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2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Engine Sputter


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CRM67
New User

May 6, 2023, 11:30 AM

Post #1 of 6 (1523 views)
  post locked   2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Engine Sputter  

The engine would idle rough and sputter last summer when the AC was on. Took it to the mechanic, changed the AC condenser and it worked great for a little while. Then the engine started to sputter again but this time it would do it when the AC wasn’t on. Engine stalls when sitting at a light, coasting or in park if the engine isn’t revved. Sometimes when waiting to turn at an intersection there is an engine rev with out my foot on the gas and would pull the car along. Took it back to the mechanic and they took it for a test run with diagnostics hooked up. They said it may be the PCM chip or the alternator because they were reading power surges. Now, come winter when the temperature dropped below -10 C the engine was fine. No sputter, no stalling at lights but when the outside temperatures went up, the problems came back. I am wondering if the AC condenser was even a problem last year. Or if it was is the engine still stalling even related to the AC condenser or it is a completely separate issue. Spent quite a few bucks on the AC last year and don’t want to spend more for the PCM. The alternator a friend and I can change. Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

May 6, 2023, 1:01 PM

Post #2 of 6 (1519 views)
  post locked   Re: 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Engine Sputter  

The only thing a bad condenser would do is add extra load to the engine so if there are performance issues that would bring them out.

The idle speed problems you describe may be related to IAC operation.

First eliminate all vacuum or air leaks in the system (very important)

. You may have a bad IAC ( idle air control) but try cleaning the throttle body first. Remove the intake snorkel, have someone hold the throttle wide open for you and scrub the back side of the throttle plate and surrounding bore with an old tooth brush and some carb cleaner. Be sure to spray some into the small holes next to the throttle plate. That should help stabilize the idle. If it still has a problem, replace the IAC.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



Sidom
Veteran / Moderator
Sidom profile image

May 6, 2023, 7:10 PM

Post #3 of 6 (1497 views)
  post locked   Re: 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Engine Sputter  

As HT Said, You want to get that throttle body cleaned to take care of the low idle problem.
As far as the other problem goes, There are lot of different things that can cause a "sputtering" problem. It can range from electrical problems with the PCM , to drive ability problems with the engine all the way down to something as basic as bad engine mounts. This kind of problem really needs a real life test drive to chase down. Is the check engine light on?

Do what maintenance you and your friend can do and if it comes down to taking it back to the shop, I would really suggest taking it to a different place, From what you posted it doesn't really sound like these guys have a good handle on things.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

May 7, 2023, 1:53 AM

Post #4 of 6 (1483 views)
  post locked   Re: 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Engine Sputter  

Never say never but doubt condenser alone would cause the issue?
If damaged and seen also not cool if/when your temps are enough to see that inside.

Compressor is a load adjusted by sensors to instantly cover that. Alternator is a load too if something is turned on for a split second tech or you (w a simple/cheap) volt meter at battery or power port.

Overall car condition and care IMO none of this BS should be without damage, abuse, high, high miles etc.

New shop suggested also IAC cleaning shouldn't harm it could be plain looking and dirt maybe miles or an item left disconnected before too long isn't a common issue where I am much, Tom



CRM67
New User

May 17, 2023, 12:23 PM

Post #5 of 6 (1415 views)
  post locked   Re: 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Engine Sputter  

Thank you so very much! We cleaned the flap with the carb cleaner and toothbrush as suggested and there has been no revving up and down whatsoever for a week now. When I ran the AC the day after the cleaning there was a slight wobble in the RPMs but since then everything is normal. When the AC condenser kicks in at a light or while idling there is no engine stall either. Thank you so very much for all of your suggestions! Saved me a sh*t-ton of money on changing unnecessary parts. I doff my virtual hat to you gentlemen!


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

May 17, 2023, 12:28 PM

Post #6 of 6 (1409 views)
  post locked   Re: 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Engine Sputter  

You're welcome
Closing this now as solved.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.







 
 
 






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