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Abes
P.S. I would like to
thank Mr. Vivona for
refering me to his
article on cleaning
your throttle body,
very helpful, thanks
Thanks!
I'm Jack and I have 1995 Diamante LS with DOHC engine, currently my car has 81,000 miles.
I have experienced with the same problem as Michelle "mkc" has. I'm taking my car to the dealer tomorrow for the repair. I hope that it will not break my budget and dealer will not rip me off on the invoice.
Michelle would you send me email with answer what was the problem with your dying Diamante?
My email is jackper22@yahoo.com
Thanks a lot in advance!
Jack
Streamwood, IL
P.S. I'm happy that I have found this forum!
Mr. Vivona
Will e-mail you as well. Mine turned out to be the idle control motor had shorted out - "old age and mileage", they said.
With oil change (needed anyway) it came to $607.
Ouch!
Michelle
They told me the road noise is caused by the tread on the tires on the outside being worn - I beleive they used the words cupped.
When I asked how this might happen the dealer said tire pressure or alignment. They offered to sell me new tires but this seems like a waste since the Goodyear GA have a lot of tread life left.
Why should I do?
I got your email. Thank You very much for your quick response. You really helped me out, coz I know what should I check to fix the problem I'm having right now with my Diamante.
I see your problem went away but it cost you $600 to get it done. Ouch!
Thanks again Michelle!
Jack
Since your e-mail to me mentioned that your D would still idle, I would suspect it might not be an idle control motor. In my case, once the engine had warmed up, the car would die unless I kept my foot on the accelerator. When it was cold, there was no evidence of a problem.
Also, a drop in idle under load (from 1000 in neutral to 650-800 in drive) might indicate something like a vacuum leak, air/fuel mixture, spark, etc. some of which are controlled by the ECM using readings from the sensors. I think the MAP sensor is one specifically which adjusts air/fuel/spark based on engine load.
If you search the Web on Mitsubishi Trouble Codes, you should come across the instructions for using a voltmeter to probe the Data Link Connector near the fuse box (I found it at www.batauto.com/mitsu.html ). It also tells how to read the 12V pulses and then what these codes mean. Long pulses occur first, which represent the "10's" place, followed by short pulses, which are "1's". Then it repeats.
So if you get 1 long pulse followed by 3 short pulses, this translates to trouble code 13 and the lookup chart says this is Intake Air Temp Sensor Fault.
Multiple codes (they start with the lowest number and go up, so for example I got a 13, 25, 31) probably mean something else has failed.
Typically, the Check Engine Light comes on if there's a true sensor fault (but not always).
You mentioned your D is a '95 with 80-something K. How recently have you had the EFI system serviced (plugs, wires, fuel filter, fuel-injector cleaning)?
As a data point, my D now idles in park with no load around 650 rpm and in drive or park with A/C on at around 1000 rpm. Idle is steady with no significant fluctuations (although the park-idle seems a little low and I keep forgetting to check the under-hood sticker to see what spec is (it's an ES, which should be SOHC, I believe).
Mr. Vivona - any wisdom you can share on Jack's symptoms I'm sure would benefit all as well.
Michelle
I have had this problem at 6,000 miles, 11,000 miles, and now again at 21,000 miles.
Would like to know if there are any fixes out there that work, for longer than 10K miles. Also, does anyone know any contacts at Mitsubishi to call about this. I have called dealers and customer relations only to get told 'no problems'.
Thanks in advance.
Instead of going back and forth with Mitsubishi about this issue, I proactively replaced my original rotors (which indeed got warped) with Beck/Arnley rotors that can be ordered at NAPA auto parts or Kragen for less than $200.00 a pair, tax included. Installing them is a snap, it took me 30 minutes for both.
If you follow Mr. Vivona's directions, they should not give you any problems in the future. Stay away from manufacturer's rotors, my Mitsubishi service advisor told me so. IMO $200.00 is a small price to pay for peace of mind, and the unnecessary aggravation for dealing with the manufacturer. Hope this will help.
I'm getting prepared now to replace all my disc brake pads and have started buying all the gear I need to do the job.
I've read some reviews and now have opted to try out the EBC "Green Stuff" brake pads (US$79) for the front. They unfortunately do not have pads for the rear so I will probably go for MetalMaster for the rear ($49).
Now I'm toying with the idea of replacing the rotors as well with some "vented" ones eventhough my current rotors are working perfectly fine ( you have to understand my logic...got to spend the money somehow rather than just spend it on something silly like food and housing ;-) )
What I want to know is what are the actual steps to replace the rotors. I've read the "poor" Chiltons manual and it looks *too* simple to be true!
Any "gotcha's" to watch out for, eg. like make sure you have so and so part before proceeding???
-C-
It's me again! I recently had a problem with my Diamante. It was the same problem as Michelle had with her Diamante. The problem was in idle speed control motor. When the engine had warmed up, the car would die unless I kept the foot on the gas. There was no problem when it the engine was cold.
Therefore, looking at the Michelle's "mkc" post on this forum, I purchased this part and have it replaced by my mechanic. Everything took only 10 minutes and now my car runs OK! I can even say that engine has more power and I can't feel upshifting or downshifting of the transmission that occured before replacing the ISC motor.
My bill was for $450.00
Towing $125 + parts & labor $325.00
Thanks a lot Michelle! Once again you don't know how much you helped me with my car's problem )
Jack
Streamwood, IL
1995 Diamante LS (DOHC)
Glad to hear I saved you $150 over what my repair cost ;-)
I guess I'd misread the e-mail you sent directly to me as well - I thought in your e-mail you were reporting a low/rough idle problem, not the actual warm engine stalling one.
Out of curiousity, let us know how your gas mileage is over the next several tanks. I'm not sure how much timing/idle speed setting was done by my dealer when they replaced my ISC motor, but I went from a typical 22.5-23.5 mpg (for the past 6 years) to 24.5 on the second tank of gas after the repair and 25.5 on the 3rd tank since. This is the highest fuel economy I've ever gotten in this car, and it has 125K miles on it.
Michelle
Overall I would rate this the best car I have ever owned so far. I love the comfort, power, and style.
Regrets: Black paint! I will never by black again. Silver next time, or blue.
Problems: I had all 4 of my tires replaced by good year for excessive run-out and really bad vibration. The new tires were then balanced at the dealership. Its a lot better but Im getting ready to take it back for this again.
I also had a rattle in my dash that the dealer fixed.
I love this car. I just want my vibration fixed! I am going to see if they will put a different brand tire on.
I have had it for nearly two years and 24,000 miles, and have had only two minor problems with it, that were easily fixed by the dealer.
However, I'm starting to have a few problems with my brakes (which have been well documented here), so timtran's advice in the earlier post has been printed out -- we just need to find a good Japanese import shop that can install them.
--Susan--
The only problem area noted with the 92-95 is moderate problems with the timing belt on the DOHC engine and occasional failure of the Idle Speed Control motor. The 92-94 also shows a moderate problem with air conditioning but that is only because up to 94, Diamantes (like most cars) have R-12 Freon and all cars with R-12 Freon get that rating because repairs are expensive due to the cost and scarcity of R-12.
The 96-99 has no problem areas at all.
It is interesting to note that no year of Diamante shows a problem with brakes. This supports the research I did for my Diamonds and Pearls article on brake pulsation which said that the brake problem in a minor occurence that is created by overtightening of lug nuts or improper shop practice during brake repairs.
To check out the Diamante reliability ratings, visit http://carpoint.msn.com/Vip/UsedRelOver/Mitsubishi/Diamante/Used.asp
Mr. Vivona
On page 4-9 there is a diagram and instructions on how to check and replace the motor. It is called the Idle Air Control motor in Chiltons, but it is the same thing as the Idle Speed Control. It is mounted on the throttle body and turns the throttle shaft. The repair procedure in Chiltons is simplified and will get you going. To set up a new Idle Speed Control motor takes the procedure listed in the official Mitsubishi Diamante Service Manual for your year of Diamante. You can order that manual from Magauto (see below), but expect it to cost over $100.
If you need the part, check the price with http://www.magauto.com/mitsubishi.html who sells at wholesale to the public.
Mr. Vivona
1. What does the remote entry do? I have only seen a galant remote and it only locks an unlocks the doors. Other cars have a panic button and trunk opener and was wondering if the diamante's remote does this?
2. What does the engine require/prefer in term of fuel octane?
3. One of the options listed on edmunds was a luxury group. How do I tell if the car has this?
I also wanted opinions and what to look out for? I like these cars because they are sleepers in the market and sell for less than competing models. Thanks
I just replaced my idle speed motor and I did not set it up coz I don't know if it has to be done or not. I just reviewed service manual and there is nothing said that new idle motor has to be set up. Please tell me if there's something wrong if I (we) put new motor without setting this up?
Please note that after replacing it my transmission works funny-sometimes goes smoothly and sometimes rough and it jerks (I can feel downshifts).
Thanks for any answer regarding this matter.
Jack
1995 LS (DOHC)
1. What does the remote entry do? I have only seen a galant remote and it only locks an unlocks the doors. Other cars have a panic button and trunk opener and was wondering if the diamante's remote does this?
The remote entry locks and unlocks the doors, has a panic button and trunk opener.
2. What does the engine require/prefer in term of fuel octane?
Premium is preferred, but not required. If you fill with regular, the anti-knock sensor will adjust the engine to work with it, but your performance will be slightly less. If you fill with premium, the engine will work at full power.
3. One of the options listed on edmunds was a luxury group. How do I tell if the car has this?
I have a 1999 Diamante and they sold it as a base model with different upgrade groups, rather than in the ES or LS designation as they have done in all other years. I don't know what the luxury group added to the LS model in 1998. You might want to make a list of all the standard and optional features listed and see what may be missing. Perhaps one of the other online car sites will provide you with more information.
Mr. Vivona
Mr. Vivona
Mr. Vivona
Thank you so much for your response.
I wouldn't imagine that after replacing idle speed control motor some adjustments have to be done. I will go to ahead and have it checked by my mechanic using digital voltometer.
I have one more question. Why transmission and its jerking problem has something to do with TPS?
Is it connected together? Is this only in Diamantes or is it regular thing that most cars have?
Regards,
Jackieboy
Thank you, Timtran, for the rotor information. I also want to replace mine and don't want to go through the hassle with the dealer. However, I am unable to locate any. I even tried NAPA as you suggested. They only listed rotors for the rear. What year is your Diamante? Mine is a 2000. If yours is a 2000 or the rotors are the same as on a 2000, can you give me the Beck/Arnley part number? Anyone else with info on where to get aftermarket parts for Diamante, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Tom
Note: Whoever wants my original brake rotors (21K miles) is welcome to have them, just for the asking. They are good for people who primarily do city driving, where brake pulsation is not a problem.
Mr. Vivona
Thanks again for your info and another details about TPS & Transmission. As of today I haven't had time to go to my mechanic and have it checked and measured using digital voltmeter. Hopefully I will do this during the weekend.
Peace!
jackieboy
Did anyone notice that too?
They used to have 92 Octane, and just recently and and without fanfare replaced it with 91 Octane.
What state are you in and what gas company sells 93 octane?
-C-
I live in Streamwood, IL - 40 miles from Chicago.
Premium fuel (93 octane) I bought at Mobil.
I used to buy gas from CLARK or AMOCO but I recently found one MOBIL station that has premium fuel for lower prices than others - $1.79/gallon;
jackieboy
Mr. Vivona
Other things to replace during the belt replacement are the drive belts, the timing belt tensioner and, at 82K miles, it may be good practice to replace the water pump. The reason to replace the water pump is that you can only get to it by taking off the timing belt, so while you are in there anyway, many mechanics recommend to go ahead and put a new water pump in. However, water pumps last for a long time and I have had dealers tell me they leave the water pump in place if it isn't leaking or the shaft is not wobbly. Another thing to look at are the gear shaft oil seals. If you see any oil leaking from the shaft of any of the gears that the timing belt goes around, replace the seal while you are in there. If you are not doing the work yourself, ask your mechanic to look at the things I mentioned above.
And, if you need any parts, such as the water pump, tensioner, seals, etc, once again, I recommend only genuine Mitsubishi parts to be sure of quality and fit.
Mr. Vivona
Both of our cars are the same color, but her 2002 has the redesigned front and back. I notice that they have added power lumbar control, steering wheel audio controls, the luminescent dash and immobilizer security keys since my 1999 Diamante. Other than that, we are driving essentially the same cars. How cute... his and her Diamantes!
By the way, if you can find leftover 2001 Diamantes, they are offering a customer incentive of $2,500 PLUS a dealer cash incentive of $1,000 on 2001 models. We had the opportunity to buy a 2001 LS for $3,500 under invoice, but it was green with tan leather and my wife just didn't like the color. The 2001 incentives also expire after September 30, 2001.
Mr. Vivona
...For the life of me, I do not understand why you did not pull the old "Oh Honey... why don't you take my ole' car while I'll go ahead and buy me a new one..." trick???
It worked for me...hehe!
Sigh...
-C-
Also, I only have 21,000 miles on mine and I have made a few modifications that I like, like adding an underseat drawer to the passenger seat. The new LS has a power passenger seat and that takes up the room that is needed for the drawer. I like the cassette player in my 1999 because I sing as a hobby and I can set the cassette player to repeat a selection while I learn the song. Though I could burn single song CD's and use the repeat function, it is just easier to have one tape of 20 songs and pick my song and let it repeat. If I ever want to add a CD player to my car, it will be easier than adding a cassette player to hers.
And, like her, I get attached to a car and I really like my 1999.
Mr. Vivona
Tom