Hi everyone - new here.

My brand new 2008 Lancer GTS (Nav + CVT) is only 1 week old, and tomorrow it’s getting towed to Mitsubishi Service.

Here’s what happened – maybe someone out there can relate, or maybe give me an idea of what could be wrong.

I am driving down a service road going normal to slower speed (about 40mph) and all of a sudden the ‘Service Engine Soon’ light comes on and the car slowed down to an unsual speed – it felt like it was in manual mode where the gas wasn’t excelerating the car as it should (and just was only a minute or two ago).

I pull over and place the car in park. At this point, I see the RPMs going up and down as the car seems to be revving on its own! You can hear it clear as day – the car is totally revving on its own.

I shut the car off, wait a minute or two, then turn it back on. While in park, it’s at a higher RPM – when I put it in drive, it sounds a bit more normal – as I try to drive away, again it feels like it’s in manual mode as applying gas is doing very little, and the car is dragging.

The ‘Service Engine Soon’ light is now always on regardless.

Luckily, I was close to home and slowly but surely revved, and dragged into the driveway where it will stay until the tow truck comes tomorrow.

Does anyone know hat can be wrong?

Thanks.

Well, Mitsubishi Roadside just took him away on a flatbed back to the Service Center (in Staten Island, NYC).

I guess no one has ever heard of this with other '08 Lancers as this post has been viewed over 100 times, but no one has commented.

The Service Center said that they haven’t had any ’08 Lancers come back yet, so I am a little worried that they aren’t trained on this new model, etc.

I guess I'll just wait and see what they tell me tomorrow... :(

just dont void your warranty. sounds like you may need it in the long run

well most new cars dont failed or have serious problems from the factory.but keep us posted on the problem.

No, my friend with a white GTS had the same thing happen to him. He had the auto trans as well. I guess there was something wrong with the electronic throttle control, throttle position sensor or something. I haven't heard of this problem with the 5 speed Lancers. Sucks to be you guys. Hope you get your car back quick :57:

I am not a modder (I chose the GTS model because it looks hot stock, and has everything I’d ever need), so there is nothing I can do to void the warranty.

Also, my GTS is a 18-24 month lease (I lease all my cars as I like something new every couple of years and Mitsu has the 6-month waiver policy if you want to go into a newer Mitsu 6 months before your lease is up – they eat the payments).

So technically, over and beyond the hassle for me, this is and will ultimately be Mitsubishi's problem. If this car becomes problematic, I have no problem using my corporate connections help speed the process to rectify the situation – but I am hoping it doesn’t get to that.

Mine failed to start 2 times, however after calling a towtruck it started :)

Thanks, I hope so too!

So, do you know exactly what they did to fix your friend's problem? Was it a part they had to order and replace, or was it something they were able to fix via software/computer (or whatever they use).

Also, how long did it take for them to fix this problem? What is something they failed to properly program before he took delivery of the car, or was the whole 'throttle' system defective and needed replacement?

Bear in mind, over and beyond pumping gas, replenishing oil and changing tires, I know absolutely nothing about 'fixing cars' and car parts. I just buy them and drive them!

Ironically, as I posted above, I like a new car every 2 or 3 years so I’ve never had a problem like this throughout the life of my prior leases, let alone 7 days off the showroom floor.

Thanks for any info. :thumbsup:

I get a new one every 6 months, LOL But thats just me ....

Hope you get your ride soonest with complete explanation from the service center on what had been the cause/s of the issue...

Thanks! I hope so too! It's a tease not being able to drive it, etc. The car is like a big toy - so much fun to drive.

I would think that they just re-flash the control module but it may be a hardware/ mechanical problem. I'll call my friend tonight and see what they did. I do know for a fact that they covered it and gave him a damn chevy aveo to drive in the mean time.

Well, KBanks - you were right!

The Service Center just called me and told me that the problem is indeed the 'Throttle Sensor'. The tranny, engine and all that are fine, it's just the sensor that was defective (apparently from the factory).

They ordered the part and claim it should be in tomorrow (I'll believe that when I see it). He also said that it's an easily accessible part from the bottom, and nothing else needs to be removed to swap it out.

I guess it could have been worse, but between this issue and the Window Tint fiasco (removing adhesive from the windows daily due to the mole-skin upgrade), I can't help but feel that my 'new car experience' has been severely dampened!

I hope this issue is isolated and not due to another problem. KBanks, it would be great if you can ask your friend what the process was, and how long it took, and how the car is running since.

Thanks a lot! :thumbsup:

that would be the second throttle issue Ive heard of with the new lancer.

the throttle is drive-by-wire, and its made by Mikuni. There must be a small issue with some of the supply.

at anyrate, its not that big of a deal to repair, but it is obviously an inconvenience for you.

Hmmm, that's interesting to hear. I just hope that the new Throttle part they are getting won’t be from that troubled supply.

Also, what does 'drive-by-wire' mean? I know, this must be a silly question for most. :grin: