
remains on (light may flash) during vehicle operation, cause of
malfunction must be determined by using DIAGNOSTIC FAULT CHARTS (if
testing with voltmeter) or diagnostic CODE CHARTS (if testing with
DRB-II). If a sensor fails, ECU will use a substitute value in its
calculations to continue engine operation. In this condition, vehicle
is functional, but loss of good driveability may result.
INTERMITTENT FAILURES
Intermittent failures may cause CHECK ENGINE light to flicker
or illuminate and go out after the intermittent fault goes away.
However, the corresponding trouble code will be retained in ECU
memory. If related fault does not reoccur within a certain time frame,
related trouble code will be erased from ECU memory. Intermittent
failures may be caused by a sensor, connector or wiring related
problems. See INTERMITTENTS in H - TESTS W/O CODES article.
PRETEST INSPECTION
Before proceeding with diagnosis, the following precautions
must be followed:
* Vehicle must have a fully charged battery and functional
charging system.
* Visually inspect connectors and circuit wiring being worked
on.
* DO NOT disconnect battery or ECU. This will erase any fault
codes stored in ECU.
* DO NOT cause short circuits when performing electrical tests.
This will set additional fault codes, making diagnosis of original
problem more difficult.
* DO NOT use a test light in place of a voltmeter.
* When checking for spark, ensure coil wire is NO more than
1/4" from ground. If coil wire is more than 1/4" from ground,
damage to vehicle electronics and/or ECU may result.
* DO NOT prolong testing of fuel injectors. Engine may
hydrostatically (liquid) lock.
* When a vehicle has multiple fault codes, always repair lowest
number fault code first.
* If DRB-II is being used to diagnose system, always perform
verification test after repairs are made.
ENTERING ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS (USING VOLTMETER)
1) Before entering on-board diagnostics, refer to PRETEST
INSPECTION in this article. Turn ignition switch to OFF position.
Locate self-diagnostic connector. See SELF-DIAGNOSTIC TEST CONNECTOR
LOCATION table. Using an analog voltmeter, connect voltmeter positive
lead to self-diagnostic connector terminal No. 1 and negative lead to
terminal No. 12 (ground). See Fig. 6.
2) Turn ignition switch to ON position and disclosure of ECU
memory will begin. If 2 or more systems are non-functional, they are
indicated by order of increasing code number. Indication is made by
12-volt pulses of voltmeter pointer. A constant repetition of short
12-volt pulses indicates system is normal. If system is abnormal,
voltmeter will pulse between zero and 12 volts.
3) Signals will appear on voltmeter as long and short 12-volt
pulses. Long pulses represent tens; short pulses represent ones. For
example 4 long pulses and 3 short pulses indicates Code 43. See

sensor is shorted or disconnected. Watch minimum and maximum
values to help diagnose intermittent problems.
* Monitors - This screen shows technician sensors and system
controllers which affect fuel control, spark advance, RPM and
A/C relay. There are 4 different screens available. As an
example, screen No. 1 will show: airflow sensor, O2 sensor,
battery and fuel injector. All of these inputs affect fuel
control.
Actuator Tests
This mode allows technician to actuate injectors, fuel pump,
purge control, EGR solenoid, fuel pressure solenoid and wastegate.
Adjustments
This option provides a means for erasing fault code
information stored in ECU. Follow DRB-II instructions to accomplish
this task.
DRB-II ERROR SCREENS
ERROR SCREENS
SYSTEM FAULT ROM CHECK SUM XXXX Message
Cartridge or DRB-II failure.
SYSTEM FAULT KEYBOARD FAILURE Message
Restart DRB-II. Ensure DRB-II keys are not pressed during
power up. Another possibility is DRB-II failure.
SYSTEM FAULT ROM FAILURE XXXX
DRB-II failure.
SYSTEM FAULT EEPROM FAILURE
DRB-II failure.
SYSTEM FAILURE, COMMUNICATION FAILURE, REFER TO DIAGNOSTIC
PROCEDURES Message
Perform diagnostic connector test. See DRIVEABILITY TEST No.
8 (DR-8). Failure of Mitsubishi Motor Corporation (MMC) adapter is
another possibility.
SYSTEM FAILURE NO RESPONSE FROM ADAPTER or SYSTEM FAILURE
ADAPTER REQUIRED TO DIAGNOSE WITH THIS CARTRIDGE Message
Ensure you are using a correct Mitsubishi Motor Corporation
cartridge. Failure of MMC adapter is another possibility.
Fig. 3: 10-Way ECU Connector
Courtesy of Chrysler Motors.

motor to increase idle speed. To prevent A/C compressor from switching
on before idle speed has increased, ECU momentarily opens A/C relay
circuit.
Idle Speed Control (ISC) Motor
Controls pintle-type air valve (DOHC engines) or throttle
plate angle (SOHC engines) to regulate volume of intake air at idle.
During start mode, ECU controls idle intake air volume
according to coolant temperature input. After starting, with idle
position switch activated (throttle closed), fast idle speed is
controlled by ISC motor and fast idle air control valve (if equipped).\
When idle switch is deactivated (throttle open), ISC motor
moves to a preset position in accordance with coolant temperature
input.
When automatic transmission (if equipped) is shifted from
Neutral to Drive, A/C is turned on or power steering pressure reaches
a preset value, ECU signals ISC motor to increase engine RPM.
Fast Idle Air Control Valve
Some models use a coolant temperature-sensitive fast idle air
control valve, located on throttle body, to admit additional intake
air volume during engine warm-up. Control valve closes as temperature
increases, restricting by-pass airflow rate. At engine warm-up, valve
closes completely.
IGNITION SYSTEMS
DIRECT IGNITION SYSTEM (DIS) - DOHC ENGINES
Ignition system is a 2-coil, distributorless ignition system.
Crankshaft angle and TDC sensor assembly, mounted in place of
distributor, are optically controlled.
Power Transistors & Ignition Coils
Based on crankshaft angle and TDC sensor inputs, ECU controls
timing and directly activates each power transistor to fire coils.
Power transistor "A" controls primary current of ignition coil "A" to
fire spark plugs on cylinders No. 1 and 4 at the same time. Power
transistor "B" controls primary current of ignition coil "B" to fire
spark plugs on cylinders No. 2 and 3 at the same time.
Although each coil fires 2 plugs at the same time, ignition
takes place in only one cylinder since the other cylinder is on its
exhaust stroke when plug fires.
ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEM - SOHC ENGINES
Mitsubishi breakerless electronic ignition system uses a disc
and optical sensing unit to trigger power transistor.
Power Transistor & Ignition Coil
Power transistor is mounted inside distributor with disc and
optical sensing unit. When ignition is on, ignition coil primary
circuit is energized. As distributor shaft rotates, disc rotates,
triggering optical sensing unit. ECU receives signals from optical
sensing unit. Signals are converted and sent to power transistor,
interrupting primary current flow and inducing secondary voltage.
IGNITION TIMING CONTROL SYSTEM
Ignition timing is controlled by ECU. ECU adjusts timing
based upon various conditions, such as engine temperature, altitude
and detonation (turbo vehicles only).