Mitsubishi Lancer Common Problems

Known issues & solutions
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The Mitsubishi Lancer is an iconic car that has been around for decades and is beloved by many. It is a reliable and dependable vehicle, but it can have its issues like any car. The Mitsubishi Lancer's common problems include engine, electrical, and suspension problems. These issues can be frustrating for owners, as they can lead to costly repairs. Fortunately, there are ways to troubleshoot these problems and prevent them from occurring in the future. With some knowledge and care, any Mitsubishi Lancer can stay in great shape for many years.

Common problems of the Mitsubishi Lancer

- Engine issues: Due to the design of the engine of the first generation of the car, the Lancer is often subject to oil leaks. This can sometimes cause the engine to fail. Those who have the later generations of the car, they can have timing issues that can cause their engine to fail or their car not to start. - Electrical problems: Some owners of the Lancer have had issues with their wiring harness and have had to replace it. There are also issues with the engine control module and the wiring for the cooling fans. - Suspension problems: The suspension on the Lancer can wear out over time, causing the car to drive differently. There are also issues with ball joints and bushings that can cause problems with the car’s suspension.

Signs of engine problems

- Excessive smoke: If there is smoke coming from the engine, this can be an indication that there is an oil leak. There could be a clog in the oil filter, or the oil could be too thick. There could also be a chip in the engine. - Engine fails to start: If the engine fails to start, this can be an indication of an issue with the timing or the spark plugs. It could also be a problem with the fuel injection timing. - Engine makes loud noises: This can be a sign that the timing chain or the timing belt needs to be replaced. It could also be a sign of a blown head gasket. - Engine Oil level is low: This can be an indication of a blown head gasket or a cracked block. - Excessive engine vibration: This can be an indication of a worn-out timing chain or timing belt. It can also be a sign of a bad crankshaft position sensor.

Signs of electrical problems

- Car fails to start: The first sign of electrical issues is if the car fails to start. A failed starter or a bad battery can cause this. - Low or high voltage: If the voltage is low, the car’s accessories, such as the radio, lights, and windshield wipers, will not work. If the voltage is high, the lights might flicker, or the car could fail to start. - Battery is old: A battery that is old may fail to hold a charge. It could also be due to a faulty alternator. - Wiring harness is worn out: If the wiring harness is worn out, this can cause the car not to start and to stay in accessory mode. It can also cause the voltage to be low. - Engine control module is faulty: This can cause the car’s engine not to start and stay in accessory mode. It could also cause the voltage to be low.

Signs of suspension problems

- Car is stiff when driving: This can indicate a broken spring. It can also indicate a worn-out shock absorber. - Car bounces excessively: This can indicate a broken spring. It can also indicate a worn-out shock absorber. - Car pulls to one side: This can indicate worn-out ball joints or a broken spring. It can also indicate a bad tie rod end. - Car makes noises when driving: This can indicate a bad or broken spring. It can also indicate worn-out shock absorbers and ball joints.

Troubleshooting and prevention tips

- Engine issues: If the engine is leaking oil or has an issue with the timing, it is best to have the car towed to a mechanic right away. If it is an issue with the oil, it can cause the engine to seize. If it is an issue with the timing, it can cause the valves to hit the pistons, causing the engine to fail. If there is an issue with the fuel injection timing, it can cause the engine not to start. - Electrical problems: If there is an issue with the wiring harness, the car may stay in accessory mode. This can be caused by a weak voltage signal from the car’s battery and a faulty alternator. It can also be caused by a short in the wiring harness. - Suspension issues: If the suspension is broken, it is best to have the car towed to a mechanic right away.

Professional repair services

If you are not familiar with the inner workings of cars, it is best to have a professional mechanic diagnose the problems and repair them. A mechanic will have the right tools and test equipment to diagnose the problems and repair them as needed. A mechanic can also inspect the car to make sure there are no other issues that may cause problems in the future.

Benefits of owning a Mitsubishi Lancer

- Durable and reliable: The Lancer has been around since the 1970s and is a durable and reliable vehicle. - Cheap to maintain: The Lancer is a cheap car to maintain. It does not require expensive synthetic oils and can be serviced with standard 5W-30 oil. - Affordable to buy: The Lancer is an affordable car to buy. It can be purchased used and is affordable to insure. - Comfortable ride: The Lancer has a comfortable ride. It has ample leg and headroom and is spacious.

Conclusion

The Mitsubishi Lancer is an iconic car that has been around for decades and is beloved by many. It is a reliable and dependable vehicle, but it can have its issues like any car. The Mitsubishi Lancer's common problems include engine, electrical, and suspension problems. These issues can be frustrating for owners, as they can lead to costly repairs. Fortunately, there are ways to troubleshoot these problems and prevent them from occurring. With some knowledge and care, any Mitsubishi Lancer can stay in great shape for many years. And with that, we come to the end of this article. We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about the common problems of the Mitsubishi Lancer and how to fix them.