Mitsubishi Lancer 9 fan is constantly running. Excessive amount of antifreeze

Such a malfunction cannot be classified as “fatal” for the car, but it can create problems for the driver. In this case, the generator will operate with increased load, which accelerates its failure. Also low temperature coolant will not allow you to create comfortable conditions when traveling in the cold season on the Mitsubishi Lancer 9, fuel consumption will increase. The drivers of these cars can find and fix the problem; sometimes they don’t even need a car tester.

Where to start the search

First of all, check the coolant level in the engine, since insufficient level will cause rapid warming up and turning on of the fans. The cleanliness of the cooling surface of the radiators also has a huge impact. Contamination of the plates will not allow excess heat to be effectively removed. Blowing out the radiator with compressed air can solve this problem.

Check the functionality of the thermostat, as if it is closed, the coolant will overheat. You can check it without removing it from the engine. To do this, touch the lower radiator pipe, which should be hot. If this is not observed, disconnect the fan power connector and let the motor run. Heating the lower pipe will confirm that the thermostat is working properly, and the problem may be in the vehicle's electrical equipment.

What do they do in this case?

A car tester is used to check the temperature indicator sensor, which is installed in the thermostat housing. Disconnect the wires from it and measure its resistance with an ohmmeter. Automotive electricians have special tables of the resistance of this sensor depending on the coolant temperature. In a garage you can do without them. The device should not indicate whether the sensor is broken or short-circuited.

After this, the electronic fan control unit is checked. It can easily be found on the radiator frame of the engine cooling system. A harness consisting of three wires comes to it. They supply ground, + power and control signal from electronic unit engine control. You should carefully remove it from the machine, then disassemble it and solder all the contacts with a low-power soldering iron. If after such an operation the problem does not disappear, this unit will have to be replaced. Its acquisition is not a problem today. They are available in retail chains, as well as at car showrooms.

Numerous reviews of the Lancer 9 (Lancerf IX) allow us to judge this car as being of fairly high quality and reliable. But since perfect cars does not happen, there are small ones disadvantages and weaknesses of Lancer 9, which are worth paying attention to both Lancer IX owners and those who are just planning to purchase this car.

For each problem, we decided to find out the opinion of the website editor, and also the owner of Lancer 9.

Weaknesses Mitsubishi Lancer IX

Sensitivity to fuel quality

“92nd or 95th?” - a question that is relevant for all owners of Mitsubishi Lancer 9. Disputes regarding the octane number do not stop among owners to this day. The operating instructions say that you should refuel with gasoline with an octane rating of 92, 95 and higher. Often in Russia, 95 is made by adding additives to 92. As a result, it grows octane number, but the quality of the fuel deteriorates, causing engine parts to suffer. The solution may be to use 92-octane gasoline. The 98, according to the observations of some Lancer owners, can lead to engine overheating and valve failure.

Note from the website editor: I do not consider the described issue to be a direct disadvantage or weak point. I used it myself before (for about a year and a half, 95 gasoline - no problems). Today, I have been using the 92 for more than a year and no problems have arisen.

Fuel consumption Lancer 9

Fuel consumption is the first thing the owner pays attention to. For the 1.6 liter engine option, the most popular among car enthusiasts, the consumption is: in the city - 8-10 liters per 100 km, on the highway 6-9 liters per 100 km.

If consumption increases to 15 liters per 100 km even with a 1.6 liter engine, then this means that you need to pay attention to the catalyst. It is its contamination that leads to this high consumption fuel. The problem will be solved by replacing the catalyst. Ferrocene deposits contribute to catalyst failure. Ferrocene has a specific brick color and its deposits can be seen on the lambda probe and spark plugs, which in this case will also have to be replaced.

If there is a loss of power and increased gas mileage, then perhaps the reason lies in the throttle valve. Some car owners are foolishly advised to clean throttle valve, if cleaning is done ineptly, this procedure can lead to speed “floating”. So be careful.

Note from the editor: I have a Lancer 9 with a 1.3L engine. As you understand, there are no problems regarding consumption.

Air conditioner Lancer 9

By itself it does not cause problems. You only need to turn it on about once a week. This must be done even in winter. The goal is to prevent air conditioner seals from breaking. You can turn it on in winter as follows: first thoroughly warm up the interior with the heater, and only then turn on the air conditioning.

Note from the editor: to be honest, I have never heard of this procedure, so I can’t say anything about it, the air conditioner works great.

Water in the cabin Lancer 9

If there is a smell of dampness and rot in the car, it is most likely due to water that has penetrated inside the cabin. In some cases, water may enter through the plug between the passenger compartment and the wheel arch of the left front wheel. The problem can be solved simply: you need to remove the mudguard, bend the fender liner and vigorously put the plug in place.

Editor's Note: I have not encountered this issue.

Soundproofing Lancer 9

Sound insulation leaves much to be desired. This is especially true for sills and wheel arches.

Note from the editor: I completely agree. The noise insulation of Lancer 9, unfortunately, is inferior to European cars. But in general this is weak point almost all "Japanese". Soon we plan to post an article on our website on do-it-yourself soundproofing Lancer IX.

Lancer 9 headlights fogging

Caused by the design of the headlights and can occur in wet weather. Eliminated by turning on the low beam. If this does not help, then it makes sense to contact the service center under warranty. In general, the problem can be solved by cleaning ventilation holes and lubricating them with sealant.

Note from the editor: fogging of headlights can also occur after unsuccessful tuning, when their sealing is broken.

Disadvantages of Lancer 9 optics

Owners have repeatedly noted that the brightness of the headlights is clearly not enough. Solved by replacing the low beam headlights and high beam more suitable in brightness, or by installing xenon.

Note from the editor: I remind you that installing xenon lamps in headlights not intended for this purpose is prohibited. But no one will stop you from “collective farming” or installing special lenses.

Enough high cost official spare parts and service Lancer 9

Lancer is too expensive for a golf car original spare parts And maintenance. Of course, costs can be reduced by using suitable aftermarket parts.

Note from the editor: I agree about original spare parts, but there are a huge number of analogues on the market, so there are ways to reduce the cost of service without compromising quality.

Brake discs Lancer 9

Admittedly weak Mitsubishi place Lancer IX. Already by the first maintenance they will need to be replaced, and at high speeds when braking they will “lead”. In some cases, they may crack or even split.

Note from the editor: you, of course, got excited about the first maintenance. I myself encountered the problem of driven disks, but this happened during the mileage, about 80 thousand km.

Lancer 9 suspension

The suspension is hard. So long trips are not very good roads may tire you.

Note from the editor: of course, there are as many opinions as there are people, but I don’t think the Lancer 9’s suspension is too stiff.

Brittle paint coating

Insufficient strength of enamel can easily lead to cracks and chips, which in turn leads to rust.

Note from the editor: I myself noticed small chips on the rear door sills around 85 thousand km. mileage

Among the minor shortcomings, I would also like to note the very modest size of the trunk for a city sedan and the not very good location of the washer reservoir under the hood in a cold place, so you won’t be able to dilute the anti-freeze with water and save money.

In conclusion, we can say that the Mitsubishi Lancer IX still has much more advantages than disadvantages, and with proper timely maintenance, it will faithfully serve its owner without causing any special problems in operation.

Mitsubishi Lancer 9. Antifreeze leaks from the expansion tank (antifreeze level drops)

During operation, any motor experiences serious loads and its temperature rises significantly. The heat obtained as a result of combustion is partially transferred to the engine.
To avoid overheating power plant and its failure, experts suggested using antifreeze. It did not appear immediately; initially, ordinary distilled water and antifreeze were used in older car models.
Antifreeze is a mixture of purified water, ethylene glycol and glycerin. To enhance the properties and extend the service life, manufacturers use branded additives. Prevents foam formation, protects against corrosion and increases resistance to temperature changes.

You need to pay attention to the color of the antifreeze in the expansion tank. If it's red, it's better to use red. Mixing antifreeze of different colors is not recommended. This impairs performance and leads to the appearance of sediment.
It is impossible to give a definite answer to the question. There are pitfalls and currents regarding the features of car operation. It is necessary to establish the causes of the antifreeze leak and then take corrective action.
It is recommended to update antifreeze at least once every 2 years. If the coolant level warning system frequently triggers, you need to look for leaks. Even after using the car for a long time, antifreeze only needs to be added in very small quantities.

Main reasons

Formation of microcracks in expansion tank
-Cooling system connections are not securely connected
-Formation of cracks in hoses or pipes
- Worn thermostat gasket
-Dirt on the radiator
-Broken radiator
-Coolant has entered the motor oil

Reasons for a decrease in the level of antifreeze in the expansion tank:

1. The expansion tank cap is not tightly closed

Common reason coolant leaks. Occurs due to the driver’s carelessness and carelessness. A loose expansion tank cap does not hold back the pressure of the incoming coolant. Antifreeze oozes through a loose connection.

The evaporating antifreeze turns into a whitish haze. To eliminate the malfunction, the lid is tightly clamped.

2. Damage to the expansion tank

If the damage is above the antifreeze level, it will be difficult to notice.

A visual inspection with the engine running and warm quickly reveals the location of the leak. The tank is being replaced since it cannot be repaired. After repair, after a certain period of time, the problem makes itself felt again.

3. Damage to hoses, tubes and their connections to the radiator

Hoses and tubes of the engine cooling system are exposed to aggressive environments. Changes in temperature, oil, brake fluid and other chemicals.
When it gets on the rubber elements of hoses and tubes, it causes damage after some time. Invisible at first glance, and visually difficult to find at the initial stage.

To eliminate the malfunction, replace damaged hoses and tubes. It won't take much time and can be done without outside help.

4. Excessive amount of antifreeze

Expansion tank has a mark on the surface where antifreeze must be poured. Makes up exactly half of the total capacity of the tank.
Manufacturers have provided a special overflow hole. When the amount of antifreeze in the tank becomes critically large, it begins to flow out through the overflow hole. To prevent similar cases Fill in antifreeze to the mark.

5. Damage to the radiator

The radiator is located at the front of the car and is used to cool the antifreeze circulating in the engine cooling system. While the car is moving, the radiator absorbs small stones, dust and small particles of dirt with oncoming air flows.

Frequently flying stones and small gravel can damage the surface of the radiator and compromise its integrity. Antifreeze begins to leak out through the damage. The level can drop quickly and it all depends on the degree and size of the damage.

Finding the place where the radiator is depressurized is not always easy, so if you are sure that it is because of it that antifreeze is leaking, then you need to dismantle it. Then all the holes in the radiator are plugged except one and placed in water. A hose with air is connected to the hole that remains open. The air will find its way out of the radiator just through the gap, so it is very easy to find the location of the defect using the bubbles. In the case of a hole in the tube, you can simply clamp both ends of it, but this elimination of antifreeze leak gradually leads to a deterioration in heat dissipation.

If you do not want to remove the radiator, you can use a special sealant. It can be gel or powder. The first one is better, because it is harmless, but eliminating an antifreeze leak with a powder sealant will subsequently lead to clogging of the channels in the stove radiator. The way to eliminate antifreeze leaks using gel sealant is very simple, since you just need to pour it into the cooling system, and it will find the place of depressurization and when it comes into contact with air, it will chemical reaction and the sealant will dry out.

6.Engine

One of the most unpleasant types of antifreeze leakage is its appearance in the engine combustion chamber. Identified by white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. In the air in the area exhaust pipe a sweetish smell appears. This is the first sign of antifreeze combustion along with fuel.

Another sign of antifreeze getting into the engine is the appearance white plaque on the oil dipstick. Carrying out car repairs on your own is problematic without the use of special equipment.

To quickly detect the loss of antifreeze from the tank, you need to look under the hood of the car more often. This will help you respond faster to faults and perform renovation work with minimal material costs. A deficiency of antifreeze has a negative effect on engine cooling.

Other reasons

The worst thing is if an antifreeze leak is detected from under the head. To begin with, you can tighten the cylinder head, but for this you need to know the tightening pattern and have a torque wrench. If this does not help, then you will have to disassemble the engine and change the gasket.

It may be that the antifreeze does not escape through the gasket to the outside, but into the engine. This is determined by gray smoke from the exhaust pipe, which resembles steam, or by the oil dipstick if there is a white coating on it.

Sometimes it happens that the coolant level drops, but no traces of leakage can be found on the engine. In this case, you need to look for an antifreeze leak in the cabin. On the driver's side and also on the passenger's side, you need to lift the carpet. If the rug is wet or there is damp underneath, it means antifreeze is leaking from the heater radiator.

The cheapest way to eliminate such a defect is the same gel sealant of the cooling system. If it does not give the desired result, then you will have to remove the stove radiator and solder it or change it. The bad thing is that in order to remove the heater core you need to completely disassemble the front panel, because otherwise you simply won’t be able to get to it. If the stove radiator is not expensive, then it is better to replace it, because soldering will not guarantee the same quality.