Ask the Car People.SM


Mitsubishi Diamante

1497 messages,  Last post on Dec 03, 2011 at 12:40 PM

You are in the Mitsubishi Diamante Forum.

What is this discussion about? Mitsubishi Diamante, Sedan

Messages Page 79 of 151

#775 of 1497 92 Diamante by dangnabbit

Sep 10, 2002 (3:22 pm)

Greetings from St. Louis, folks.
 
I was wondering if you wouldn't mind helping me solve a few problems that I've got with my 1992 Mitsubishi Diamante. I bought it new; it's got 170,000 miles and still running strong. However,
 
1. The fan that blows air into the passenger compartment is on the fritz. Sometimes, when I go over a small bump, it comes on. And if I go over another bump, it unpredictably turns off. This will happen at least once or twice each time I drive. And it will occur irrespective of the fan switch being on or off or auto or low/medium/high. And in spite of three A/C compressor replacements over the last year, the A/C still refuses to work.
 
2. All the lights on the steering wheel button have gone off (i.e. radio controls) and the cruise control no longer works although other items on the steering column work fine (i.e. headlights, wipers, turn signals, etc.).
 
3. The SRS light (for the air bag) is constantly on.
 
4. The antilock brake light on the dash comes on evertime I exceed 100 mph and it stays on even if I slow down. The only way it will go off is if I stop the car, turn it off, and restart the car again.
 
I've got a feeling these problems are all interconnected cuz they seemed to develop roughly around the same time period (about 2 years ago). Since then, I've taken my car numerous times to the mechanic with no joy. The dealership wants $800 to take the dashboard apart and see if there is a loose wire either within or behind the steering column. And there is no guarantee that they would be able to fix it. They also want another $800 to change the car's computer, even though they are not sure that will solve the problems either.
 
Personally, I'd rather not spend that kind of money on a car this old. On the other hand, if you guys have any suggestions on how to deal with these above problems effectively and efficiently, I would forever be obliged.
 
With kindest regards,

#776 of 1497 dangnabbit-92 Diamante problems by vivona

Sep 11, 2002 (6:10 am)

1. An intermittent A/C blower can be caused by a bad winding in the blower motor, a bad wiring connection or a defective switch. I puzzle why the A/C compressor would be replaced three times. A mechanic should diagnose the cause of A/C failure and correct it. Just replacing parts shows no diagnostic skill and ends us costing you money (and making the mechanic money...hmmm)
 
2. When several electrical parts quit at once, it usually points to a wiring or grounding problem. A skilled automotive electrical technician can look at the wiring diagram and diagnose the likely point of failure.
 
3. The SRS light coming on indicates that the SRS computer is receiving a code that says a component is not providing the expected input. If the SRS computer provides a code output, the mechanic should use a scanner to see if there are any errors reported.
 
4. If the antilock brake light only comes on at 100mph, I am compelled to ask that you do yourself and other motorists a favor and not drive at such an excessive and dangerous speed. That being said, the antilock brakes receive input from wheel sensors and there may be a problem with a sensor. All debris should be cleared from the sensor teeth and the gap between the toothed wheel and the pickup coil should be checked for proper alignment.
 
Now, since all of these problems are electrical and you say they occurred around the same time, it is very likely there is a common cause. First, the alternator voltage output should be checked. If the voltage regulator was defective and the voltage was running high, that could certainly cause many problems. Another cause could be a wiring harness connector that has become unseated. This points back to the need for a skilled automotive electrical technician to study the wiring diagram and see what is common to all of these problems. If all the problems are common to one computer, that computer can be failing. Over the years, the capacitors in a computer can fail and cause many problems. Some skilled technicians actually know how to replace the capacitors which only cost a few dollars plus their labor instead of replacing the entire computer for hundreds of dollars.
 
For the dealer to want $800 to remove the dashboard and look for a loose wire says to me that they have no idea of what they are looking for. And charging $800 for a computer without first verifying that the computer is bad makes them sound like parts changers to me. Have they even checked the alternator voltage? Have they studied the wiring diagram and found common connectors to check? Have they scanned the computers for error codes? Have they tried another computer from their stock to see if that fixed the problem? If it didn't, they could return it to stock, put the old computer back in and only charge you for labor.
 
It seems you might seek out another dealer, on an independent shop that specializes in automotive electronics.
 
Mr. Vivona

#777 of 1497 Mr. Vivona by dangnabbit

Sep 11, 2002 (7:26 am)

Mr. Vivona,
 
Thank you for the above post. Your advice is well taken. I'm going to take the car over to an independent mechanic today and see what they say. I'll probably take along a copy of your post so I'll have something to refer to while I ask them about the above measures.
 
Regarding the Diamante's computer: according to the dealership, the computer and the codes were so "screwed up" that their diagnostic computer was unable to read/interpret the car's computer. It's possible that's why they wanted to replace it. However, I'm going to ask the mechanic today if he could simply reboot the computer according to the factory settings. I'll let you know how it turns out.
 
Gratefully,
 
Adnan
 

#778 of 1497 my own work by zimonawhim1

Sep 11, 2002 (11:54 am)

what is the level of difficulty in changing all 6 spark plugs and wires on an older DOHC Diamante. My dealer made it seem as if it were the parting of the Red Sea(and quoted me a price to match). I know the plenum needs to be removed for the rear facing set, but does this preclude a mechanically competent fellow such as myself from figuring it out or completing the task in a relatively short period of time? Also, are any special tools required?

#779 of 1497 My Own Work-Changing Sparkplugs by vivona

Sep 11, 2002 (4:18 pm)

zimonawhim1-The job is time consuming but should not require any special tools. The important thing is to use new gaskets between the parts you remove and use a torque wrench to tighten the spark plugs and all nuts and bolts to the recommended torque. I would not attempt this job without a factory service manual. One will cost you around $100 or so, but it will provide you with step-by-step procedures for all Diamante maintenance for your year of car. You can get one from the following source for wholesale:

http://www.magauto.com/mitsubishi.htm

While you are at it, clean the throttle body. It is a lot easier to do if you remove the plenum. See the following for instructions:

http://www.geocities.com/diamanteowner/article3.htm

Mr. Vivona

#780 of 1497 More on spark plugs by vivona

Sep 11, 2002 (4:22 pm)

By the way, if the car is running fine, I wouldn't be in a hurry to change the plugs and wires. You can usually go far beyond the recommended mileage interval.
 
Mr. Vivona

#781 of 1497 RE:my own work by zimonawhim1

Sep 12, 2002 (7:06 am)

Last night I gave it a look and the front set could be handled within minutes. Unfortunately it was too dark to see anything with the rear facing plugs. I'm having my timing belt replaced and I just figured it would be more effective to have that done at the same time. My car runs a touch rough(very minor-no hesitation or stalling) and I think I should be getting greater fuel efficiency. I have a raw gas smell coming from under the hood, and I'm not sure if there's a relation. You recommended mag auto to me before and I'm quite satisfied with the service and prices. Items usually arrive within 2 days and have been 20-30% cheaper than dealer. I have a printed copy of your D&P article and it shouldn't be a problem taking care of the throttle body. Thank-you for the advice.

#782 of 1497 1993 ES by agroman

Sep 12, 2002 (3:36 pm)

I recently purchased a 93 Diamante ES. The car is in great shape and doesn't have many miles considering it's age.

I have been reading a lot about Unichips lately, and I was wondering if anyone here has successfully installed on in a Diamante. I'm particularly interested in knowing what sort of gains I should notice from installing this $595 piece of equipment.

Also, I was wondering what other modifications have been generally successful. I have been reading about people installing K&N flat-cone filters that are compatible with the MAS in Magna's (the Diamante's Australian counterpart). Has anyone done something similar to a Diamante... (What is the difference between the Magna and the Diamante, besides the name??)

I'm a neophyte when it comes to cars. I've recently become interested in modifying this Diamante and am looking for any suggestions or warnings!

Also, I just read this article (posted earlier by vivona) http://www.geocities.com/diamanteowner/article3.htm ... Mr. Vivona, can you suggest any other links to good information like this re: the Diamante?

Thank you.
Pat Padgett

#783 of 1497 by regfootball

Sep 14, 2002 (4:52 pm)

looked at some VR-X's today
 
really am in love with the black leather and silver/chorome accents with white gauges......really makes my wife's ES look ratty in comparison.
 
Now if Mits could pump up the hp to 240 or so......mmmmmmmmm I want one.

#784 of 1497 agroman-Diamante information by vivona

Sep 15, 2002 (8:02 am)

This forum seems to focus on owners like me that do not make many aftermarket modifications to their Diamante. There is a large group of enthusiasts that like to make all sorts of appearance and performance changes to their Diamantes at the forum at http://www.voy.com/423/

There is a Diamante website at http://www.geocities.com/diamanteowner/ This is the one that has my Diamonds and Pearls articles. It also links to the forum I mentioned above.

There is a new Diamante website at http://home.earthlink.net/~mdvca/

Mr. Vivona

Messages Page 79 of 151

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement