My daughter just purchased a 1998 Montero Sport for my granddaughter. Alternator went down after cleanup shop cleaned engine. Battery was disconnected for two days. Our county recently started emission testing and we've discovered that the computer lost its memory and the testing center cannot get monitor readings needed (two failures ouch, 2nd after driving approx. 350 miles!). The Mitsubishi service group tell me to drive the vehicle from 5-7 days at 65-70 mph; received the same info from a local repair shop. I picked up TSB for monitor resetting and there are various drive cycles that need to be completed before the computer will reset. I've driven the SUV about 500 miles so far but will try to perform the various drive cycles tomorrow as stated on the TSB.

Just curious if anyone has any pointers out there to get the computer/monitors reset. Thanks!

Ralph

 

Look at this link. http://www.ouraaa.com/automotive/mai...uri/older.html Not a lot of help but does give you comfort that there are others out there with the same problem. Notice the link in the article lists ALL Mitsubishis at around 96-97. I would complain to the emmissions board and your politicians as there should be a back-up in these cases since your vehicle is probably not in violation it's only the computers won't link. Notice how a tail pipe test can be used as an alternative. The newness to the program is also a problem to regulators.

 

I read something on a another board. I think it was www.monterosportonline.com. Your year/model Montero resets the computer every time the car is turned off.[:@] In order for the car to pass emission you need to drive the car through the recommended drive cycles then take it to the emissions place without turning off the car. Or, take it to a Mitsu dealer and have them do the emissions test. Sounds weird to me, but I thought I would pass it along.

Oops. I just read PC's link above. My info seems to match the info on PC's link. If you go to www.alldata.com you can get a copy of the TSB's for your car for $25.

 

I believe that 's a good idea Windshawn to take it to a Mitsu dealer in this case. Usually the emission tests are price regulated by the State Gov. so it probably will be no more than the local guy. I also wonder if it's being unfamiliar with the equipment by the testing station. You're right it is weird. I find it hard to believe he has to drive at 65-70 mph for 5-7 days!! Is that 24 hrs/day? I think the reset is a function of the computer stabilizing all the readings over a certain length of time to establish consistant emissions control readings so people cannot simply cancel out a code and drive up to the testing station for a quick snap shot. If there are any computer guys out there maybe they can explain a little. In my State if a problem is found through OBDII the owner of the car cannot fix it, the repair station has to. So I will get my own OBDII code reader so I can pretest and fix what ever needs to be.

 

Well, we took the 98 MM out and ran the drive cycle, even completed the extra 8 & 6 that said may be necessary. The OBD11 is still not reading, so 3rd failure. We stopped by a local reputable/reliable shop today and they're telling us that they had to run a Mitsubishi Galant through 3 of the drive cycles before it was Passed. Unfortunately, this is a brand new program so even the Mitsubishi dealers are sort of going "duh" and telling us just to keep driving it. Guess we'll be out again tonight with the TSB given us for the appropriate drive cycle by the GM/Mitsubishi Service Mgr (free of course) to try to get the OBD11 readable. In the meantime, I'm trying to call the state/county specialist to see if we can get a waiver if we can't get to the readable point. This vehicle runs like a dream but this whole mess is getting discouraging. Bet I buy a reader soon for the rest of my vehicles.

Thanks to all of you who have responded to my dilemma.

Ralph

 

Go to the mitsubishi sport forum that I listed before. The moderator "Joel" is a Mitsubishi tech in California. He will be able to help you.

 

Thanks Winshawn....I did post in Mitsubishi Montero and Joel gave some very helpful advice. Just as a followup, I had the MM Sport tested at dealer service and the DTC shows it has a faulty Idle Air Control Valve, $482 to replace......with also the possibility a new computer if damaged, quoted almost $900 for that, crossing my fingers.

Thanks for your help,

Ralph

 

[:@] AAAARRRRGH!!!

That is a lot of money. Try this link, they list two places that rebuild the IAC for $90. It is very easy to replace. Besides I am surprised they diagnosed the IAC as bad with no other symptoms in your car. Usually when they go bad you get other symptoms; erratic idle, stalling, etc. One quick test to see if the IAC is working. With your car idling, turn on the AC. The idle speed will bump up a bit if the IAC is working.

You might just need to clean your throttle body, and the area inside and around the IAC.

IAC testing and repacement sources