Comments: 1-15, 16-30, 31-45, 46-60, 61-66
I own a 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante, and I have problems with this car since the first day I drove it off the lot.
My windows constantly fog up really bad, especially in the winter times, and my service engine light won't go off, along with the TCL light that comes on and goes off, along with my Anti lock brake light that also comes on and goes off all the time while I am driving.
This is the worst car I have ever purchased, and I will never buy another Mitsubishi again. I have had this car for 6 years now and I hate it. I should have purchased a Nissan Maxima. We should all get together and write to Mitsubishi about our cars, because we are all experiencing the same problems with them.
I own a 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante, and it is running hot. I have had the thermostat replaced as well as a sensor replaced, and it is still running hot, especially when I turn the air on.
I also had the brakes replaced, front and rear, less than a month ago, and they are still grinding.
If anyone knows what these issues are, please post a message.
Hot Running Diamante:
Assume you see temp gauge reading higher than normal, but not to point of getting check engine light. Assume coolant level is where it should be. Do you hear your electric cooling fans coming on when vehicle reaching these high temps? If not, then that is your problem, probably either faulty fan relay, blown fuse, or fan motor itself. If fans are working, check for coolant leaks. If no leaks, then it may that water pump is wearing out and not able to properly circulate coolant. At this point, you'd best take it to a good shop to have them diagnose your problem. Good luck.
Thank you for responding to my issues, I took it back to mits. and they diagnosed it to be a head gasket and gave me a price range of 1800 to 3500...
I would like to see this procedure to install the O rings for the heater core without extensive labor, if its possible please post on here...Thanks.
See below for link to site with procedure to change out the heater core o rings without disassembling the whole instrument panel. It is still labor intensive and should only be attempted if you have basic mechanical skills, tools and patience.
Having already bypassed the heater core for the summer to get rid of the anti freeze smell and window fogging, I intend to tackle this challenge in the fall. My fall back is to remove the instrument panel myself, but hope to avoid that. Let us all know how it goes with your situation.
If you're having intermittent ABS / TCL light flashing, let me know as I just solved this issue for under $200 (vs $600+ at dealer) Good luck!
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.ee9e75f/1315
I purchased a 2002 Diamante in Feb, 08. I have the same problems, my heater core is bad, my carpet will have to be replaced, the TCL light flashes on from time to time.
I am really in a mess because I can't afford to fix these things. I'm in my last year of nursing school, not having reliable transportation is the last thing I need. If someone can tell me where to go to get these things fixed at a reasonable price and done right, Please let me know.. In Richmond, VA.
I just had new rotors and pads put on my wife's 2001 Diamante with 50k, this is the second time they have been replaced. They can't keep the anti-lock light from coming on. It stays on all the time now before it was coming on occasionally. Does anyone have a suggestion how to get the light off.
Thanks,
Jim
To Richmon VA:
Wish I were closer to be able to assist you with your two VERY common problems on the Diamante. Since money is problem, best thing now is to take care of the antifreeze leak and smell. Have a friend/family member obtain parts to by pass your heater core by removing and then connecting together the heater core coolant lines on the firewall in the engine compartment. This will at least take care of the smell and any more leakage for now (you'll have to clean up the carpets best you can). Later when you have the money and/or you get too cold in the winter since you won't have heat anymore, you can take it into a shop to have the heater core gaskets replaced. Sorry but this expensive about $1000, unless you can befriend a mechanic and talk him into a deal. It takes about 6 hours total.
The ABS/TCL ight flashing is another common problem, and it is almost certainly due to a bad wheel speed sensor. Mine was the right rear sensor. Your brakes will function OK, but your ABS system may not be working. I found a 02 Diamante in junk yard that had rear wheel sensor in good shape. I replace my bad one with it and fixed the problem. Too find out which one you will need to have a shop hook up diagnostic code reader on the ABS system. Dealer or shop will charge you about $600 for this repair, due to sensor retailing for $400. The junk yard one cost me $150. Again if you can befriend a mechanic, you may be able to get this down a bit.
Good luck! Marco in Indy.
Hello all!
Yes it seems that we all are having the same issues. I own a 2002 Diamante LS, my first issue was the heater core, yes its true as many of you have already read that it is the cheap rubber seals that are bad, not the entire heater core itself. I spent $5 and went to advance auto and bought aluma-seal, this is something that you pour in the radiator and it fixs radiator leaks... (pour it in while the car is running, slowly! so that it will circulate throughout your system).. Well in our cases, it will find its way into the leaky seals and fill them. IT WORKS! I have not had a leak, or ordors since! Going on two years now! TRY IT! Now my car has turned 100,000 miles and the TCL and ABS lights are on and need help, as far as brakes, you need to buy drilled and slotted rotors. This will take soem friction and heat off the pads.. I have a set of Brembos and the have lasted a while now. Get some ceramic pads as well. This is my 2nd Diamante and they do chew up front rotars and pads. I have also had the power antenna replaced as well.. I love this car, but there needs to be some recalls..thanks...joe/pittsburgh.
We have a 2002 Diamante, service engine light comes on, reading PO403..Changed the egr value and still light on, now thinking it's the vaccum sensor, No one has them but factory. I too had heater core go, bypassed it, tcp, and anti brakes lights on, but other than that runs good, but we need class action to get these troubles fixed at their expense. ibeskip@gmail.com if you have answer to po403.
To Joe/Pittsburg:
Interesting idea about the coolant additive to plug up the leaking heater core seals. It may work in some cases, but not in others. Guess there is little to lose in trying it, but I know the true fix is to replace the heater core gaskets. Just the thought of the time and bloody nuckles required just to get to those little buggars makes me mad. I agree that Mitsubishi should recall the heater core issue, but that won't happen.
Your TCL / ABS light is most likely due to faulty wheel speed sensor - it affects both systems. Question is which one. If you're handy, have basic tools and multimeter, and willing to spend the $25 to subscribe to on-line shop manual service, you can diagnose system and confirm which wheel sensor it is. Retail cost for sensor (if you can find it) is over $400 - unreal! Check around at junk yards for late model Diamante. Not easy car to find, but if you do, see if they'll sell you the wheel hub w/sensor that you need. I paid $150 for mine, and went out in the yard with the guy to make sure he didn't destroy the sensor taking wheel hub off. Got it home, installed it, and it took care of problem.
Regarding, antenna mast, it too can be replaced fairly easily. Kits are available on line for $25. Typically problem is due to corrosion or a bent mast that will no longer extend/retract. If you hear motor running but mast not extending, then motor is fine and problem is faulty mast. Another common problem but easily and cheaply remedied.
Marco in Indy.
I have a 2000 Diamante LS. It recently started with the whole anti freeze leaking deal, but we have ordered the o-rings and are ready to replace. We figured that this wouldn't be too hard since we had to take apart the whole dash to get to the radio serial number when the car died and then we had no code. It was labor intensive, but worth it.
I have another question though. Sometimes when I go around curves at a decent speed, always to the right, the car sometimes feels like it is swerving. Is this the sensor problem?
Other than these things, the car has been great. I have had it for 4 years, and have put over 100,000 miles on it. Only in the last 6 weeks or so have I had any real trouble at all.
I would suggest that everyone get a subscription at www.chiltondiy.com for self repair. This car was made to be kept up in a shop, and unless you have the manual, you will be at the mechanic's mercy. A lot of these things aren't too bad on your own, and with whatever little stuff has popped up, we've been able to take care of it.
Good Luck everyone!
To PO403 Problem:
PO403 is code for EGR Control Circuit. PCM checks for current flow in EGR solenoid drive circuit. IF solenoid voltage does not reach present limit during engine starting, then code is set. You've already taken step to replace EGR solenoid, so can scratch that off the list of possibilities. Next most likely culprits are short or ground in the wiring, or a loose connector between EGR solenoid and PCM (Power train control module). You'll need voltmeter and toubleshooting guide to solve this. I strongly suggest you subcribe to on line shop manual service as it will save you much frustration and money to solve some these problems yourself. Good luck.
Marco in Indy.
Same deal here with the 02 Diamante LS heater core problem. I don't know if anyone here is tech savvy but if you have indeed fixed the heater corp issue whether it was the gasket or what could you please email me some instructions on how to go about gettin to it?... it would be greatly appreciated. My email is rocbean73@gmail.com and roy.muller@peleliu.usmc.mil. I'm deployed right now so if you could email it to both I would be thankful. Thank you.
Roy
Iraq.