Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSMITSUBISHI2004LANCER L4-2.0L SOHCREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISPOWERTRAIN MANAGEMENTCOMPUTERS AND CONTROL SYSTEMSMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMPDESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
2004 Mitsubishi Lancer L4-2.0L SOHC
Malfunction Indicator Lamp: Description and Operation
2004 Mitsubishi Lancer L4-2.0L SOHCSECTION Description and Operation
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (SERVICE ENGINE SOON OR CHECK ENGINE LAMP)

Among the on-board diagnostic items, a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (SERVICE ENGINE SOON or Check Engine Lamp) illuminates to notify the driver of an emission control malfunction. However, when an irregular signal returns to normal and the engine control module (ECM) or powertrain control module (PCM) judges that it has returned to normal, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (SERVICE ENGINE SOON or Check Engine Lamp) is switched off.
Moreover, when the ignition switch is turned off, the lamp is switched off.
Immediately after the ignition switch is turned on, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (SERVICE ENGINE SOON or Check Engine Lamp) is lit for 20 seconds to indicate that the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (SERVICE ENGINE SOON or Check Engine Lamp) operates normally.



Items Indicated by the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (SERVICE ENGINE SOON)
NOTE: If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (SERVICE ENGINE SOON or Check Engine Lamp) illuminates because of a malfunction of the engine control module (ECM) or powertrain control module (PCM) , transmission between scan tool MB991958 (MUT-III sub assembly) and the ECM or PCM is impossible. In this case, the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) cannot be read.
NOTE: After the ECM or PCM has detected a malfunction, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (SERVICE ENGINE SOON or Check Engine Lamp) illuminates when the engine is next turned on and the same malfunction is re-detected. However, for items marked with a "*" in the DTC NO column, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (SERVICE ENGINE SOON or Check Engine Lamp) illuminates on the first detection of the malfunction.
NOTE: After the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (SERVICE ENGINE SOON or Check Engine Lamp) illuminates, it will be switched off under the following conditions.
- When the ECM or PCM monitored the power train malfunction three times* it met set condition requirements, it detected no malfunction. *: In this case, "one time" indicates from engine start to stop.
- For misfiring or a fuel trim malfunction, when driving conditions (engine speed, engine coolant temperature, etc.) are similar to those when the malfunction was first recorded.
NOTE: Sensor 1 indicates the sensor mounted at a position closest to the engine, and sensor 2 indicates the sensor mounted at the position second closest to the engine.
Among the on-board diagnostic items, a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (SERVICE ENGINE SOON or Check Engine Lamp) illuminates to notify the driver of an emission control malfunction. However, when an irregular signal returns to normal and the engine control module (ECM)
Moreover, when the ignition switch is turned off, the lamp is switched off.
Immediately after the ignition switch is turned on, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (SERVICE ENGINE SOON or Check Engine Lamp) is lit for 20 seconds to indicate that the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (SERVICE ENGINE SOON or Check Engine Lamp) operates normally.
P0101 - P0300:
P0301 - P0763:
P0768 - P2229:
Items Indicated by the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (SERVICE ENGINE SOON)
NOTE: If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (SERVICE ENGINE SOON or Check Engine Lamp) illuminates because of a malfunction of the engine control module (ECM)
NOTE: After the ECM
NOTE: After the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (SERVICE ENGINE SOON or Check Engine Lamp) illuminates, it will be switched off under the following conditions.
- When the ECM
- For misfiring or a fuel trim malfunction, when driving conditions (engine speed, engine coolant temperature, etc.) are similar to those when the malfunction was first recorded.
NOTE: Sensor 1 indicates the sensor mounted at a position closest to the engine, and sensor 2 indicates the sensor mounted at the position second closest to the engine.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.