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Mitsubishi Mirage Repair Questions and Answers

Question:  1999 Mitsubishi Mirage  mileage 80,000. We just changed the alternator and jump started the car.  After a couple of minutes the engine light came on, the car beeped three times and then the car shut itself off. The car can't be restarted.  We jumped it a second time with the same results.

 Answer:  When a battery is disconnected or goes dead and then recharged, the anti-theft security system is activated causing the symptoms you described.   Try locking and unlocking the car with the remote or with the key in the driver side door lock.  This should reset the security system. 

Question: 1991 Mitsubishi Mirage  mileage: 123,000. I have a Mirage that died, I suspected the fuel pump and after removing the fuel tank, I tested the pump and it was good. So, I tested the wiring with a voltmeter and found it to be dead with the ignition on. I checked the fuse box and cannot find any blown fuses. I also checked the Haynes manual that I have for a wiring diagram to trace the wires but it does not show the fuel pump wires. Is there a relay or fuse that goes to the fuel pump?

Answer: From what you have told us, it appears you are going in the wrong direction. With the key on, you will not have 12 volts to the full pump. You will only have 12 volts to the pump when the engine is either cranking or running. It is not unusual for a fuel pump to test good after it has been removed from the tank due to the jarring when it is removed. However, when the pump is replaced, it is likely that it failed to start. There is a relay and a fuse but they are probably fine.

Question: 1993 Mitsubishi Mirage  mileage: 100,000. I am replacing the exhaust manifold. Old manifold has a some sort of sensor screwed into it, but the new one does not have a port for the sensor. Can the car function adequately without the sensor? What is the sensor?

Answer: The sensor you are referring to on the exhaust manifold is the oxygen sensor. It is an extremely important part of the computer management system for your engine.

Question:  1994 Mitsubishi Mirage  mileage: 70,000.  Keep in mind I am a car amateur, the kind that many mechanics prey on.  When I start the car, it takes a couple of extra seconds for the idle to go down.  When I am driving the car it seems like I *MIGHT* have lost a little bit of power.  Also, when I come to a stoplight the idle will rev up a little then go down kind of like this rrrrrrrRRRRRRRRRrrrrrrrrrrRRRRRRRRRrrrrrrrrRRRRRRRRRRrrrrr.   What could be the problem?

Answer:  Your car is equipped with a computer controlled engine management system.  An independent auto service center can scan your computer for fault or error codes.  The information should pinpoint the malfunctioning components.

Question:  1990 Mitsubishi mirage  mileage: 134,000.  Car is hard to start cold; check engine light is on; smell of raw fuel when starting.  What on earth could be wrong with my car?

Answer:   Get your car inspected immediately.  Leaking gasoline is an extreme fire hazard.  Especially have the seals on the fuel injectors checked.

Question:  1995 Mitsubishi Mirage mileage: 70,900.  This morning, my check engine light came on and stayed on.  I don't know what's wrong with it.  This is my first car.  I tried to take it to a repair shop, but was told to take it to a Mitsubishi dealership.  Do dealerships fix cars also or should I just take it to a different repair shop?

Answer: Try a different repair shop that has the proper equipment.  The “check engine” light will “light” when there is a malfunction in the engine management system.  The fault code is then stored in the computer.  The computer must be scanned to retrieve these stored faults to pinpoint the malfunctioning component.   Because the check engine light indicates something is wrong, a trip to you neighborhood automobile service center sooner rather than later is recommended.

Question:  1991 Mitsubishi Mirage  mileage: 113,665.  Thanks for you two doing this to help people.  You will be rewarded for it.  When I crank the car up in park, it idles fine, but when I put it in gear, it runs ruff and almost stops.  Please advise me on what you think the problem is.

Answer:   If a major tune-up has not been done recently, this could be the cause of your problem.  Replace the spark plugs, plug wires, fuel and air filters, etc.  Also, replace the oxygen sensor.  In addition, service the fuel injection system.  Clean the carbon deposits from the throttle bore and idle passages.  Also, check compression.

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