Tech Talk (TT201)

GROUP 00 - General

√ VEHICLE RECEIVING INSPECTION - ROAD SALT CONTAMINATION  - All models  . Winter weather brings challenges to the new vehicle receiving and inspection process. Snow and ice can coat vehicles, making inspection difficult. Road salt can also coat vehicle surfaces and hide dents, paint chips and other damages. A thorough inspection should be completed. Road salt that is deposited on vehicle surfaces during transportation must be removed immediately, especially from the underhood and under body areas. Immediately rinsing the affected areas with clear water helps flush salt from the surface, reducing the possibility of severe corrosion. It also allows proper vehicle inspection and reporting of any transportation damage hidden by the salt coating. Any hidden damage must be found, and the delivering carrier notified, within 48 hours of vehicle receipt in order to protect your ability to file a transportation claim.

If the salt coating is not removed immediately, significant surface corrosion may develop on unpainted underhood and under body components. These surfaces may normally exhibit light surface corrosion, but if the salt coating is not removed immediately, significant surface corrosion may appear. The under body parts normally develop a dark colored surface coating after some usage, but if salt is not removed from the under body, a rusty, orange-colored surface corrosion can develop. Under hood alloy components may also be affected and develop a white, crusty coating. Rinsing of vehicles at delivery reduces the chance of corrosion getting to advanced stages, and is considered to be a part of the normal inspection and receiving process.

The removal of corrosion caused by accumulated and/or un-rinsed road salt or salt coatings because the vehicle was not properly rinsed is not a warrantable expense.

NEW MULTI GEAR OIL "ECO" 75W-80  - 2014 Mirage.  A new gear oil (p/n MZ320355) is now available from your facing PDC in quart bottles. It was developed specifically for use in Mitsubishi applications recommending 75W-80 grade gear oil for enhanced fuel economy. The quantity unit pack (QUP) is a 12 quart case.

This oil is required  for use in the 2014 Mirage with 5 speed manual transmission.

ID CODES REGISTRATION PROCEDURE MANUALS  - All models where VIN writing is required  . MMNA has posted ID Codes Registration Procedure Manuals for affected models on the MDL (service > service tech resources > service related items). The procedures may be required when replacing a control unit where the VIN is recorded, a TPMS sensor is replaced, and/or a key or KOS transmitter is added or replaced (immobilizer function).

SPECIAL REMINDER FOR TOWING AWD MODELS  - 2009-14 Lancer (Ralliart & SE), 2010-11 Lancer Sportback (Ralliart)  , 2008-14 Lancer Evolution, 2003-14 Outlander, 2011-14 Outlander Sport, 2004-11 Endeavor, and several retired models. Some tow truck drivers may not be aware that MMNA has sold all wheel drive models over the past 24 years. If AWD vehicles are towed incorrectly (single axle tow, A, B, C below) the driveline will be damaged. Damage from improper towing is not covered by warranty.

AWD models must be transported on a "flatbed" tow truck (D, above) or, at minimum, by using a "tow-dolly" on the non-lifted axle of the vehicle (E, above).

If you suspect that a drive train issue may be due to improper towing, consult with your DPSM before beginning any repairs. 

Damage to drivetrain components caused by improper towing is not covered under warranty. 

Additional questions about proper towing of AWD vehicles should be directed to Techline.

GROUP 11 - Engine

FRAYED STITCHING ON THE OUTER LAYER OF THE ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT  - 2013-14 Outlander Sport  . MMNA has received comments about "frayed" stitching on the outer layer of the accessory drive belt. This stitching is not structural. It is used in belt production to hold the outer layer of the belt together until it is fused to the rest of the belt. Frayed stitching has no affect on belt durability once production is complete.

Do not replace the accessory drive belt because of frayed stitching.

GROUP 13 - Fuel

DTC P0463 RECORDED IN PCM, FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT REGISTER  - 2011-14 Outlander Sport, 2007-14 Outlander  . 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.

GROUP 35 - Brakes

STOP LIGHTS DO NOT LIGHT WHEN BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED  - 2010-later Outlander, 2011-later Outlander Sport  . If you see a vehicle where the stop lights are not working, try this simple diagnosis first.

Disconnect the high mount stop lamp, then recheck the main stop lamps. If they now light, the high mount stop lamp may be faulty. If they still don't light, proceed with diagnosis as outlined in the service manual.

Techline has received calls where this diagnosis has led to resolving the concern.

GROUP 54 - Chassis Electrical

BLUETOOTH SPEAKER SELECTION - DISPLAY RADIO  - 2014 models with Display Radio (non-navi)  . If a customer reports they found the settings for alternate telephone speaker selections not highlighted (inactive) in the Settings menu (Menu > Next > Setting > System Settings > Beep/Tel Settings), this is normal for the North American market. You can only adjust volume. You cannot change speaker settings.