Tech Talk (TT212)

GROUP 00 - GENERAL

VEHICLE RECEIVING INSPECTION - ROAD SALT CONTAMINATION  - All models  . Winter weather brings challenges to the new vehicle receiving and inspection process. Snow and ice can coat vehicles, making inspection difficult. Road salt can also coat vehicle surfaces and hide dents, paint chips and other damages. A thorough inspection should be completed. Road salt that is deposited on vehicle surfaces during transportation must be removed immediately, especially from the underhood and under body areas. Immediately rinsing the affected areas with clear water helps flush salt from the surface, reducing the possibility of severe corrosion. It also allows proper vehicle inspection and reporting of any transportation damage hidden by the salt coating. Any hidden damage must be found, and the delivering carrier notified, within 48 hours of vehicle receipt in order to protect your ability to file a transportation claim.

If the salt coating is not removed immediately, significant surface corrosion may develop on unpainted underhood and underbody components. These surfaces may normally exhibit light surface corrosion, but if the salt coating is not removed immediately, significant surface corrosion may appear. The under body parts normally develop a dark colored surface coating after some usage, but if salt is not removed from the under body, a rusty, orange-colored surface corrosion can develop. Under hood alloy components may also be affected and develop a white, crusty coating. Rinsing vehicles at the time of delivery reduces the chance of corrosion getting to advanced stages, and is considered to be a part of the normal inspection and receiving process.

The removal of corrosion caused by accumulated and/or un-rinsed road salt or salt coatings because the vehicle was not properly rinsed is not a warrantable expense.

GROUP 15 - INTAKE AND EXHAUST

TIN-14-15-001 - FRONT EXHAUST PIPE SEAL RING - WARRANTY EXTENSION  - 2008-11 Lancer, Outlander (4 cyl.), 2009-11 Lancer Sportback, 2011 Outlander Sport  . The subject TIN was e-mailed to dealers on August 5, 2014, and states:

"A warranty extension for the front exhaust pipe seal ring will be launched today on all 2008 - 2010 Lancer (non-turbo), 2009 - 2010 Lancer Sportback (non-turbo), and 2008 - 2010 Outlander (2.4L) vehicles. Also, certain 2011 Lancer (non-turbo), 2011 Lancer Sportback (non-turbo), 2011 Outlander (2.4L), and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles are included in this warranty extension. The original warranty term of 5 years/60,000 miles, whichever comes first, will be extended to 10 years/120,000 miles, whichever comes first.

The TSB outlining the warranty extension will be available today on MEDIC and MDL.

Notification letters will be sent to owners of affected vehicles, informing them of the front exhaust pipe seal ring warranty extension.

Please refer to FRONT EXHAUST PIPE SEAL RING - WARRANTY EXTENSION TSB-14-15-001 or Warranty Bulletin WB 2015-004 for further information."

GROUP 17 - EMISSIONS

ROUGH IDLE, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON - LOOSE PCV HOSE  - 2014-15 Mirage  . If a customer reports a rough idle and/or a check engine light on and the DTCs in memory relate to a lean mixture or misfire (e.g. P0171, P0300-P0303), check if the PCV vent hose is secured to the intake manifold. If you confirm it is not, please take photos showing the area and contact TechLine before making repairs  . MMC is conducting an investigation into the cause of the hose coming loose and needs your help.

GROUP 35 - BRAKES

LOW MILEAGE FRONT BRAKE WEAR AND/OR NOISE  - 2014-15 Mirage  . MMNA has received reports of Mirage brakes requiring replacement due to wear at less than 15,000 miles, or reports of a grinding noise when the brakes are applied. In response, MMNA has launched an investigation to determine the root cause and study a production countermeasure and field fix.

A survey, including a brake drag check sheet, appears later in this Tech Talk. It is also available on the MDL (service -> service tech resources -> Service Related Items -> Technical Worksheets). If you see a vehicle with low mileage brake wear, or a customer reports a grinding noise when stopping, before making any repairs, please complete the survey with the customer and have the checksheet completed by a technician. FAX both to Techline at (714) 934-4279, then contact TechLine. If the customer reported noise, take photos of the rotors before contacting Techline.

GROUP 42A - BODY

"FAST KEY NOT DETECTED" DISPLAYED ON MID AND/OR POSSIBLE DTCS IN MULTIPLE SYSTEMS. All with F.A.S.T. Key  . If a customer reports the message "FAST KEY NOT DETECTED" displayed in the MID when attempting to start the engine, and there as an electronic device charger plugged into the power socket, have them remove it and retry. If this corrects the condition, it may be caused by electrical interference (EI) due to an inexpensive after market charging device, or multi connector, such as those sold at convenience stores, car wash counters and shopping mall kiosks. These chargers may not be adequately insulated to prevent EI, and when plugged into the power socket, they are very close to the Wireless Control Module (WCM). Some examples follow:

There are also reports of DTCs related to WCM functions (TPMS DTCs, etc.) and increased static on AM stations when using one of these chargers.

Device chargers, even those provided by the device manufacturer, and mobile phones placed on the console, can emit EI and cause vehicle systems to mis-communicate. They should be removed from the vehicle as your first troubleshooting step.

GROUP 52A - INTERIOR

VIN PLATE REMOVAL DURING DASHBOARD REPLACEMENT  - All models.  When replacing a dashboard due to a warranty defect, air bag deployment, theft repair or other valid reason, the VIN plate, located on the driver's side, can be damaged when removed. If it is damaged in any way, it cannot be reused. However, if care is taken, VIN plates can be removed without damage and attached to the replacement dashboard. Supplying replacement VIN plates creates delays and you may have to wait several weeks to complete repairs to the customer's vehicle.

If a dash is being replaced due to air bag deployment, remove the VIN plate before ordering the new dashboard. Collision and theft repairs can take several weeks, giving you time to order a new VIN plate and receive it at about the same time the dashboard is ready to be installed.

Replacement VIN plates can be ordered by following the instructions on the MDL listed under parts -> parts information -> forms -> VIN Plate or Label Order Form.

GROUP 52B - SRS AIRBAG

OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM REPLACEMENT  - 2014-15 Outlander.  The occupant classification unit (combined occupant classification module with integrated occupant classification sensor) is attached to the underside of the right front seat cushion not the seat frame. There is a detachable connector between the two parts that suggest they are separate, but they are one part and not available separately. To replace the occupant classification unit, you must replace the seat cushion (PNC 75004R). The seat frame is not fitted with any occupant classification parts.

GROUP 54 - CHASSIS ELECTRICAL

2014-15 MIRAGE HANDS FREE SYSTEMS  - 2014 -15 Mirage  . The 2014-15 Mirage can be equipped with one of three different Bluetooth® hands free systems.

1. Factory Installation - Standard Audio:  Operation is the same as other MMNA models, with the microphone built into the front dome light, and controls located on the steering wheel. Voice commands are available with this system.

   For help with diagnosis or operation of the standard audio only, contact JCI as you have for other models. 

2. Factory Installation - MMES Navigation:  System is built into the MMES unit. Microphone is built into the lower left of the display frame. Buttons and controls are on the touch screen. Voice commands are not available with this system.

   If you need assistance with diagnosis or operation of handsfree operation with the standard audio, contact JCI. 

3. Port/Dealer Installation:  Microphone is mounted on the windshield above the rear view mirror.

   Controls are located on the lower dash to the left of the steering wheel, next to the ASC OFF button. Voice commands are not available with this system.

   For help with diagnosis or operation of the MMES or the port/dealer installed system, contact Techline  . These systems are NOT supported by JCI. 

GROUP 60 - RECALLS AND CAMPAIGNS

TIN-14-SR-005-A: 2007 AND 2009 OUTLANDER AWD REPLACEMENT TRANSFER ASSEMBLY SAFETY RECALL. 2007-2009 Outlander  . The subject TIN was e-mailed to dealers on July 23, 2014, and states:

"A safety recall campaign will be released today for five 2007 and 2009 Outlander AWD vehicles installed with replacement (service part) transfer assemblies built November 9, 2011 - July 10, 2013. This recall campaign will be conducted in the U.S. and Canada. The Recall Bulletin outlining the repair procedure will be available today on MEDIC and MDL.

Due to improper manufacturing of the oil seal boss (hole) in certain replacement (service part) transfer assemblies, the oil seal can become out of position and allow for automatic transmission fluid (ATF) entry into the transfer assembly. Reduced ATF pressure in the transaxle could result in the inability to shift gears, and in the worst case scenario, the vehicle cannot be driven.

Dealers are requested to inspect the production date stamp on the transfer assembly to determine if the oil seal boss was properly manufactured and if necessary, replace the transfer assembly with a countermeasure unit.

Affected new vehicle inventory VINs can be reviewed on the Mitsubishi Dealer Link in the Most Recent: Open Campaign List  available under the service section of "e-reports". Dealers must review the Warranty Superscreen to confirm if any vehicles in their new or used vehicle inventories are affected, and conduct this campaign prior to delivering them."

TIN-14-SR-006-A: 2007-2013 OUTLANDER POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE ASSEMBLY SAFETY RECALL. 2007-13 Outlander  . The subject TIN was e-mailed to dealers on August 5, 2014, and states:

"A safety recall campaign will be released today for the power steering pressure hose assembly installed on certain 2013 Outlander built September 3, 2012 - March 29, 2013 and six replacement (service parts) automatic transaxles installed on certain 20072012 Outlanders. Do not deliver any affected 2013 Outlander built September 3, 2012 - March 29, 2013 until this recall has been performed.  This recall campaign will be conducted in the U.S. and Canada. The Recall Bulletin outlining the repair procedure will be available today on MEDIC and MDL.

The power steering pressure hose assembly on certain 2013 Outlander may have been installed with insufficient clearance to the automatic transaxle converter housing, possibly causing the power steering pressure hose assembly to rust from abrasive contact between the two components. In the worst case scenario, a pin hole could develop and allow for power steering fluid leakage, resulting in increased steering effort.

2012 and older Outlander vehicles were not manufactured with the subject automatic transaxles, however, a total of six replacement (service parts) were installed on certain 20072012 Outlanders.

Dealers are requested to replace the power steering pressure hose assembly and return tube on all affected vehicles.

Parts are only necessary when it is discovered that the power steering pressure hose assembly must be replaced. Due to the small quantity of affected vehicles, please note the following points below: 

• There will be no forced allocation of parts. 
• There will be no need to stock the parts. 
• Parts are available for repairs only, not for stocking. 

Please refer to Parts Bulletin 37-UT-01-14 for additional information. 

Affected new vehicle inventory VINs can be reviewed on the Mitsubishi Dealer Link in the Most Recent: Open Campaign List  available under the service section of "e-reports". Dealers must review the Warranty Superscreen to confirm if any vehicles in their new or used vehicle inventories are affected, and conduct this campaign prior to delivering them.