Mitsubishi Lancer 9 fan is constantly running. Damage to expansion tank

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 work with increased load, which accelerates its failure. Also, the low temperature of the coolant will not allow you to create comfortable conditions when traveling in the cold season on the Mitsubishi Lancer 9, and fuel consumption will increase. The drivers of these cars can find and fix the malfunction, sometimes they don't even need a car tester.

Where to start the search

First of all, check the level of the coolant in the engine, since an insufficient level will cause a quick warm-up and turn on the fans. Also, the cleanliness of the cooling surface of the radiators has a huge impact. Dirt on the plates will prevent excess heat from being dissipated efficiently. Blowing compressed air into the radiator can solve this problem.

Check the operation 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, and the problem may be in the car's electrical equipment.

What do they do in this case

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

After that, the electronic fan control unit is checked. It can be easily found on the radiator frame of the engine cooling system. A harness consisting of three wires is suitable for it. They provide ground, + power, and a control signal from the ECM. It should be carefully removed from the machine, then disassemble and solder all contacts with a low-power soldering iron. If after such an operation the problem persists, you will have to replace this unit. Its acquisition is not a problem today. They are available in retail chains, as well as at car dismantling sites.

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Mitsubishi Lancer 9. Antifreeze flows from the expansion tank (antifreeze level falls)

Any motor in the process of work experiences serious stress and its temperature rises significantly. The heat generated by combustion is partially transferred to the engine.
In order to avoid overheating of the power plant and its failure, experts suggested using antifreeze. It did not appear immediately; initially, ordinary distilled water and antifreeze were used in old models of cars.
Antifreeze is a mixture of purified water, ethylene glycol and glycerin. Manufacturers use proprietary additives to enhance properties and extend the life of the product. Prevents foam formation, protects against corrosion and increases resistance to temperature extremes.

It is necessary to pay attention to the color of the antifreeze in the expansion tank. If it is red it is better to use red. Mixing different colors of antifreeze is not recommended. This deteriorates the performance, leads to the appearance of sludge.
It is impossible to give an unambiguous answer to the question. There are pitfalls and currents concerning the peculiarities of car operation. It is necessary to establish the reasons for the leakage of antifreeze and then take measures to eliminate the malfunction.
It is recommended to renew the antifreeze at least once every 2 years. If the coolant level warning system is frequently triggered, it is necessary to look for leaks. Even after prolonged use of the vehicle, only very small amounts of antifreeze need to be topped up.

Main reasons

Microcracking in the expansion vessel
-The connections of the cooling system do not have a reliable connection
-Cracking of hoses or pipes
- Wear of the thermostat gasket
-Dirt on the radiator
-Broken radiator
-Coolant has entered the engine oil

Reasons for reducing the level of antifreeze in the expansion tank:

1.Loakly closed expansion tank cap

A common cause of coolant leaks. It occurs due to the carelessness and imprudence of the driver. An unscrewed expansion tank cap does not restrain the incoming coolant pressure. Antifreeze will ooze through a loose connection.

Evaporating antifreeze will turn into a whitish haze. To eliminate the malfunction, the cover 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 a hot engine running quickly reveals a leak. The tank is being replaced, as its repair is not possible. After repair, after a certain interval of time, the problem makes itself felt again.

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

The hoses and pipes of the motor cooling system are exposed to corrosive media. Temperature changes, oils, brake fluid and other chemicals.
Getting on the rubber elements of hoses and pipes, after some time, cause them to be damaged. Imperceptible at first glance, and visually difficult to find at the initial stage.

To eliminate the malfunction, the damaged hoses and tubes are replaced. It doesn't take long and can be done without assistance.

4. Excessive amount of antifreeze

The expansion tank has a mark on the surface along which antifreeze must be poured. It 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 through the overflow hole. To prevent such cases, antifreeze is poured 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 takes on small stones, dust and small particles of dirt with oncoming air flows.

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

It is not always easy to find the place of the radiator depressurization, so if you are sure that it is because of it the antifreeze is flowing, 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 place of the defect by the bubbles. In the case of a hole in the tube, you can simply clamp both of its ends, but such elimination of the antifreeze leak gradually leads to a deterioration in heat removal.

If you do not want to remove the radiator, then you can use a special sealant. It can be gel or powder. The first is better, because it is harmless, but the elimination of the antifreeze leak with the help of powder sealant will lead to clogging of the channels in the stove radiator in the future. The way to eliminate the leakage of antifreeze with the help of a gel sealant is very simple, since you just need to pour it into the cooling system, and he himself will find the place of depressurization and, upon contact with air, a chemical reaction will occur and the sealant will thicken.

6.Motor

One of the most annoying types of antifreeze leaks is when it appears in the engine's combustion chamber. Detected by white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. A sweetish odor appears in the air around the exhaust pipe. This is the first sign of antifreeze burning with fuel.

Another sign of antifreeze entering the engine is the appearance of a white coating on the dipstick. It is problematic to repair a car on your own without the use of special equipment.

To quickly detect the departure of antifreeze from the tank, it is necessary to more often look under the hood of the car. This will help to quickly respond to malfunctions and carry out repair work with minimal material costs. Antifreeze deficiency negatively affects engine cooling.

Other reasons

Worst of all, if an antifreeze leak is detected from under the head. To begin with, you can stretch the block head, but for this you need to know the tightening scheme 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 go out through the gasket, but into the engine. This can be detected by gray smoke from the exhaust pipe, which resembles steam, or by the oil dipstick if there is a white deposit on it.

Sometimes it also happens that the coolant level drops, but it is impossible to find traces of leakage on the engine. In this case, you need to look for antifreeze leak in the cabin. On the driver's side as well as on the passenger side, the mat should be raised. If the rug is wet or damp underneath, it means that antifreeze is flowing from the heater radiator.

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

Numerous reviews of Lancerf IX (Lancerf IX) allow us to judge this car as a fairly high quality and reliable. But since there are no perfect cars, there are small weaknesses and weaknesses Lancer 9, which are worth paying attention to both the owners of Lancer IX and those who are just going to buy this car.

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

Weaknesses Mitsubishi Lancer IX

Fuel quality sensitivity

"92nd or 95th?" - a question that is relevant for all owners of Mitsubishi Lancer 9. Disputes over the octane number do not stop among the 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, the 95th is made by adding additives to the 92nd. As a result, the octane number rises, but the quality of the fuel deteriorates, from which the engine parts suffer. The solution may be to use 92nd gasoline. The 98th, according to the observations of some Lancer owners, can lead to engine overheating and valve failure.

Note from the editor of the site: I do not consider the described issue as a shortcoming or weak point. I used it myself before (for about a year and a half, 95th gasoline - there were no problems). Today, for more than a year I have been using the 92nd and there are no problems either.

Fuel consumption Lancer 9

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

If the 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 pollution that leads to such a large fuel consumption. The problem will be solved by replacing the catalyst. Deposits of ferrocene contribute to the failure of the catalyst. Ferrocene has a specific brick color and its deposits can be seen on the lambda probe and candles, which in this case will also have to be replaced.

If power is lost and gas consumption has increased, then perhaps the reason lies in the throttle valve. Some car owners are foolishly advised to clean the throttle valve; with inept cleaning, this procedure threatens to "float" the speed. So be careful.

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

Air conditioner Lancer 9

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

Note from the editor: to be honest, I've never heard of this procedure, so I can't say anything about this, the air conditioner works perfectly.

Water in the cabin Lancer 9

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

Note from the editor: did not encounter this problem.

Noise isolation Lancer 9

Noise isolation is poor. This is especially true for sills and wheel arches.

Note from the editor: I totally agree. Noise isolation Lancer 9, unfortunately, is inferior to European cars. But this, in general, is the weak point of almost all "Japanese". Soon we are planning to post an article on our website on soundproofing Lancer IX with our own hands.

Fogging headlights Lancer 9

Due to the design of the headlights and may appear in wet weather. Eliminated by turning on the dipped beam. If this does not help, then it makes sense to contact the service center for a guarantee. In general, the problem can be solved by cleaning the 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 optics Lancer 9

The owners have repeatedly noted that the brightness of the headlights is clearly not enough. It is solved by replacing the low and high beam headlights with more suitable brightness, or by installing xenon.

Note from the editor: I remind you that the installation of xenon lamps in headlights that are not designed for this is prohibited. But no one will bother you to "farm" or to install special lenses.

Quite high cost of official spare parts and service Lancer 9

For a golf-class car, Lancer has too high the cost of original parts and maintenance. Of course, costs can be reduced by using suitable non-original 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 maintenance without compromising quality.

Brake discs Lancer 9

The Mitsubishi Lancer IX is recognized as a weak point. Already by the first MOT they will need to be replaced, and at high speeds during braking they will "lead". In some cases, they can crack or even crack.

Note from the editor: Of course, you got excited about the first MOT. I myself ran into the problem of driven disks, but it happened during the run, somewhere in the 80 thousand km.

Suspension Lancer 9

Rigid suspension. So long journeys on not very good roads can be tiresome.

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

Brittle paintwork

Insufficient strength of the 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 thresholds of the rear door somewhere around 85 thousand km. mileage

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

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