Mitsubishi ASX Outlander Turbo Problems
Mitsubishi vehicles in general are well-priced and generally achieve higher average reliability scores over similar market segments.
But like all turbocharged vehicles, they can develop turbo problems.
The ASX (Active Sports Crossover), and Outlander share the same engine and turbocharger.
With the ASX sitting below the Outlander in features and price point in Mitsubishi’s x-over SUV’s.
Additionally there is a 1.8L Diesel ASX with the smaller 4N13 Diesel engine.
And whilst the ASX has been on sale since 2010, the 2.2L turbocharged diesel was only added to the ASX in 2012.
Effectively they are similar mechanically, with the Outlander having a few more features and more overall bulk.
So information in this article covers the Mitsubishi ASX (2012 onward) or Outlander with the 2.2L 4N14 Diesel.
The diesel turbocharged 4N14 is not a powerful engine at 110kW.
But thanks to how the engine and turbo work together, it develops maximum torque (360Nm) from 1500 rpm.
So in the smaller ASX platform, acceleration is respectable for a diesel.
But if you are reading this article, you may have had the following symptoms with your diesel Mitsubishi ASX or Outlander:
ECL (engine Check Light) on after turbocharger cut-out under acceleration to highway speeds or under boost up a hill.
Consequently the ECU may put the engine into limp mode, protecting the engine and sub-components such as the turbocharger.
You might find that once you stop and restart the car, the problems appears to clear for a period of time.
If this problem is is intermittent (has happened more than once), have the following checked:
Turbocharger boost pressure sensor.
EGR valve.
As a first step to remediate the issue (and if the ECU error code relates to overboost sensor), have the sensor replaced.
If the issues remains, and the vehicle has low kilometers on the odometer, try a diesel turbo cleaner.
If the above does not solve the problem, then we recommend the turbocharger be replaced.
Why does this Turbocharger problem occur?
Most mid-sized, SUV diesels are used to carry family and for city commute driving.
Driving conditions that don’t require fast acceleration or high revs.
But the systems that reduce pollution in diesels (such as the EGR valve and DPF) need heat to clean themselves of excess carbon deposits.
And these driving scenarios do not “clean” engine sub-components as much as prolonged highway use.
And the same applies to the Turbocharger.
Carbon deposits can accumulate in the manifold and inside the turbine housing of the Turbo.
The turbocharger on the 2.2L Diesel ASX and Outlander has VNT or Variable Vane Technology.
So the turbo has moving components inside the turbine housing to allow pressure to build (spool-up) and release (dump to the exhaust).
If these components become ‘çoked’ with excessive carbon deposits, the vanes will seize and the turbo will not perform as expected.
At this point, if cleaning spray as not worked to loosen internal components to fix your Mitsubishi ASX Outlander Turbo problems, then replace the turbocharger.
Replacement is cheaper than rebuilding the original turbo, and offers benefits such as upgrades and longer warranties.
And installing a new turbocharger is the ideal time to get the manifold cleaned and the EGR valve checked and cleaned.
For more information on what the mechanic should do at install see: Best Practice Steps for Turbocharger Installation.
How to Prevent this turbocharger Problem?
If the majority of your driving is around town at low revs, carbon will build up.
And build up will form in the exhaust system, from the manifold through the Turbo turbine, EGR, DPF and exhaust system.
The recommendation here is to occasionally allow the vehicle to rev higher in second and third gear.
Additionally, a decent run at highway speed will help burn out some of the carbon deposits.
What if your Turbocharger needs replacing?
Does the turbocharger in your Mitsubishi ASX or Outlander already suffer from excessive carbon build-up?
Unfortunately the above-mentioned practice of higher revs and highway driving will not fix this.
Replace the turbocharger and keep in mind the need to burn off excess carbon build up in the exhaust system.
We stock reliable, after-market Billet Upgrade Turbochargers for the 2.2L Mitsubishi ASX & Outlander.
Our turbochargers have TRIPLE the warranty (with our Exclusive 3 Year Warranty), of the original Mitsubishi turbochargers, at less than half the price.
And we supply a free installation Gasket Kit, plus ship Australia-wide for free.
If you have any other query on matching turbo parts, please feel free to contact our sales support on: 0490 059 316.