Tech Talk (TT208)

GROUP 25 - Propeller Shaft

4WD COUPLER DIAGNOSIS 2007&later Outlander, 2011&later Outlander Sport/RVR  . When diagnosing affected 4WD units for noise or a binding condition, be aware the 4WD coupling (PNC 34266) and rear carrier assembly are available as individual parts. In some cases, replacing the 4WD coupling unit has resolved concerns without replacing the rear carrier assembly.

With the scan tool, the 4WD ECU data list can be monitored for "Coupling current" which can range from 0 to 3 Amps. Lower amperage (0 Amps) indicates the coupler is unlocked (i.e. 2WD mode) while higher amperage indicates the coupler is locked (i.e. in 4WD and/or accelerating). If the data is not to spec, diagnose the coupler using the service manual and replace it if diagnosis directs you to.

GROUP 33 - Front Suspension

VEHICLE DRIFTS TO LEFT OR RIGHT WHILE DRIVING - All  . If a customer reports the vehicle pulls one way or the other or the steering wheel is off center, before performing an alignment, review TSB-03-33-001REV. It discusses several diagnosis and repair steps and is written to help you fully understand the customer's concerns so that you can make the correct repair.

Out of spec wheel alignment can cause steering drift, but drift can also be induced by outside forces, such as road crown, cross winds or tire issues. Make sure you understand all of the factors behind the customer's report prior to beginning repairs.

GROUP 42A - Body

FRONT WINDOW LOOSE, CROOKED, NOISEY (INC. RATTLES) 2013-14 Outlander Sport/RVR  . If a customer reports that either front window is not traveling up/down correctly or there are squeaks or rattles from the area, it may be caused by loose or under-torqued window mounting bolts.

To repair this condition, use the service manual to remove the inner door panel:

1. Remove the bolts labelled A and B in the following illustration.
2. Apply a non-permanent thread locking compound (e.g. LocTite) following instructions on the container. The locking compound should be appropriate for the application.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for nuts C and D.
4. Torque fasteners to the upper end of the torque specification shown in the illustration.
5. Test window travel then reinstall the inner door panel.
6. Test drive the vehicle on a road suitable to create any rattle or other noise and recheck window travel.

   Please supply a PQR for any repairs made for this condition on vehicles produced after November, 2013.

GROUP 51 - Exterior

EXTERIOR MIRROR IMAGE DISTORTION - 2013-14 Outlander Sport/RVR  . If replacing a door mirror for a distorted image, it is not necessary to replace the mirror assembly. Refer to ASA CAPS using PNC 70020L or 70020R to obtain the correct part number.

Mirror glass replacement instructions are found in the service manual under Group 51 - Exterior -> Outside Mirror -> Removal and Installation.

Claims submitted for mirror assembly replacement where replacing only the glass would repair the vehicle are subject to chargeback.

GROUP 54 - Chassis Electrical

FACTORY INSTALLED FOG LIGHT SWITCH TO BE STANDARD - 2014 Outlander Sport/RVR  . Beginning the first week of December, 2013, ALL Outlander Sport/RVRs were equipped with a combination switch assembly (turn signals, headlights) with an integral fog light switch. With this feature, installation of accessory fog lights on vehicles not equipped with them is made easier.

DIAGNOSING A NO START AFTER REPAIRS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT - 2011-2014 Outlander Sport/RVR  . If you've just made repairs in the engine compartment of the subject vehicle and now have a "no start" condition, be advised that connectors B114 and B115 are identical and both are in close proximity to each other on the intake side of the 4B11 engine. They can easily be cross-connected. Connector B114 contains the starter signal wire and B115 is for the compressor clutch. If these connectors are swapped, the vehicle will not start, and wire color is the only way to determine the correct connection.

If you find it necessary to disconnect B114 and B115 at the same time, use a marker or colored tape on one connector to make identification easier. Be particularly aware of this if a vehicle is towed in from an outside shop or body shop with a no start condition.

GROUP 55 - Heater, A/C&Ventilation

HVAC DOES NOT BLOW COLD - 2013-14 Outlander Sport/RVR built prior to the middle of October, 2013  . If a customer reports the air conditioning does not blow cold or is not cold enough, perform normal diagnostics, including checks for refrigerant leaks. Before checking for leaks, confirm the system is charged enough to allow A/C operation and recharge if necessary. With the system operating, use an electronic leak detector to check for leaks at Schrader valves and hose connections to the evaporator at the engine compartment bulkhead. If there are no signs of leakage, turn the blower fan to medium speed and use the detector to check for traces of refrigerant in the air flow from the air outlets and from the evaporator drain. If the connections are tight and you detect leakage from the vents or drain, you may have a leaking evaporator unit. Please submit PQRs on issues with A/C evaporator leakage on units built after October 2013.

GROUP 66 - Accessories

WHISTLING NOISE HEARD WHEN DRIVING - 2014 Outlander  . Some drivers may report a shrill, flute-like noise heard when driving vehicles with the accessory roof rack (MZ314636) starting at 35 mph (56 kph). The noise may be from an incorrectly installed, sized (cut) and/or missing rubber filler strip, located on the upper or lower surface of the crossbar.

The kit includes two filler strips. Use one full length filler strip for the top surface and cut the other strip as described on page 8 of the installation instructions (see illustration below). Make sure the strips are properly inserted and fill the channels in the cross bar completely.

Filler strips are not available separately. When installing the roof rack, place any excess filler strip in the glovebox and advise the customer what they are.

REMOTE ENGINE START REGISTRATION - All with factory remote engine start option  . The remote engine start registration instructions chart has been updated and is available on the MDL: service >> service tech resources >> Service Related Items >> Technical Worksheets.

It is important to pay attention when instructed to complete a step within a given time. If you do not complete the required action within that time, the procedure will not complete successfully and you must start over. Some of these time sensitive actions can be difficult to complete, unless you give them your full attention  .

A video of the procedure is located on the MDL. From the MDL main page, select: service -> systems -> Techline -> Techline Videos. Though it is listed separately under several models, all links open the same video (GS-Remote Engine Starter). The video also applies to Outlander Sport. The page is in the process of being updated with the latest information  .