Tech Talk (TT217)

GROUP 13 - Fuel

DTC P0442: EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM LEAK DETECTED (SMALL LEAK)  - 2013-15 Outlander Sport/RVR.  The vent solenoid bracket attached to the evaporative canister may be susceptible to bending and cause DTC P0442 to be stored in the ECM. During DTC P0442 troubleshooting, a visual inspection of the vent solenoid bracket may assist in proper diagnosis.

Also, inspect the hose clamps around the evaporative canister and ensure they are positioned correctly. If either of these conditions are present, repositioning the part(s) may correct the issue. You can force the monitor to run to determine if the repair was effective.

DTC P0606 AFTER ENGINE REPAIRS  - 2008-15 Lancer Evolution.  When diagnosing a DTC P0606 (Powertrain Control Module Main Processor Malfunction) on the subject vehicles, especially after an engine repair (short block, cylinder head, etc.), inspect the spark plug insulator (porcelain) closely and check for looseness or damage. Also, check the ground electrode for proper alignment (not off-centered) and the spark plug gap is correct.

ENGINE STALL/PCV HOSE DISCONNECTION  - 2014-15 Mirage (equipped with CVT, built before 1/19/2015).  If a customer complains of engine stalling at an idle, and/or a DTC is set (P0171 or P0300), the PCV hose may have become detached from the inlet manifold. If the PCV hose is detached, reattach it, reprogram the ECM with TSB-15-13-001, and conduct the relearning procedure. The reprogramming will help prevent PCV hose detachment.

GROUP 14 - Engine Cooling

SUPERSEDED COOLANT OVERFLOW BOTTLE CAP  - 2013-15 Outlander Sport/RVR.  If a customer reports a lost coolant overflow bottle cap, be advised that the existing cap (no tether) has been superseded by a cap with a retaining tether (P/N 1375A429). This will prevent accidental loss or misplacement of the cap during coolant level adjustments.

RADIATOR CONDENSER TANK HOSE FITTING COOLANT SEEPAGE/LEAK  - 2013-15 Outlander Sport/RVR.  If a vehicle is leaking coolant from the radiator condenser tank at the hose connection, remove the hose from tank and inspect the hose fitting for flash or other condition that inhibits the hose from sealing to the hose fitting. If necessary, repair the hose connection to ensure a good sealing surface. It is very important to obtain a good sealing surface between the hose and hose connection as the clip installed on the hose from the factory is for retention only, and not for sealing of the hose to hose connection. Once the hose connection has been repaired, reinstall the hose to tank using an appropriate hose clamp.

GROUP 23 - Automatic Transmission

A/T SHIFT LEVER CHILD PARTS AVAILABLE AS SERVICE PARTS  - 2013-15 Outlander Sport/RVR.  It is no longer necessary to replace the complete shift lever assembly if the repair can be completed with replacement of the gearshift lever cover (P/N 2400A577) or A/T shift indicator slider (P/N 2400A578). These parts are available as child parts.

TIN-15-23-001: STUMBLE ON ACCELERATION  - 2015 Outlander Sport/RVR.  TIN-15-23-001 was recently sent to dealers and states:

Customers may report a momentary stumble or lack of acceleration at low speeds. If contacted by a customer experiencing this condition, please inspect the "Transmission Range Switch and Control Cable Adjustment" on the vehicle. Instructions for this adjustment can be found in the attached illustration. Test drive the vehicle to confirm the condition no longer exists. If the condition is not resolved with this procedure, please contact Techline.

GROUP 31 - Wheel & Tire

TPMS SENSOR RETAINING NUT CAUTION  - 2012-16 i-MiEV, 2008-15 Lancer based models, 2007-15 Outlander, 2011-15 Outlander Sport/RVR (clamp-in type sensor only).  When removing, reinstalling, or replacing the TPMS sensors on the subject vehicles, torque the retaining nut to 8.0 ± 0.5 Nm (71 ± 4 in-lb). Tightening beyond this value will deform the TPMS seal and cause an air leak. Also, the TPMS sensor seal is non-reusable and must be replaced whenever the TPMS is removed; use tire valve spare parts kit 4250B977 to obtain the TPMS sensor seal.

GROUP 34 - Rear Suspension

SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT WARRANTY POLICY  - All Models.  When it is necessary to replace a shock absorber under Warranty, only replace the defective shock. Shocks that are functioning as designed do not need to be replaced.

GROUP 42 - Body

MUT-3 FORCED POWER MODE - KEY REGISTRATION WHEN ALL KEYS LOST  - 2014-15 Outlander.  The MUT-3 "Forced Power Mode" function allows you to register a new set of keys when a customer brings in a vehicle with all keys lost. When using the "Forced Power Mode" on the 2014-15 Outlander, you might receive a "Communication Error" dialogue. If you receive this error, it is possible that the ETACS is asleep and the MUT-3 is unable to communicate. To resolve this issue, disconnect the negative battery terminal, wait 30 seconds, then reconnect the battery terminal. You must then initiate "Forced Power Mode" on the vehicle within 30 seconds of reconnecting the battery.

ABNORMAL FRONT DRIVER SIDE POWER WINDOW OPERATION  - 2015 Outlander Sport/RVR.  If a customer complains of abnormal front driver side power window operation, please create a video, along with audio, of the abnormal operation. MMNA is investigating the root cause of door glass function problems that are not due to loose regulator to glass attachment fasteners. Include images of the glass and regulator attachment points and the run channel inside the door. Videos can be emailed to Techline at mmnatechline@mmsa.com  .

GROUP 51 - Exterior

LOOSE WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADE  - 2011-15 Outlander Sport/RVR.  If a customer reports the windshield wiper blade (rubber) falls out of the wiper blade assembly, confirm the wiper blade is correctly installed: 1) Ensure the wiper blade backer (metal) is completely installed to the wiper blade. 2) Completely push the wiper blade until it engages the retaining tabs on both sides of the blade assembly.

GROUP 52A - Interior

OUTER REAR SEAT BELT TONGUE SLIDES DOWN SEAT BELT  - 2013-15 Outlander Sport/RVR.  If the outer rear seat belt tongue is able to slide down the seat belt without hindrance, it can cause interference between the seat cushion and interior trim. Installation of a rear seat belt stopper button (P/N 7000A360) can correct this condition. Please reference TSB-13-52A-001 for more information.

FRONT SEAT SLIDE ADJUSTER REPLACEMENT  - 2013-15 Outlander Sport/RVR.  If the front seat slide adjuster requires replacement for any reason (OCM or seat weight sensor failure, problems with manual/power seat adjustment, etc...), replace the front seat slide adjuster only  . The front seat cushion pad and cover is transferable to the new seat adjuster.

√ SEAT CUSHION COVER LOOSE, RETAINING CLIPS DETACHED  - 2013-15 Outlander Sport/RVR  . If a customer reports the seat cushion cover (seat bottom) is loose, check under the seat to see if the cover retaining strips are detached. Over time, the white plastic "J hooks" can lose their shape and become detached, causing the cover to loosen. If you find that a loose seat cushion cover is caused by detached cover retaining clips, discuss the possibility of repair with a local upholstery shop to determine if the cover can be securely reattached using "hog rings" or some other suitable retention method. Do not replace the cover unless it cannot be successfully reattached by an upholstery shop.

REPAIR OF UNHOOKED SEAT BOTTOM SPRINGS  - 2013-15 Outlander Sport/RVR.  It is possible for the spring assembly that supports the front seat cushion to be partially unhooked from the seat frame. This condition has the potential to cause abnormal sounds from the seat. If there is a complaint of noise from the seat, please inspect the spring assembly to ensure it is hooked securely to the frame. If an unhooked spring is discovered, please re-secure and confirm if the issue has been resolved.

GROUP 54 - Chassis Electrical

INTERCHANGEABLE CONNECTORS BEHIND CENTER INSTRUMENT PANEL  - 2013-15 Outlander Sport/RVR.  There are three 16-pin connectors behind the center instrument panel that are interchangeable. Improper connection may disrupt operation of the HVAC system, hands-free module / microphone and hazard switch. Warnings such as passenger air bag 'OFF' light (SRS DTC B1489), security light circuit, and seat belt warning light may also appear.

Reference the following information to confirm proper connection of the three interchangeable connectors.

C-136 16-pin  : Tan connector, part of navigation harness. Plugs into the back of the navigation unit for hands-free module / microphone operation.

C-232 16-pin  : Tan connector, harness has foam shield and runs to the right side of instrument panel. Plugs into HVAC controller.

C-205 16-pin  : Grey connector, harness has black shield and runs to the left side of instrument panel. Plugs into audio surround panel for hazard switch, air bag warning light and security light operation.

√ "ENT" BUTTON AVAILABLE FOR MMCS NAVIGATION UNIT  - 2008-13 Lancer based vehicles, 2007-13 Outlander, 2011-13 Outlander Sport/RVR.  The enter button (ENT) for vehicles equipped with "NAVI" is available as a spare part (P/N 892L45510).

GROUP 55 - Heater, Ventilation & A/C

√ WATER SLOSHING SOUND, UNUSUAL SMELL OR WET CARPET/FLOOR MAT  - 2013-15 Outlander Sport/RVR.  Subject vehicles may have a restricted HVAC drain outlet. Flashing from manufacturing may be partially (or completely) covering the drain inside the HVAC case. If a customer reports he has experienced these symptoms consistent with a blocked drain outlet, please remove the drain hose from the outlet (near the accelerator pedal) and use a mirror and light to examine the drain hole to determine if there is an obstruction. If you see an obstruction, clear the hole (a bent coat hanger works well) and insure proper flow from the drain with the A/C on.

INSPECTION SHEET FOR A/C COMPRESSOR ISSUES (CLUTCH SPRING BROKEN)  - 2014-15 Mirage.  MMNA is conducting an investigation on all A/C compressor units replaced under Warranty. Dealer technicians and service advisors are requested to complete the inspection sheet and return it to Techline. The inspection sheet appears later in this Tech Talk.

GROUP 66 - Accessories

ACCESSORY REMOTE ENGINE START VIDEO AVAILABLE ON MDL  - MZ36034EX and MZ360400EX.  MMNA created two programming videos to supplement the written instructions for remote engine start accessory, one for push start vehicles and the second for non-push start vehicles. The video will allow techs to view the entire procedure and help reduce confusion with the programming process. To access the video on the MDL, navigate to "service" -> "systems" -> "Techline" -> "Techline Videos," and scroll to General Videos -> Remote Engine Start.