F - BASIC TESTING

1993 Mitsubishi Montero

1993 ENGINE PERFORMANCE

Chrysler Corp./Mitsubishi Basic Diagnostic Procedures

Dodge; Ram-50
Mitsubishi; Montero, Pickup

INTRODUCTION
The following diagnostic steps will help prevent overlooking
a simple problem. This is also where to begin diagnosis for a no-start
condition.
The first step in diagnosing any driveability problem is
verifying the customer’s complaint with a test drive under the
conditions the problem reportedly occurred.
Before entering self-diagnostics, perform a careful and
complete visual inspection. Most engine control problems result from
mechanical breakdowns, poor electrical connections or
damaged/misrouted vacuum hoses. Before condemning the computerized
system, perform each test listed in this article.

NOTE: Perform all voltage tests with a Digital Volt-Ohmmeter

(DVOM) with a minimum 10-megohm input impedance, unless
stated otherwise in test procedure.

PRELIMINARY INSPECTION & ADJUSTMENTS

VISUAL INSPECTION
Visually inspect all electrical wiring, looking for chafed,
stretched, cut or pinched wiring. Ensure electrical connectors fit
tightly and are not corroded. Ensure vacuum hoses are properly routed
and are not pinched or cut. See M - VACUUM DIAGRAMS article in this
section to verify routing and connections (if necessary). Inspect air
induction system for possible vacuum leaks.

MECHANICAL INSPECTION
Compression
Check engine mechanical condition with a compression gauge,
vacuum gauge, or an engine analyzer. See engine analyzer manual for
specific instructions.

WARNING: DO NOT use ignition switch during compression tests on fuel

injected vehicles. Use a remote starter to crank engine. Fuel
injectors on many models are triggered by ignition switch
during cranking mode, which can create a fire hazard or
contaminate the engine’s oiling system.

COMPRESSION SPECIFICATIONS TABLE


Application (1) psi (kg/cm )

Compression Pressure 
2.4L (VIN G) ..................... 171 psi (12.0 kg/cm  )
3.0L (VIN H) ..................... 171 psi (12.0 kg/cm )
Maximum Variation Between 
Cylinders .......................... 14 psi (1.0 kg/cm )
(1) - See A - ENGINE/VIN ID article in this section for VIN
information.




























































Exhaust System Backpressure
Exhaust system can be checked with a vacuum or pressure
gauge. Remove O2 sensor or air injection check valve (if equipped).
Connect a 0-5 psi pressure gauge and run engine at 2500 RPM. If
exhaust system backpressure is greater than 1 3/4 - 2 psi, exhaust
system or catalytic converter is plugged.
If using a vacuum gauge, connect vacuum gauge hose to intake
manifold vacuum port and start engine. Observe vacuum gauge. Open
throttle part way and hold steady. If vacuum gauge reading slowly
drops after stabilizing, exhaust system should be checked for a
restriction.

FUEL SYSTEM
WARNING: ALWAYS relieve fuel pressure before disconnecting any fuel
injection-related component. DO NOT allow fuel to contact
engine or electrical components.

FUEL PRESSURE
Relieving Fuel Pressure
1) On Ram-50, and Pickup, disconnect fuel pump harness
connector at fuel tank from underneath vehicle. On Montero, remove
rear seat cushion and remove access plate if required to disconnect
fuel pump harness connector.
2) On all models, start engine. Let engine run until it
stops. Turn ignition off. Disconnect negative battery terminal.
Connect fuel pump harness connector. Reinstall rear seat (if
necessary.)

WARNING: Before disconnecting high pressure fuel hose at fuel delivery

pipe, cover fuel hose connection with a rag. Some residual
fuel pressure may still be in system.

Pressure Testing
1) Disconnect high pressure fuel hose at fuel delivery pipe.
Remove throttle body bracket (if necessary). Connect fuel pressure
gauge with adapter between fuel delivery pipe and high pressure hose.
See Fig. 1.
2) Connect negative battery terminal. Operate fuel pump by
connecting battery voltage to fuel pump test terminal. See FUEL PUMP
TEST TERMINAL LOCATION table. Ensure no fuel leaks are present.
Disconnect battery voltage to fuel pump test terminal.

Fig. 1: Installing Fuel Pressure Tester (Typical)

Courtesy of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America.
 3) Start engine and let idle. Measure fuel pressure with
vacuum hose connected to fuel pressure regulator. Record fuel pressure
reading. See FUEL PUMP PERFORMANCE table. Disconnect and plug vacuum
hose from fuel pressure regulator. Record fuel pressure reading.
4) Check for fuel pressure in fuel return hose by gently
pinching hose while increasing engine speed. If fuel volume is low,
fuel pressure in return hose will not be felt. Increase engine speed
to 2500-3000 RPM, 2-3 times. Return engine to idle. Fuel pressure
should not drop when engine is returned to idle.
5) Turn ignition off. Ensure fuel pressure reading does not
decrease within 2 minutes. On all models, if a decrease is noted,
monitor speed of decrease.
6) If fuel pressure is lower than specification, fuel
pressure drops at idle after increasing engine speed to 2500-3000 RPM,
or no fuel pressure in fuel return hose can be felt, check for clogged
fuel filter, or faulty fuel pressure regulator or fuel pump.
7) If fuel pressure is higher than specification, check for a
faulty fuel pressure regulator or plugged fuel return line. If fuel
pressure does not change when vacuum hose to regulator is connected or
disconnected, check for a leaking or clogged vacuum hose to fuel
pressure regulator or faulty fuel pressure regulator.
8) If fuel pressure decreases suddenly after engine is
stopped, check valve in fuel pump is not seated. Replace fuel pump. If
fuel pressure drops slowly, fuel injector is leaking or fuel pressure
regulator valve seat is leaking. Check for faulty fuel injector or
fuel pressure regulator. Repair as necessary.
9) When fuel pressure test is complete, repeat fuel pressure
release procedure before disconnecting fuel pressure gauge. Install
new "O" ring at end of high pressure hose. Check for fuel leaks.

FUEL PUMP TEST TERMINAL LOCATION TABLE

Application Wire Color Location

Montero ...................... White ................... (1)

Ram-50 & Pickup .............. Blue .................... (2)

(1) - On main wiring harness, near wiper motor on firewall.

(2) - Near left rear corner of engine compartment, below cruise
control actuator (if equipped).

































































FUEL PUMP PERFORMANCE TABLE

































































At Idle At Idle

W/Vacuum (1) 
W/O Vacuum (2)
Application psi (kg/cm ) psi (kg/cm )

All Models ................. 38 (2.6) ....... 47-50 (3.3-3.5)

(1) - With vacuum at pressure regulator.

(2) - Without vacuum at pressure regulator.

































































MPI Control Relay
Multipurpose relay switches power to vehicle sensors and
actuators including airflow sensor, crank angle sensor, idle speed
control, injectors and fuel pump. When ignition switch is turned to ON
position, ECM energizes coils controlling injectors, airflow sensor
and idle speed control. When ignition switch is turned to START
position, ECM energizes coils (through inhibitor switch on A/T models)
to supply power to fuel pump. Relay failure will cause a no-start
condition. For testing procedure, refer to I SYS/COMP TESTS article in
this section.

IGNITION CHECKS

SPARK
Check for spark at coil wire (if applicable) and at each
spark plug wire using a high output spark tester. Check spark plug
wire resistance on suspect wires. For wire resistance specification,
see C - SPECIFICATIONS article in this section.

CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR

For crank position sensor testing procedure, see I - SYS/COMP
TESTS article in this section.

OPTICAL IGNITION
Ignition Coil Resistance
Using a DVOM, measure primary coil resistance between
positive and negative terminals of coil. See Fig. 2, 3, or 4. Measure
secondary coil resistance between coil positive terminal and ignition
coil tower. Primary and secondary coil resistance should be within
specification. See IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE table.
 
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE TABLE - Ohms @ 68 F (20 C)

































































Application Primary Secondary

2.4L (VIN G)
Pickup & Ram-50 ........... .72-.88 ......... 10,300-13,900
3.0L (VIN H)
Montero ................... .72-.88 ......... 10,300-13,900

Fig. 2: Ignition Coil Connectors ID (Montero)

Courtesy of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America.
Fig. 3: Ignition Coil Connectors ID (Pickup 3.0L)
Courtesy of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America.

Fig. 4: Ignition Coil Connectors ID (Ram-50, Pickup 2.4L)

Courtesy of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America.

Power Transistor
1) Disconnect power transistor connector. Using a 1.5-volt
dry cell battery, connect negative end of 1.5-volt battery to terminal
No. 2 of power transistor and positive end to terminal No. 1. See
Fig. 5.
2) Using an analog ohmmeter, check for continuity between
terminals No. 2 and 3 of power transistor. Continuity should exist.
With positive end of 1.5-volt battery disconnected, there should be no
continuity. Replace power transistor if it fails test.

Fig. 5: Identifying Power Transistor Connectors (Typical)

Courtesy of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America.

IDLE SPEED & IGNITION TIMING

Ensure idle speed and ignition timing are set to
specification. See IGNITION TIMING SPECIFICATIONS table. For
adjustment procedures, see D - ADJUSTMENTS article in this section.

IGNITION TIMING TABLE (Degrees BTDC @ RPM)

Application (1) Basic (2) (3) Actual

2.4L
Pickup & Ram-50 ........ 3-7 @ 600-800 ........ 8 @ 600-800
3.0L
Montero ................ 3-7 @ 600-800 ....... 15 @ 600-800
Pickup & Ram-50 ........ 3-7 @ 650-850 ....... 15 @ 650-850

(1) - With ignition timing adjustment connector grounded or

vacuum hose (farthest from distributor) disconnected.
(2) - With ignition timing adjustment connector ungrounded or
vacuum hose (farthest from distributor) connected. Ignition
timing may fluctuate.
(3) - If vehicle altitude is more than 2300 ft. above sea level,
actual timing may be advanced.


SUMMARY
If no faults were found while performing F - BASIC TESTING,
proceed to G - TESTS W/ CODES article in this section. If no hard
codes are found in G - TESTS W/ CODES, proceed to H - TESTS W/O CODES
article in this section for diagnosis by symptom (i.e., ROUGH IDLE, NO
START, etc.) or intermittent diagnostic procedures.