the unit for odometer calibration. If Specmo advises the unit cannot be reset, technicians must fill in an odometer replacement label with the last odometer mileage reading (from the previous odometer) and dealer number.

For more information, refer to the Warranty Policy and Procedures Manual, Appendix A, which can be found on MDL, service -> warranty central -> 16. Warranty Policy and Procedures Manual -> Appendix A, Authorized Service Centers. 

If an odometer replacement label is not supplied in the box with the replacement odometer, replacement labels can also be found on MDL, and printed out on Avery label sheets #5163.

The Odometer Replacement Notice labels can be found on MDL, under service -> warranty central -> 15. Warranty Forms. In the Warranty Forms Menu, click on number 25) Odometer Replacement Notice Labels. 

QUICK CHARGE DTCs P101B AND P101C - 2014-17 i-MiEV. 

On certain brands of FAST / DC / QUICK (level 3) chargers, DTCS may occur if the electric motor key (aka ignition key) is turned to the ON position while the vehicle is being charged. When either of the following DTCs set, the RBS warning light, the Yellow car warning light, and the Turtle light will illuminate.

• DTC P101B: Quick CHG Contactor P Weld
• DTC P101C: Quick CHG Contactor N Weld

The vehicle will also go into a reduced power mode which limits vehicle speed to 34 miles per hour. Erasure of the DTC will return the vehicle to normal operating conditions.

Dealers should advise i-MiEV drivers to avoid cycling the electric motor key while the vehicle is being Fast Charged. Refer to section 3 of the Owner's Manual for additional Quick Charging information.

GROUP 54 - Chassis Electrical and GROUP 55 - Heater, Air Conditioning and Ventilation

√ INTERCHANGEABLE CONNECTORS BEHIND CENTER INSTRUMENT PANEL - 2013-15 Outlander Sport/RVR. 

There are three 16-pin connectors behind the center instrument panel that are interchangeable. Improper connection may disrupt operation of the HVAC system, hands-free module / microphone and hazard switch. Warnings such as passenger air bag 'OFF' light (SRS DTC B1489), security light circuit, and seat belt warning light may also appear.

Reference the following information to confirm proper connection of the three interchangeable connectors.

C-136 16-pin:  Tan connector, part of navigation harness. Plugs into the back of the navigation unit for hands-free module / microphone operation.

C-232 16-pin:  Tan connector, harness has foam shield and runs to the right side of instrument panel. Plugs into HVAC controller.

C-205 16-pin:  Grey connector, harness has black shield and runs to the left side of instrument panel. Plugs into audio surround panel for hazard switch, air bag warning light and security light operation.

GROUP 55 - Heater, Air Conditioning and Ventilation

WATER ON FRONT PASSENGER FLOOR - 2014-17 Mirage. 

If you encounter a vehicle with water on the front passenger floor, check to see if the A/C evaporator drain hose is disconnected at the heater box. If the A/C evaporator drain hose is found to be detached, please replace the hose with a new one (P/N 7810A172), instead of reattaching it. MMNA would like to collect a minimum of 10 samples for analysis purposes. A blanket Warranty Parts Return Request will be issued for the replaced part. Please continue to replace the A/C evaporator drain hoses until a cancellation notice is published in a future issue of TechTalk.

HEATER CORE REPLACEMENT - 2014-15 Mirage. 

If a heater core is replaced on any 2014 - 2015 Mirage (for coolant leaks or insufficient warm air due to blockage) technicians are asked to complete the Heater Core Questionnaire that is posted on the MDL. The questionnaire can be found on the MDL under service -> service tech resources -> Service Related Items -> Worksheets, Questionnaires, Job Aids.  Some of the questions are aimed at the vehicle owner so a good time to question them would be when they return to pick-up the repaired vehicle.