Tech Talk (TT209)

GROUP 00 - General

NEW MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FORMAT  - All 2015 models  . Beginning with model year 2015, the naming convention of the two maintenance schedules has changed in the warranty and maintenance manuals - the "Severe Schedule" is now "Schedule 1" and the "Regular Schedule" is now "Schedule 2" - the driving conditions determining which schedule applies remains the same. In addition, the maintenance items are now presented in an easy to read table format accompanied by dedicated pages for recording the vehicles' maintenance history.

These changes were made to help customers better understand their vehicles' maintenance requirements, easily understand the different schedules, and provide a convenient place to document their maintenance history.

GROUP 11 - Engine

ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION TESTING  - All models  . Occasionally you will receive customer reports about having to add oil between services. Typically, customers do not understand why engines lose oil. Some oil consumption is normal, but if a customer insists they want it checked, refer to TSB-03-11-001 which provides procedures required for oil consumption testing and MMNA's oil consumption standard. There is additional information in the Warranty Policy and Procedures manual found on the MDL under service -> warranty central. Then look in section 3, Warranty Policy and Guidelines page 3-6 or information on Oil Consumption - Excessive.

GROUP 17 - Emissions

ROUGH IDLE, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON - LOOSE PCV HOSE  - 2014 Mirage  . If a customer reports a or a rough idle and/or a check engine light on and the DTCs in memory relate to a lean mixture or misfire (e.g. P0171, P0300-P0303), check if the PCV vent hose is secured to the intake manifold. If you confirm it is not, please contact TechLine before making repairs  . MMC is conducting an investigation into the cause of the hose coming loose and needs your help.

GROUP 35 - Brakes

DISABLING TRACTION CONTROL DURING VERY SLIPPERY CONDITIONS - POSSIBLE TRANSAXLE DAMAGE  - 2012-14 i-MiEV.  When subject vehicles are driven in slick, winter driving conditions (snow, ice mud), making a continual tight turn (e.g "drifting" the rear wheels) with the traction control disengaged, causes a large rotational difference between the left and right driving (rear) wheels. Because the electric motor achieves maximum torque at initial rotation, it creates a large load on the transaxle's internal components. Prolonged driving in this manner can damage the differential pinion shaft and lead to additional transaxle damage.

When possible, advise customers to always keep traction control engaged during very slippery conditions to prevent unnecessary damage to the transaxle. If they feel they need to disable it, suggest they limit spinning the wheels to about 5 seconds to prevent excessive rotational loads on the transaxle.

GROUP 52B - SRS Airbag

DTCS STORED IN SRS-OCM  - 2013-14 Outlander Sport, Outlander  . Between now and December 31, 2014, if you encounter a 2013 or newer Outlander Sport with the SRS light illuminated for OCM DTCs and/or OCM communication issues, please contact Techline at (800) 446-6064 to complete a questionnaire and help with an investigation.

DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG MODULE REMOVAL  - 2014 Outlander, Outlander Sport and Mirage  . Air bag removal and installation for listed 2014 models has changed. The air bag is no longer secured with Torx screws. It is secured with a U-shaped rod that locks it in place. To remove the air bag, the rod must be released by inserting a T-30 Torx driver into three holes on the back of the steering wheel (one on each spoke). There are 4 steps to remove the air bag assembly. Refer to the Service Points of Removal under Driver's Air Bag Module and Clock Spring, Removal and Installation, found in Section 52B - Supplemental Restraint System, for specific removal instructions.

GROUP 54 - Chassis Electrical

DISABLING THE AUDIBLE SPEED WARNING  - 2014-15 Mirage with MMES Navigation  . The audible speed warning in subject vehicles is a spoken voice that advises when you are exceeding the speed limit on the road you are travelling. The factory setting is "Enabled," but some drivers do not like the constant reminder and ask how to disable it.

To disable the spoken speed warning, use the navigation screen and select the following commands in order:

Menu -> Navigation -> +More -> Settings -> Sound and Warnings. Then scroll to and select Speed Warning Settings - > Warn when speeding, then press to select Disabled.

GROUP 55 - Heater, A/C&Ventilation

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS WHEN SERVICING A/C ON i-MiEV  . 2012-14 i-MiEV.  It's now summer and this is a good time to remind everyone the i-MiEV uses an all electric air compressor driven by the main drive lithium-ion battery. Please be aware of the following when servicing A/C or answering customer questions:

• The compressor requires a special POE  refrigerant oil (MA68EV) developed for use in electric compressors. Use only Mitsubishi Genuine POE Refrigerant Oil for i-MiEV (p/n MZ341005) or equivalent. PAG compressor oil is electrically conductive and MUST NOT be used. 
• Using A/C gauges or charging/recycling systems that are also used with PAG oil systems can contaminate the i-MiEV's system. Refrigerant oil used in electric compressors must not  be contaminated with conventional PAG refrigerant oil. Dealers must:
  1. Use separate gauge sets and refrigerant recycling systems and use them only  for POE oil systems, OR 
  2. Have a dual mode recycling unit designed to accommodate both  PAG and POE refrigerant oils. (e.g. Robinaire 34788-H)
• The i-MiEV A/C uses R-134a refrigerant circulated by an electric compressor. The electric compressor uses voltage from the main drive battery. A/C use will affect driving range.
• Because the system is electric, air outlet temperature does not fluctuate with motor speed changes like a conventional system does.

Damage caused to i-MiEV A/C systems due to the use of incorrect compressor oil or tools not dedicated to POE oils is not reimbursable under warranty.