Allen’s question:
My 2004 Mitsubishi has brakes that pulse when I stop fast. I thought it was the brake rotors being warped, so I changed the brake pads and rotors out. But it’s still pulsing. What could it be?”
Answer:
Well, that normally will fix such a problem, but since it didn’t in your case, here’s the two other common possibilities. First, you could have rust or debris on the hub, so when you put the new rotors on, they aren’t sitting flat. This is called Run Out, and it will cause brake pulsing. And second, make sure the pins on both brake callipers are properly lubricated and aren’t binding, because if they are binding, you will get pulsation. If those two pins on each side can’t slide back and forth smoothly, the brakes will pulse on fast stops.
Oscar Elias’s question:
” My 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer blower stays on even when ignition off. I turned off the switch and the blower turned off but the next day the battery was discharged. I’m thinking it’s a relay switch that stuck in the open position. Please help. “
Answer:
Definitely check out the blower fan relay, as that’s a magnetic induction switch and it can stay on when it breaks and leaves the contact switch in the ON position. Let’s hope it’s something that simple, BECAUSE everything on modern day cars is computer controlled and sometimes the computer controls go bad and send electricity across the wrong circuit boards, giving power to accessories like the blower that shouldn’t be getting power. Things are MUCH more complex than they used to be, and from a repair perspective, this is often NOT a good thing.
Maria’s question:
” We have a 1996 Mitsubishi Outlander and it was running good til lately it is making a loud noise like screeching when you start it but it will go away as soon as I drive the car I wonder what is wrong with it.”
Answer:
You probably just have a worn, loose fan belt. Have the fan belts checked. Tighten them up if they are loose, and replace any that are cracked and worn. Also have the water pump and alternator checked, because if their bearings get worn, it will make the fan belts get loose and screech. BUT, normally it’s just a loose or worn fan belt.
Sam’s question:
” I’m in desperate need of a new and more reliable vehicle and have sort of down-selected to the 2009 Toyota Corolla Base and the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer ES models. I noticed you have the 2008 Toyota Corolla on your web site as one of the cars you’ve test driven. But do you know anything about the Lancers? I know that the MPG is substantially better for the Corolla (~27 city/35 hwy) versus the Lancer (~22/29). But the Lancer comes with a lot more standard equipment and I can get it at a price below dealer invoice through my company’s discount program. (The Toyota salespeople generally don’t want to negotiate on price and even seem a little arrogant.) Also, in my opinion, the Lancer is a better looking car. Do you have any additional knowledge about either of these cars? I’m looking for general information on reliability and maintenance costs. I’ve tried Consumer Reports and similar sites, but I just thought you might have some inside information. Thanks for your time.”
Answer:
Stick to the Toyota. Mitsubishis aren’t half the cars that Toyotas are. They have numerous electrical and transmission problems (if you’re buying and automatic like most people do, the standard trannies are OK but the Autos are not.) They don’t stand the test of time like a Corolla (my personal work car is a 1981 Corolla and the AC still blows cold with the original compressor still on it.) Yea, they cost less and you think they look cuter, but let the buyer beware. There’s a reason the toyotas cost more, cause they last longer and break down much less frequently than any other car out there that is mass produced.
Peter’s question:
“I have a Mitsubishi Galant 2.0L. 104,000 miles. Problem: A/C blowing hot air. I do not hear the compressor clicking on/off. The belt is good and I do not see any disconnected wires. Everything was running well on Monday but today the system is not cooling. You did work on my car about 4 years ago and loosened a sticky A/C valve with some Aussie Oil. The system has lasted a long time all with original equipment.”
Answer:
You could just be low on refrigerant, that’s the easiest to fix and the most common problem. Hook up a set of gauges and see what the pressure is, if it’s low, then just add refrigerant and some AC oil and see what happens.
