reading Check engine Mitsubishi Lancer OBD

Mitsubishi Lancer HOW TO READ AND CLEAR OBD1 DTC Tutorial 

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How to Read and Clear OBD1 Check engine DTC codes on a Mitsubishi Lancer 1992-2003 vehicle without using an OBD scanner

This is another tutorial on the Mitsubishi OBD1. This is all about the Mitsubishi Lancer and how to read and erase the diagnostic trouble code without using the OBD Diagnostic Scanner. In this blogpost, there are 2 separate tutorials: one for the Mitsubishi Lancer from 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 and1996 because this model uses the OBD1–12 pin DLC connector, and another for the Mitsubishi Lancer model from 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003 because this Lancer model uses the OBD–2 socket or the 16 pin data link connector.

Reading Trouble Code Mitsubishi Lancer 1992-1996 Model

You can read the trouble code for this model of Mitsubishi Lancer by using the Multimeter. Please follow the instruction below.

STEP 1

  • Make sure the engine is OFF.

STEP 2

  • Locate the Data Link Connector. See image below for your reference.
  • Possible Location:
      • Under the drivers side dash panel.
      • In or next to the fusebox under the dash panel.
      • Inside or below the glovebox.

Lancer OBD socket location

STEP 3

  • Connect analogue Multi Tester between data link connector (DLC) terminals 1 and 12. Set the the Tester to DC 2.5 or 10 Volts.

Lancer connect the multimeter

STEP 4

  • Turn the Ignition ON.

STEP 5

  • Count voltmeter needle deflections. Compare with trouble code table.
  • Each trouble code consists of two groups of one or more needle deflections.
  • Long deflections indicate the ‘TENS’ of the trouble code .
  • Short deflections indicate the ‘ONE’ of the trouble code.
  • A short pause separates each deflection.
  • A long pause separates each trouble code.
  • For example: Trouble code 12 displayed.

Lancer Code DTC patter

NOTE:

  • If Multimeter needle deflects rapidly backwards and forwards: This indicates a normal condition with no faults found.
  • If Multimeter needle deflects and remains forwards (high voltage): This indicates a suspected fault with the engine control module (ECM).

 

 

STEP 6

  • Write the code then check the corresponding code meaning below.

Mitsubishi Lancer 1992-1996 OBD1 List of Trouble Code

DTC 11
PROBLEM: Oxygen sensor (O2S)/heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) – circuit malfunction
CAUSE: Wiring, O2S/HO2S, ECM

DTC 12
PROBLEM: Mass air flow (MAF) sensor – malfunction
CAUSE: Wiring, MAF sensor, ECM

DTC 13
PROBLEM: Intake air temperature (IAT) sensor – circuit malfunction
CAUSE: Wiring, IAT sensor, ECM

DTC 14
PROBLEM: Throttle position (TP) sensor – circuit malfunction
CAUSE: Wiring, TP sensor, ECM

DTC 15
PROBLEM: Idle speed control (ISC) actuator position sensor – circuit malfunction
CAUSE: Wiring, ISC actuator position sensor, ECM

DTC 21
PROBLEM: Engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor – circuit malfunction
CAUSE: Wiring, ECT sensor, ECM

DTC 22
PROBLEM: Engine speed (RPM) sensor/crankshaft position (CKP) sensor – circuit malfunction
CAUSE: Wiring, RPM/CKP sensor, ECM

DTC 23
PROBLEM: Crankshaft position (CKP) sensor/camshaft position (CMP) sensor – circuit malfunction
CAUSE: Wiring, CKP/CMP sensor, ECM

DTC 24
PROBLEM: Vehicle speed sensor (VSS) – circuit malfunction
CAUSE: Wiring, VSS, ECM

DTC 25
PROBLEM: Barometric pressure (BARO) sensor – circuit malfunction
CAUSE: Wiring, BARO sensor, ECM

DTC 31
PROBLEM: Knock sensor (KS) – circuit malfunction
CAUSE: Wiring, KS, ECM

DTC 32
PROBLEM: Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor – circuit malfunction
CAUSE: Wiring, MAP sensor, ECM

DTC 36
PROBLEM: Ignition timing adjuster – circuit malfunction
CAUSE: Wiring, engine diagnostic link – ignition adjustment connector short to earth, ECM

DTC 41
PROBLEM: Injectors – circuit malfunction
CAUSE: Wiring, injectors, ECM

DTC 42
PROBLEM: Fuel pump (FP) – circuit malfunction
CAUSE: Wiring, FP relay, FP, ECM

DTC 4
PROBLEM: Ignition coil
CAUSE: Wiring open/short circuit, ignition coil, ECM

DTC 55
PROBLEM: Idle speed control (ISC) actuator position sensor – circuit malfunction
CAUSE: Wiring, ISC actuator position sensor, ECM

Reading Trouble Code Mitsubishi Lancer 1996-2003 Model

Trouble codes are displayed by the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). Read the check engine or the idiot light flashing in your car dashboard.

STEP 1

  • Make sure the ignition and engine is OFF.

STEP 2

  • Located the 16 pin OBD2 Data Link Connector.

Mitsubishi Lancer obd 2 location

STEP 2

  • Bridge data link connector (DLC) terminal 1 and earth. (Bridge the Terminal 1 and ground it to the metal body of the car.)

lancer ground the terminal 1

STEP 3

  • Switch the Ignition to On. Don’t start the engine.

STEP 4

  • Count MIL flashes. Note trouble codes. Compare with trouble code table.
  • Each trouble code consists of two groups of one or more flashes.
  • Long flashes indicate the ‘tens’ of the trouble code.
  • Short flashes indicate the ‘units’ of the trouble code.
  • A short pause separates each flash.
  • A long pause separates each trouble code.
  • For example: Trouble code 12 displayed.

lancer check engine code pattern

STEP 5

  • Write the code then check the corresponding code description below.

Mitsubishi Lancer 1996-2003 OBD1 List of Trouble Code

Code 11
Heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) – front

Code 12
Mass air flow (MAF) sensor

Code 13
Intake air temperature (IAT) sensor

Code 14
Throttle position (TP) sensor

Code 21
Engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor

Code 22
Engine speed (RPM) sensor/crankshaft position (CKP) sensor

Code 23
Crankshaft position (CKP) sensor/camshaft position (CMP) sensor

Code 24
Vehicle speed sensor (VSS)

Code 25
Barometric pressure (BARO) sensor

Code 31
Knock sensor (KS)

Code 32
Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor

Code 36
Ignition timing adjuster – signal

Code 41
Injectors

Code 44
Ignition coil/ignition amplifier

Code 54
Immobilizer

Code 59
Heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) – rear

Code 61
AT/Engine control module (ECM) cable

Code 64
Alternator – charging system

Code 0
No fault found

CLEARING AND ERASING THE CHECK ENGINE OBD CODES

After fixing the problem if the check engine light still on. Please follow the instruction to clear or erase the DTC.

  • Ensure ignition switched OFF.
  • Disconnect battery earth lead.
  • Wait 15 seconds.
  • Reconnect battery earth lead.

Thank you very much! I am hoping that this tutorial will guide you to the problem you are facing with your Mitsubishi Lancer Check Engine Light. Thank you for visiting my website, Erwin Salarda.