1999 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION VI ignition

MPI – Troubleshooting13-18
INSPECTION CHART FOR TROUBLE SYMPTOMS
Trouble symptomInspection
procedure
No.Reference page
Communication
with MUT-IIis
Communication with all systems is impossible.113-20
with MUT-II is
impossible.
Communication with engine-ECU only is impossible.213-20
Engine warning
lamp and
related parts
The engine warning lamp does not illuminate right after the
ignition switch is turned to the ON position.313-21
related partsThe engine warning lamp remains illuminating and never goes
out.413-21
StartingNo initial combustion (starting impossible)513-22
Initial combustion but no complete combustion
(starting impossible)613-23
Long time to start (improper starting)713-24
Idling stability
(Improper idling)
Unstable idling (Rough idling, hunting)813-25
(Improper idling)
Idling speed is high. (Improper idling speed)913-26
Idling speed is low. (Improper idling speed)1013-27
Idling stability
(Engine stalls)
When the engine is cold, it stalls at idling. (Die out)1113-28
(Engine stalls)
When the engine is hot, it stalls at idling. (Die out)1213-29
The engine stalls when starting the car. (Pass out)1313-30
The engine stalls when decelerating.1413-30
DrivingHesitation, sag or stumble1513-31
The feeling of impact or vibration when accelerating1613-31
The feeling of impact or vibration when decelerating1713-32
Poor acceleration1813-32
Surge1913-33
Knocking2013-33
Dieseling2113-33
Too high CO and HC concentration when idling2213-34
Low alternator output voltage (approx. 12.3 V)2313-35

MPI – Troubleshooting
Vehicle
speedInitial accel-
erator pedal
depression
NormalHesitation
Sag
Time
(Figure 1)(Figure 2)
Normal
Initial accel-
erator pedal
depression
IdlingStumble
TimeVehicle
speed
13-19
PROBLEM SYMPTOMS TABLE (FOR YOUR INFORMATION)
ItemsSymptom
StartingWon’t startThe starter is used to crank the engine, but there is no combustion within the
cylinders, and the engine won’t start.
Fires up and diesThere is combustion within the cylinders, but then the engine soon stalls.
Hard startingEngine starts after cranking a while.
Idling
stability
HuntingEngine speed doesn’t remain constant; changes at idle.
stability
Rough idleUsually, a judgement can be based upon the movement of the tachometer
pointer, and the vibration transmitted to the steering wheel, shift lever, body, etc.
This is called rough idle.
Incorrect idle speedThe engine doesn’t idle at the usual correct speed.
Engine stall
(Die out)The engine stalls when the foot is taken from the accelerator pedal, regardless
of whether the vehicles is moving or not.
Engine stall
(Pass out)The engine stalls when the accelerator pedal is depressed or while it is being
used.
DrivingHesitation, Sag“Hesitation” is the delay in response of the vehicle speed (engine speed) that
occurs when the accelerator is depressed in order to accelerate from the speed
at which the vehicle is now traveling, or a temporary drop in vehicle speed
(engine speed) during such acceleration. Serious hesitation is called “sag”.
(Refer to Figure 1.)
Poor accelerationPoor acceleration is inability to obtain an acceleration corresponding to the
degree of throttle opening, even though acceleration is smooth, or the inability
to reach maximum speed.
StumbleEngine speed increase is delayed when the accelerator pedal is initially
depressed for acceleration. (Refer to Figure 2.)
ShockThe feeling of a comparatively large impact or vibration when the engine is
accelerated or decelerated.
SurgeThis is repeated surging ahead during constant speed travel or during variable
speed travel.
KnockingA sharp sound like a hammer striking the cylinder walls during driving and which
adversely affects driving.
StoppingRun on
(“Dieseling”)The condition in which the engine continues to run after the ignition switch is
turned to OFF. Also called “Dieseling”.

MPI – Troubleshooting13-21
INSPECTION PROCEDURE 3
The engine warning lamp does not illuminate right after
the ignition switch is turned to the ON position.
Probable cause
For checking for burnt-out bulb, the engine-ECU causes the engine warning lamp
to illuminate for five seconds immediately after the ignition switch is turned to ON.
If the engine warning lamp does not illuminate immediately after the ignition switch
is turned to ON, one of the malfunctions listed at right has probably occurred.
Burnt-out bulb of the engine warning lamp

Defective engine warning lamp circuit

Malfunction of the engine-ECU
MUT-II Data list
16 engine-ECU power supply voltage (Refer to P.13-57)NGCheck the engine-ECU power supply and earth circuit.
(Refer to P.13-53, INSPECTION PROCEDURE 45.)
OK
Measure at the engine-ECU connector B-60.

Disconnect the connector, and measure at the harness side.

Earth the terminal No.36. (Ignition switch: ON)
OK:The engine warning lamp illuminates.OKCheck the following
connector: B-60NG
Repair
OK
Check trouble symptom.
NG
Replace the engine-ECU.
NG
Check for burnt-out bulb.NG
Replace
OK
Measure at the combination meter connector B-08.

Disconnect the connector, and measure at the harness side.

Voltage between 42 and earth (Ignition switch: ON)
OK:System voltageNGCheck the engine warning lamp power supply circuit, and repair
if necessary.
OK
Check the following connectors:
B-08, B-65, B-60NG
Repair
OK
Check trouble symptom.NGCheck the harness wire between combination meter and engine-
ECU connector, and repair if necessary.
INSPECTION PROCEDURE 4
The engine warning lamp remains illuminating and never
goes out.
Probable cause
In cases such as the above, the cause is probably that the engine-ECU is detecting
a problem in a sensor or actuator, or that one of the malfunctions listed at right has
occurred.
Short-circuit between the engine warning lamp and
engine-ECU

Malfunction of the engine-ECU
MUT-II Self-Diag code
Are diagnosis codes displayed?Ye sRefer to P.13-8, INSPECTION CHART FOR DIAGNOSIS CODES.
No
Measure at the combination meter connector B-08.

Disconnect the connector, and measure at the harness side.

Disconnect the engine-ECU connector

Continuity between 53 and earth
OK:No continuityNGCheck the harness wire between combination meter and engine-
ECU connector, and repair if necessary.
OK
Replace the engine-ECU.

MPI – Troubleshooting13-22
INSPECTION PROCEDURE 5
No initial combustion (starting impossible)
Probable cause
In cases such as the above, the cause is probably that a spark plug is defective,
or that the supply of fuel to the combustion chamber is defective.
In addition, foreign materials (water, kerosene, etc.) may be mixed with the fuel.
Malfunction of the ignition system

Malfunction of the fuel pump system

Malfunction of the injectors

Malfunction of the engine-ECU

Foreign materials in fuel
Check system voltage when cranking.
OK:8 V or higherNGCheck the battery.
OK
MUT-II: Inspection of no initial combustion.
(Refer to P.13-47, INSPECTION PROCEDURE 37.)
OK
Can any sound be heard from the injectors when cranking (check
using a soundscope)?NGCheck the injector system. (Refer to P.13-15, INSPECTION PRO-
CEDURE FOR DIAGNOSIS CODE 41.)
OK
Ignition system: Inspection of no initial combustion.
(Refer to P.13-47, INSPECTION PROCEDURE 38.)
OK
Check the following items.

Check the ignition coil, spark plugs, spark plug cables.

Check if the injectors are clogged.

Check if foreign materials (water, alcohol, etc.) got into fuel.

Check the compression pressure.

MPI – Troubleshooting13-23
INSPECTION PROCEDURE 6
Initial combustion but no complete combustion
(starting impossible)
Probable cause
In such cases as the above, the cause is probably that the spark plugs are generating
sparks but the sparks are weak, or the initial mixture for starting is not appropriate.
Malfunction of the ignition system

Malfunction of the injector system

Foreign materials in fuel

Poor compression

Malfunction of the engine-ECU
Check system voltage when cranking.
OK:8 V or higherNGCheck the battery.
OK
MUT-II: Check if uncompleted combustion occurs.
(Refer to P.13-48, INSPECTION PROCEDURE 39.)
OK
Can any sound be heard from the injectors when cranking (check
using a soundscope)?NGCheck the injector system, (Refer to P.13-15, INSPECTION PRO-
CEDURE FOR DIAGNOSIS CODE 41.)
OK
Is starting good if the engine is cranked with the accelerator pedal
slightly depressed?Ye sCheck ISC servo for op-
eration sound. NGCheck the ISC servo sys-
tem. (Refer to P.13-44, IN-
SPECTION PROCE-
DURE 33.)
OK

Clean the throttle valve area.

Adjust the fixed SAS. (Refer to P.13-30.)*
No
Check the ignition timing when cranking.
OK:Approx. 5BTDCNGCheck that the crank angle sensor and the timing belt cover are
installed properly.
OK
Check the following items.

Check the ignition coil, spark plugs, spark plug cables.

Check the injectors for clogging and leakage.

Check the compression pressure.

Check fuel lines for clogging.

Check if foreign materials (water, alcohol, etc.) got into fuel.
NOTE
*: Refer to Workshop Manual for LANCER EVOLUTION-IV and EVOLUTION-V (Pub. No. S9806CNCP9).

MPI – Troubleshooting13-24
INSPECTION PROCEDURE 7
Long time to start (Improper starting)
Probable cause
In cases such as the above, the cause is probably that the spark is weak and ignition
is difficult, the initial mixture for starting is not appropriate, or sufficient compression
pressure is not being obtained.
Malfunction of the ignition system

Malfunction of the injector system

Inappropriate gasoline use

Poor compression
Check system voltage when cranking
OK:8 V or higherNGCheck the battery.
OK
MUT-II: Check if uncomplete combustion occurs.
(Refer to P.13-48, INSPECTION PROCEDURE 39.)
OK
Can any sound be heard from the injectors when cranking (check
using a soundscope)?NGCheck the injector system. (Refer to P.13-15, INSPECTION PRO-
CEDURE FOR DIAGNOSIS CODE 41.)
OK
Check the ignition timing when cranking.
OK:Approx. 5BTDCNGCheck that the crank angle sensor and the timing belt cover are
installed properly.
OK
Check the following items.

Check the ignition coil, spark plugs, spark plug cables.

Check the injectors for clogging and leakage.

Check the compression pressure.

Check if foreign materials (water, alcohol, etc.) got into fuel.

MPI – Troubleshooting13-25
INSPECTION PROCEDURE 8
Unstable idling (Rough idling, hunting)
Probable cause
In cases as the above, the cause is probably that the ignition system, air/fuel mixture,
idle speed control (ISC) or compression pressure is defective.
Because the range of possible causes is broad, inspection is narrowed down to simple
items.
Malfunction of the ignition system

Malfunction of air-fuel ratio control system

Malfunction of the ISC servo system

Poor compression

Drawing air into exhaust system

Secondary air backflow to the intake system
Were the battery terminals disconnected recently?Ye sAfter warming-up, let the engine run at idling for about 10 minutes.
No
MUT-II Self-Diag code
Are diagnosis codes displayed?Ye sRefer to P.13-8, INSPECTION CHART FOR DIAGNOSIS CODES.
No
Does idling speed fluctuate excessively?Ye sCheck if hunting occurs.
(Refer to P.13-48, INSPECTION PROCEDURE 40.)
No
Check the ISC servo for operation sound.NGCheck the ISC servo system.
(Refer to P.13-44, INSPECTION PROCEDURE 33.)
OK
Check the injector for operation.NGCheck the injector system. (Refer to P.13-15, INSPECTION PRO-
CEDURE FOR DIAGNOSIS CODE 41.)
OK
MUT-II: Check if idling speed is unstable.
(Refer to P.13-49, INSPECTION PROCEDURE 41.)
OK
Check the ignition timing.
(Refer to GROUP 11 – Engine Adjustment.)*NGCheck that the crank angle sensor and the timing belt cover are
installed properly.
OK
Check the following items.

Check the ignition coil, spark plugs, spark plug cables.

Check the secondary air supply system. (Ensure that there is no back flow of secondary air into the intake system.)

Check the compression pressure.

Check if foreign materials (water, alcohol, etc.) got into fuel.
NOTE
*: Refer to Workshop Manual for LANCER EVOLUTION-IV and EVOLUTION-V (Pub. No. S9806CNCP9).

MPI – Troubleshooting13-28
INSPECTION PROCEDURE 11
When the engine is cold, it stalls at idling. (Die out)
Probable cause
In such cases as the above, the cause is probably that the air/fuel mixture is inappropriate
when the engine is cold, or that the intake air volume is insufficient.
Malfunction of the ISC servo system

Malfunction of the throttle body

Malfunction of the injector system

Malfunction of the ignition system
Were the battery terminals disconnected recently?Ye sAfter warming-up, let the engine run at idling for about 10 minutes.
No
MUT-II Self-Diag code
Are diagnosis codes displayed?Ye sRefer to P.13-8, INSPECTION CHART FOR DIAGNOSIS CODES.
OK
Check the fuel pressure. (Refer to P.13-30.)*
OK
Check the ignition timing.
(Refer to GROUP 11 – Engine Adjustments.)*NGCheck that the crank angle sensor and the timing belt cover are
installed properly.
OK
Check the following items.

Check the ignition coil, spark plugs, spark plug cables.

Check the compression pressure.

Check the engine oil viscosity.
OK
MUT-II Data list
26 Idle position switch (Refer to P.13-58.)NGCheck the idle position switch system.
(Refer to P.13-38, INSPECTION PROCEDURE 26.)
OK
Check the injector for operation sound.NGCheck the injector system. (Refer to P.13-15, INSPECTION PRO-
CEDURE FOR DIAGNOSIS CODE 41.)
Ye s
Check the ISC servo for operation sound.NGCheck the ISC servo system.
(Refer to P.13-44, INSPECTION PROCEDURE 33.)
No
Is engine-idling stable after the warming-up?NoCheck for unstable idling (Rough idling, hunting).
(Refer to P.13-25, INSPECTION PROCEDURE 8.)
No
Does the engine stall right after the accelerator pedal is released?Ye sClean the throttle valve
area.Adjust the fixed SAS.
(Refer to P.13-30.)*
OK
MUT-II Data list
21 Engine coolant temperature sensor (Refer to P.13-57.)NGCheck the engine coolant temperature sensor system.
(Refer to P.13-10, INSPECTION PROCEDURE FOR DIAGNOSIS
CODE 21.)
NOTE
*: Refer to Workshop Manual for LANCER EVOLUTION-IV and EVOLUTION-V (Pub. No. S9806CNCP9).