Mitsubishi Lancer IX (or Lancer 9 popularly) is a legendary car that is famous for its reliability. But even the most proven cars have problems starting the engine. If your Lancer 9 refuses to start, do not rush to panic or take it to a tow truck for service. In 80% of cases, the cause can be found and eliminated on your own - just know where to look and what to check.

This article is not just a list of possible malfunctions, but step by step guide with checklists, warnings and practical advice. We'll sort it out all typical and rare reasons why Lancer 9 does not start, - from a commonplace discharged battery to problems with the immobilizer and fuel system. We will pay special attention 4G63 and 4G18 - the most common engines of this model.

Important: if the car does not start quite (no response to the key), this is one group of reasons. If the starter turns, but the engine does not catch, another one. And if the engine starts and immediately stalls - the third one. We'll sort it out all scenarios.

1. Battery: the first and most obvious reason

Let's start with the simplest thing. If Lancer 9 shows no signs of life (no lights on the dashboard, no relay clicks, the starter does not turn), the culprit in 90% of cases is battery. Even if it seems to you that the battery is fine, check it necessarily.

Signs of a low battery:

  • 🔋 Dim headlights or dashboard lights
  • 🔊 Relay clicks under the hood when trying to start
  • 🚗 The starter barely turns or does not turn at all
  • 🔌 When you turn on the ignition, only some devices work

How to check the battery for Lancere 9:

  1. Turn on the headlights. If they light dimly or go out quickly, the battery is low.
  2. Try starting the engine with the consumers turned off (heater, radio, lights). If the starter turns better, the problem is in the battery.
  3. Measure the voltage with a multimeter:
    • 🔋 12.6–12.7 V - battery is charged
    • 🔋 12.0–12.5 V - partial discharge
    • 🔋 Below 12.0V - deep discharge, requires charging
⚠️ Attention! If the battery is completely discharged (voltage below 11.5 V), it cannot be immediately charged with a high current. This will lead to destruction of the plates. First apply a current of 1-2 A for 1-2 hours, then increase.

What to do if the battery is discharged:

  • 🔌 Recharge the battery with a charger (optimal current - 10% of capacity, for example, for 60 Ah - 6 A).
  • 🚗 “Light up” from another car (observe the polarity!).
  • 🔧 If the battery is old (more than 5 years), replace it - even after charging, it may discharge quickly.
💡

If the battery discharges quickly after charging, check the leakage current. On Lancer 9 it should not exceed 50–70 mA. If more, look for a “leak” in the alarm system or on-board network.

2. Does the starter spin, click, or remain silent?

If the battery is ok but the engine won't start, the next thing to check is: starter. On Lancere 9 it can behave differently:

  • 🔄 It turns, but slowly — the problem is in the battery, terminals or the starter itself (the brushes are worn out).
  • 🔊 Clicks but doesn't turn — the solenoid relay is faulty or the contacts are burnt.
  • 🚫 Completely silent - open circuit, faulty ignition switch or fuse.

Starter diagnostics:

  1. Check starter fuse (F10, 10 A in the fuse box under the hood).
  2. Make sure starter terminals not oxidized and fit tightly.
  3. Try starting the engine by closing Solenoid relay contacts screwdriver (careful!). If the starter spins, the problem is in the retractor.
  4. If the starter turns but does not catch the engine, check bendix (overrunning clutch).
Symptom Probable Cause Solution
The starter turns but does not engage Bendix wear or flywheel crown Replacing the bendix or flywheel
Clicks, but the starter does not turn Defective solenoid relay Replacing a relay or starter
Starter turns slowly Worn brushes or bearings Starter repair or replacement
Starter does not respond to key Open circuit, faulty ignition switch Checking wiring, replacing lock
⚠️ Attention! If you hear a grinding or squealing sound when starting the starter, stop trying immediately! This is a sign of destruction of the bendix or flywheel crown. Further attempts to start will result in costly repairs.
📊 What happens when you try to start Lancer 9?
The starter turns, but the engine does not start
The starter clicks but doesn't turn over
The starter is silent
The engine starts and immediately stalls
Other

3. Immobilizer: why the car doesn’t see the key

Lancer 9 equipped with standard immobilizer, which can block the engine from starting if it does not recognize the key. If the dashboard flashes or stays on red key, that's where the problem lies.

Reasons for immobilizer activation:

  • 🔑 Defective transponder in the key (chip).
  • 📡 Problems with immobilizer antenna (near the ignition switch).
  • 🔧 Crash in immobilizer control unit (ECU).
  • 🔌 Broken wiring or oxidation of contacts.

How to bypass the immobilizer on Lancere 9 (temporary solution):

  1. Try the second key (if available).
  2. Check if it is lit immobilizer light on the dashboard. If it blinks, the system does not recognize the key.
  3. Disconnect the battery for 10-15 minutes, then connect again. Sometimes this resets the error.
  4. If all else fails, you will need immobilizer flashing or replacing the chip in the key.
What to do if the key with the chip is lost?

If you only have one key left without a chip or you have lost all the keys, you will have to contact an official Mitsubishi dealer or a specialized car service to reprogram the immobilizer. It is almost impossible to bypass it on your own without the original key.

On some Lancerach 9 (especially after 2006) the immobilizer is associated with Engine ECU. If the control unit has been replaced or reflashed, it may be necessary to synchronization of immobilizer with ECU.

4. Fuel system: there is gasoline, but it does not flow

If the starter turns, but the engine does not start, check fuel system. On Lancere 9 Most often the culprits are:

  • 🔋 Fuel pump (does not pump gasoline).
  • 🔌 Fuel pump relay (F/P Pump Relay).
  • 🛢️ Clogged injectors or fuel filter.
  • 🔧 Crankshaft position sensor (DPKV).

How to check the fuel system:

  1. When you turn on the ignition you should hear buzzing sound fuel pump (in the rear seat area). If it is not there, the pump does not work.
  2. Check fuel pump fuse (F15, 15 A in the cabin unit).
  3. Measure fuel rail pressure (norm: 3–4 bar). For this you will need a pressure gauge.
  4. If there is pressure, but the engine does not start, check injectors (may be clogged).

Listen to the pump when you turn on the ignition|

Checking fuse F15 (15 A)|

Checking the fuel pump relay (in the cabin unit)|

Measuring pressure in the fuel rail (norm 3–4 bar)|

Checking the voltage at the pump connector (12 V when the ignition is turned on)

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If the fuel pump does not pump, the reasons may be the following:

Problem Signs Solution
Pump faulty No buzzing sound when turning on the ignition Pump replacement
The pump screen is clogged The pump is running but the pressure is low Cleaning or replacing the mesh
Pump relay faulty The pump does not turn on, the fuse is intact Relay replacement
Broken wiring No voltage at pump connector Continuity and wiring repair

5. Ignition system: spark plugs, coils, wires

If fuel is supplied but the engine does not start or runs intermittently, the problem may be ignition system. On Lancere 9 with engines 4G63 and 4G18 Most often they fail:

  • ⚡ Spark plugs (wear, carbon deposits, breakdown).
  • 🔌 High voltage wires (insulation breakdown).
  • 🔥 Ignition coils (break or interturn short circuit).
  • 📡 Crankshaft position sensor (CPS).

How to check the ignition system:

  1. Unscrew candles and inspect them:
    • 🔥 Black soot - rich mixture or breakdown of high-voltage wires.
    • 🟤 White soot - lean mixture.
    • 💧 Oil on candles — problems with valve stem seals.
  2. Check high voltage wires:
    • There should not be any in the dark with the engine running. sparks.
    • The wire resistance should be 5–10 kOhm.
  • Check ignition coils:
    • Primary winding resistance: 0.5–1.0 Ohm.
    • Secondary winding resistance: 8–12 kOhm.
      • ⚠️ Attention! On Lancere 9 with engine 4G63 (2.0 l) often fails ignition module (coil + commutator). If the engine stalls or does not start, check it first. Replacement will cost 3–5 thousand rubles.

      If you find a malfunction in the ignition system, but are not sure of the diagnosis, you can spark test:

      1. Remove the spark plug from the first cylinder.
      2. Insert it into a high-voltage wire and apply it to a ground (for example, to a motor).
      3. Have a helper crank the starter.
      4. If no spark - the problem is in the coil, wires or ECU.
    💡

    On Lancer 9 with a 4G18 (1.6 l) engine, a problem with breakdown of high-voltage wires is often encountered. If the car does not start in wet weather, but runs fine in dry weather, the wires are almost certainly to blame.

    6. Sensors: DPKV, DMRV, temperature sensor

    Modern engines, including those on Lancere 9, strongly depend on sensors. If at least one of them produces incorrect data, the ECU may block the start or put the engine into emergency mode.

    The most critical sensors:

    • 🔄 Crankshaft position sensor (CPS) - if it is faulty, the engine will not start.
    • 🌡️ Coolant temperature sensor (DTOZH) - affects the composition of the mixture.
    • 💨 Mass air flow sensor (MAF) - If there is a malfunction, the engine may not start or may operate intermittently.
    • 🔥 Knock sensor - rarely fails, but can affect startup.

    How to check sensors:

    Sensor Symptoms of a problem How to check
    DPKV Engine won't start, no spark Ring with a multimeter (resistance 500–700 Ohm)
    Mass air flow sensor Floating speed, rich/lean mixture Measure voltage (1.0–1.02 V at idle)
    DTOZH Difficulty starting when cold, overheating Ring the resistance (at 20°C - 2–3 kOhm)

    If you suspect the sensor is faulty but are not sure, you can temporarily disable it and try to start the car. For example, if there is a faulty Mass air flow sensor The ECU will go into emergency mode and the engine will start (although it will run unstable).

    How to deceive the mass air flow sensor on Lancer 9?

    If the mass air flow sensor is faulty, but you urgently need to get to a service center, you can temporarily disconnect its connector. The ECU will switch to backup settings and the engine will start. However, you cannot drive like this for a long time - this will lead to increased fuel consumption and unstable operation.

    7. ECU (Electronic Control Unit) and wiring

    Electronic control unit (ECU) - this is the “brain” of the engine Lancera 9. If it fails or receives incorrect signals, the car may not start. Causes of problems with the ECU:

    • 🔌 Short circuit in the wiring.
    • 💧 Moisture ingress into the block (for example, after washing the engine).
    • 🔧 Incorrect firmware (for example, after chip tuning).
    • 🔋 Power surges in the on-board network.

    Symptoms of ECU malfunction:

    • 🚗 The car does not start, but all systems (starter, fuel pump) work.
    • 🔥 Lights up on the dashboard all errors at the same time.
    • 📡 The diagnostic scanner cannot connect to the unit.

      • What to do if you suspect the ECU:

      1. Check ECU fuse (F3, 10 A in the cabin unit).
      2. Inspect ECU connector for oxidation or moisture.
      3. If the block is wet, dry it hairdryer (not hot air!) or remove to dry.
      4. Try it reset errorsby disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes.
      ⚠️ Attention! If the ECU fails, you can try to restore it (resolder the burnt elements) or replace it. However, on Lancere 9 the control unit is linked to the immobilizer. After replacement you will need flashing or synchronization with the immobilizer.

      8. Mechanical problems: timing belt, marks, compression

      If all electrical systems are in order, but Lancer 9 stubbornly does not start, the reason may lie in mechanical part of the engine. The most common problems:

      • 🔄 Broken timing belt.
      • 🔧 Broken timing marks (for example, after replacing the belt).
      • 💥 Low compression in cylinders.
      • 🔥 Cylinder head gasket failure.

      How to check:

      1. Timing belt:
        • Remove the upper timing cover and check the integrity of the belt.
        • If the belt is broken, the engine 4G63 (2.0 l) guaranteed to bend the valve!
        • On 4G18 (1.6 l) valves may not bend, but the engine still will not start.
      2. Timing marks:
        • Check the alignment of the marks on the crankshaft and camshaft pulleys.
        • If the marks are knocked off, the engine will not start or will run with strong vibration.
    • Compression:
      • Measure the compression in the cylinders (standard: 12–14 bar, range no more than 1 bar).
      • If the compression is low, ring wear, a burnt valve, or a cylinder head gasket failure are possible.

      If the timing belt is broken:

      • On 4G63 (2.0 l) necessarily check the valves for bending.
      • On 4G18 (1.6 l) you can get by by replacing the belt, but it is better to check the compression.
      • After replacing the belt always check the labels!
      💡

      On Lancer 9 with a 4G63 (2.0 l) engine, when the timing belt breaks, the valves almost always bend. Repairs will cost 30–50 thousand rubles. On 4G18 (1.6 l) the risk of valve bending is lower, but it still exists.

      FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the launch of Lancer 9

      The car does not start after washing the engine. What to do?

      Most likely, water got on electrical components (ignition coils, sensor connectors, ECU).

      1. Dry the engine compartment (you can use a hairdryer).
      2. Check the sensor and coil connectors - they should be dry.
      3. If the car does not start, check ECU - he often suffers from moisture.
      The starter turns, but the engine does not catch. What is the reason?

      There may be several reasons:

      • 🔋 No spark (check spark plugs, coils, DPKV).
      • 🛢️ No fuel (check fuel pump, injectors).
      • 💨 No air (air filter clogged).
      • 🔧 The timing marks are knocked off.

      Start by checking sparks and fuel pressure.

      The car starts and immediately stalls. What to do?

      This is a typical sign:

      • 🔑 Problems with immobilizer (if the key on the panel is on).
      • 🛢️ Malfunctions fuel pump (does not hold pressure).
      • 💨 Blockage injectors or Mass air flow sensor.
      • 🔧 Incorrect operation idle air controller (IAC).

      Check fuel rail pressure (should hold after turning off the ignition) and ECU errors.

      How to check DPKV on Lancer 9?

      The crankshaft position sensor (CPS) can be checked in two ways:

      1. Multimeter:
        • Measure the resistance between the sensor terminals - it should be 500–700 Ohm.
        • If there is no resistance or is too high, the sensor is faulty.
    • Replacing with a known good one:
      • If the engine starts after replacement, the old sensor was faulty.

      On Lancere 9 DPKV is located on oil pump cover (near the crankshaft pulley).

      Is it possible to start Lancer 9 from a pusher?

      Yes, but with reservations:

      • 🚗 On mechanical box You can push start it if the problem is in the starter or battery.
      • 🚫 On automatic push start it's impossible - this will lead to breakdown of the automatic transmission.
      • ⚠️ If the problem is immobilizer or ECU, pushing won't help.

      Algorithm:

      1. Turn on second gear.
      2. Depress the clutch and accelerate the car to 10–15 km/h.
      3. Quickly release the clutch and at the same time turn the key to the ignition position.