Mitsubishi Lancer Fault Codes

About the Lancer

Produced by Mitsubishi motors since 1973, the Lancer began life as a subcompact car and then later was classed as a compact car.

Proving popular, the Lancer has sold in excess of 6 million units worldwide over its ten generations.

Over the years, Mitsubishi has changed the vehicle from a front-wheel drive, to rear and the latest models are offered exclusively with four-wheel drive.

Now only available with a 1.8-liter engine, the Lancer is assembled at the Yangmei Motor Factory.

Drivers can expect to see some of the following error codes over the Lancers lifespan:

• P0421 – Referring to the catalytic converter, this code is triggered when the powertrain control module notices that the system is operating unexpectedly upon the engine’s warm-up. The warming-up period lasts approximately between five and ten minutes and it is within this time that the PCM monitors irregularities. The most common cause is a damaged or faulty catalytic converter, but the problem could also lie with the oxygen sensors.
• P0420 – This fault code signals that there is a low reading relating to oxygen levels, which can lead to numerous problems with the exhaust or fuel systems. As it’s difficult to diagnose, it’s recommended that a mechanic should be consulted to determine the exact cause. There are so many reasons drivers could be seeing code P0420, anything from a misfiring engine to a fuel injector leakage.
• P0335 – Drivers could see this code following the DTC’s detection of a malfunction in the crankshaft position circuit. There can be numerous reasons for this code to show, it could mean that the vehicle has an open in a wiring harness, a crankshaft position sensor failure or a broken timing belt.
• P0171 – This fault code triggers when there is either too little fuel in the exhaust, or too much oxygen. This error can happen due to a vacuum leak, a weak fuel pump or a broken fuel pressure regulator.