Mitsubishi Montero Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes for the Check Engine Light in Your Mitsubishi Montero and How to Resolve Them

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Reviewed by
Andrew Hajjar
Written by RepairPal Car Genius
Updated January 14, 2025
0%
40% chance it's the
Emissions System
0%
60% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a Mitsubishi Montero has a check engine light are an emissions system component, a sensor, or a catalytic converter.
  • Emissions System: A faulty emissions system component, such as an oxygen sensor or EGR valve, can lead to increased emissions and trigger the check engine light.
Proper diagnosis will determine the exact cause of your symptom, saving you money on unnecessary repairs. The diagnostic experts at RepairPal Certified shops have the right tools and experience to solve any symptom.

How much does it cost to fix a Mitsubishi Montero has a check engine light?

Common Repairs

The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.

A faulty oxygen sensor is one of the most common causes of a check engine light. Symptoms may include a decrease in fuel mileage, hesitation or misfiring from the engine, rough idling or even stalling. A faulty sensor may cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test.

Any time there is an emissions fault the check engine light will be displayed. The purpose of the check engine light is to inform the driver that an emission related fault has been found, and that there are on-board diagnostic (OBD) trouble codes stored in the powertrain or engine control module. Additionally, since the emissions systems are so intertwined into engine control and transmission control systems, symptoms may include nearly any sort of drivability concerns. This may include harsh shifting, failure to shift, hesitation on acceleration, jerking, engine failure to start or run, loss of power, or any number of other drivability issues.

Due to the nature of electrical systems on modern vehicles, the range of problems these can cause are nearly limitless. However, there is a way to categorize them in two ways. Permanent and intermittent problems. Permanent problems appear and remain. This may be the vehicle will not start, the radio does not work, or the door chime will not turn off among many, many others. These problems are more straight-forward to diagnose since they present themselves at all time. This means there will always be a fault to find. Intermittent electrical problems, however, can be difficult or impossible to locate, since they appear then disappear without warning. The best case scenario for an intermittent issue is when replicating the problem is easily accomplished and understood. This allows a technician to make an issue semi-permanent, allowing them to find the fault. Other issues that come and go without warning and cannot be replicated on demand must occur when the technician is servicing the vehicle, otherwise there is no problem to correct. It is most important to understand that electrical system faults always require inspection, and can include the vehicle working in any manner, or not working at all.

Like we noted in the last section, general diagnosis symptoms are the most vague of the bunch. There are several diagnostic spectrums, electrical diagnosis, drivability diagnostics, engine diagnostics, transmission diagnostics, and the list could continue for about 5 or 10 more spectrums of diagnostics. The most important take-away here, is that general diagnostics are diagnostics that have no other spectrum in which they fit, or the problem is unknown. This means that any vehicle left outside of a repair facility with the keys and an authorization to perform diagnosis will be diagnosed under the general diagnosis spectrum.

When the Check Engine Light comes on, you may experience engine performance issues such as poor acceleration, rough idling, or an engine that won't start. In some cases, no abnormal symptoms will be experienced. Other systems like the transmission or ABS can cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate and lights for those systems can come on at the same time. Similar lights may say "Check Engine Soon", "Malfunction Indicator Light" or just "Check". In rare case the engine can overheat.

Troubleshooting Check Engine Light in a Mitsubishi Montero

When troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in a Mitsubishi Montero, it's essential to adopt a systematic diagnostic approach that begins with the simplest solutions before progressing to more complex issues. Start by checking the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap is a common and easily fixable reason for the light to illuminate. If the gas cap is secure, proceed to inspect the ignition cylinder, as irregular engine performance can often stem from problems in this area. Next, examine the exhaust gas oxygen sensor, which is crucial for maintaining optimal engine function and fuel efficiency. If these initial checks do not resolve the issue, consider pulling the trouble codes using an OBD-II scanner. This will provide specific error codes that can guide you to the underlying problem, whether it be a faulty oxygen sensor or another component. After addressing the identified issues, remember to reset the Check Engine Light by driving the vehicle to allow the onboard diagnostics to confirm that the problem has been resolved. By following this structured approach, you can effectively diagnose and troubleshoot the Check Engine Light in your Mitsubishi Montero, ensuring a smoother and more efficient driving experience.

What Common Problems Cause the Check Engine Light to Illuminate in a Mitsubishi Montero?

When the check engine light comes on in a Mitsubishi Montero, it can be a source of concern for any DIY enthusiast. Understanding the common problems that trigger this warning can help you diagnose and potentially resolve the issue. One frequent culprit is a faulty oxygen sensor, which can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and rough engine performance. Additionally, dirty or damaged mass airflow sensors can disrupt the air-fuel mixture, causing the light to illuminate. Worn spark plugs are another common issue, often indicated by specific fault codes, while bad ignition coils can also trigger the check engine light. It's important to check simple things first, like ensuring the gas cap is tightly secured, as a loose cap can easily cause the light to come on. Other potential problems include ignition cylinder issues and EGR valve malfunctions, both of which can affect engine performance. By familiarizing yourself with these common issues, you can take the first steps toward troubleshooting and maintaining your Mitsubishi Montero effectively.

Why is the Check Engine Light Important in a Mitsubishi Montero?

The Check Engine Light in your Mitsubishi Montero is not just a simple warning; it is a critical alert that demands immediate attention. Ignoring this light can lead to severe consequences, including engine damage, decreased fuel efficiency, and even safety hazards on the road. When the light illuminates, it signifies that the vehicle's onboard diagnostics system has detected a problem that could escalate if left unaddressed. For instance, a flashing light often indicates a misfire, which can damage the catalytic converter and other vital components if not serviced promptly. By taking the time to diagnose and resolve the issues indicated by the Check Engine Light, you not only safeguard your vehicle's performance but also prevent costly repairs down the line. Therefore, it is essential for DIY enthusiasts to prioritize these warnings and act swiftly to maintain the health and safety of their Mitsubishi Montero.

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