We drove straight to Long Beach Mitsubishi following the fuel tank issue John reported. They ordered and installed a new fuel tank sending unit under warranty. And 20 miles later this warning lights up.
A quick detour to the gas station is next. We fill it full with 8 gallons. Only problem is that the tank holds twice that volume. Something was still wrong. When we turn the key to leave the service engine light also illuminates. We drove right back to the dealer.
Our advisor tells us the float arm was left in the 'up' position at installation. They remedied the problem, it returned to us later that day and we haven't experienced any issues since.
Mike Schmidt, Vehicle Testing Coordinator @ 18,937 miles
carmizvi says:
03:40 PM, 07/22/08
Were I leasing this vehicle, this would be the point where I'd consult my handy dandy calendar and begin the process of counting the days before the thing goes back.
This is not the kind of thing that contributes to a comfortable ownership experience.
canuck08 says:
05:04 PM, 07/22/08
Ya when things like this go wrong it does make you wander whats next??? But I guess thats what warranty for.Mike when you had to go back did the dealer expedite your repair or did you have to wait an unreasonable amount of time.To me things can and will go wrong but it's how they deal with the problwm that makes the differance.
cx7lover says:
05:54 PM, 07/22/08
The gas gauge not working is minor, if anything it's just an annoyance, you would have to be a very worrisome person to get serious about a gas gauge not working. Issues with it overheating or a slipping transmission.. now that's discomforting.
firstwagon says:
07:48 PM, 07/22/08
That's not a problem, that's a glitch.
All cars have glitches.
billt9 says:
07:53 PM, 07/22/08
Seems very minor.
Float arm up?
Same as when you service your toilet you leave the float arm up. Just put it back down.
Not a bothersome service oopsy, as long as they don't try to charge me more.
daveflores says:
06:36 AM, 07/23/08
I've had two problems with my Lancer in the first year of ownership: (1) The rear driver's side door did not want to lock. This was from the factory. (2) The rear driver's side seat-belt tensioner got jammed up recently and had to be replaced.
Both these things were fixed under warranty, though it is a little disconcerting that they both affected the safety of my 4-year old daughter, as that's where she sits.
I loved my Lancer when I first bought it. Then the glow wore off and I started feeling a bit disappointed by the car's flaws. Now I've started to really enjoy the car again. So it's unfortunate that these little issues have arisen. They are build-quality issues, not engineering issues. Hopefully Mitsubishi can get this sorted at the factory.
greenpony says:
10:40 AM, 07/23/08
A fuel gauge is as important to me as a radio. If it doesn't work, it's a dealbreaker.
tmanz says:
03:17 PM, 07/23/08
wow, an honest service writer. They actually told you it was an install problem and didn't make up a story about having to recalibrate it due to a factory error :)