Sales Engineer: "Hey, this potential buyer is acting a little weird but I've had way, way worse."
Sales Engineer: "Hey, this potential buyer is acting a little weird but I've had way, way worse."
Skills: Cage fighting, computer chatting, making sweet moula
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View my fuel log 2014 Mirage 1.2 manual: 38.0 mpg (US) ... 16.1 km/L ... 6.2 L/100 km ... 45.6 mpg (Imp)
Daox (01-03-2018)
Official testing is now in progress.
After a $12 trip to Harbor Freight, I have 2 instant-read thermometers...
There are probably more convenient ways to monitor the temperatures of 2 vents (a 2-channel digital thermometer like this one)...but I figure these are accurate enough.
I have my HVAC controls set as follows...
...and a thermometer positioned in each round dash vent...
I just ran my first test. I made a 25 minute trip (mostly freeway). The temperature of both vents kept climbing, but both seemed to top out after about 20 minutes. Here are the results of this test (temps are in F)...
Outside Temp.....12
Coolant Temp.....195-200
Test Duration....25 minutes
Left Vent........152
Right Vent.......125
I angled the thermometers so I can read both from the driver's seat. No matter what situation I was in, the left side seemed to maintain a temperature that was a steady 30 degrees above the right side reading. This beats measuring the temp with a laser because you can constantly see the temps of each vent change with the coolant temperature.
This appears to back up the image I previously posted of my vent temps using an infrared thermometer...
Once I've done this for a few days, we need a volunteer with a newer Mirage to run the same test. I will even send you my thermometers to use. Like I mentioned before...I'm really curious to know if a new Mirage behaves the same way.
Last edited by Top_Fuel; 01-05-2018 at 12:13 PM.
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View my fuel log 2015 Mirage ES 1.2 manual: 52.2 mpg (US) ... 22.2 km/L ... 4.5 L/100 km ... 62.6 mpg (Imp)
I can't believe I'm saying this but it's supposed to get into the 20's this week and I wish it would stay colder, at least until after I have my appt. with the dealer to check my heating system. I'm not going to cancel my appt. just so I can get a record of complaint even if the dealer doesn't agree with my assessment that it's not blowing enough hot air. Any thoughts about things I can say or do to strengthen my case?
Skills: Cage fighting, computer chatting, making sweet moula
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View my fuel log 2014 Mirage 1.2 manual: 38.0 mpg (US) ... 16.1 km/L ... 6.2 L/100 km ... 45.6 mpg (Imp)
You might mention that other Mirage owners are noticing the same issue. And if the service manager says it's "normal" (which is likely), can they consult with the Mitsubish Tech Line (the "help desk" for Mitsubishi service technicians) to see if there's anything they might know. Remember...the Tech Line guys knew about the rear alignment issue long before most dealer service departments did.
Also...if it's supposedly normal...maybe they would be willing to check out a new Mirage they have in stock.
I still think we need the answer to one simple question: Does a brand new Mirage heater behave the same way?
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View my fuel log 2015 Mirage ES 1.2 manual: 52.2 mpg (US) ... 22.2 km/L ... 4.5 L/100 km ... 62.6 mpg (Imp)
I'm planning to ask to test drive a new mirage while I'm there. Will record the temps in the vents for you guys and for me and the service advisor.
Skills: Cage fighting, computer chatting, making sweet moula
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View my fuel log 2014 Mirage 1.2 manual: 38.0 mpg (US) ... 16.1 km/L ... 6.2 L/100 km ... 45.6 mpg (Imp)
I got my borescope in the mail today. After spending 1.5 hours out in the driveway trying to get a good shot of the heater core I now agree with Daox that it is not an easy task.
I've got the same blue wire. I was able to view the length of it and it looked clean, no debris in the heater box.
I also found these wires close to the exit point on the right side face dash vent. I'm not concerned about them.
Tomorrow is my big day at the dealership - wish me luck.
Skills: Cage fighting, computer chatting, making sweet moula
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View my fuel log 2014 Mirage 1.2 manual: 38.0 mpg (US) ... 16.1 km/L ... 6.2 L/100 km ... 45.6 mpg (Imp)
Awesome job. It looks like its clipped in and definitely supposed to be there.
Custom Mirage products: Cruise control kit, Glove box light, MAF sensor housing, Rear sway bar, Upper grill block
Current project: DIY Nitrous oxide setup for ~$100
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View my fuel log 2015 Mirage DE 1.2 manual: 47.2 mpg (US) ... 20.1 km/L ... 5.0 L/100 km ... 56.7 mpg (Imp)
Good News! My dealer said they will honor the warranty and replace the heater core.
It wasn't entirely smooth but the end result is all that matters. At first I was told that someone added non-spec coolant to my system and it mixed or didn't mix with the spec coolant and ruined the heater core. They said they knew this because someone had installed a block heater and the ONLY way you can install a block heater is to drain the coolant (everybody knows that right?).
So my apprehension about their service department was well founded. But in the end, I will be getting a new heater core and whatever new problems are associated with incompetently removing and reinstalling a dashboard.
I did test drive a new 2017 Mirage while I was waiting. The dash temps were the same as previously reported in this thread by Top Fuel.
Skills: Cage fighting, computer chatting, making sweet moula
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View my fuel log 2014 Mirage 1.2 manual: 38.0 mpg (US) ... 16.1 km/L ... 6.2 L/100 km ... 45.6 mpg (Imp)
Woohoo, that is great to hear. Were you able to get any info out of them about the problem?
I just noticed driving in today that at 30F temps, I can almost not tell the difference this issue is causing. It was only slightly cooler on the far passenger side vs far driver's side.
I really hope that this fixes your problem 01-7700. If the 17 has it already...
Custom Mirage products: Cruise control kit, Glove box light, MAF sensor housing, Rear sway bar, Upper grill block
Current project: DIY Nitrous oxide setup for ~$100
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View my fuel log 2015 Mirage DE 1.2 manual: 47.2 mpg (US) ... 20.1 km/L ... 5.0 L/100 km ... 56.7 mpg (Imp)
They are blaming the problem on me or someone else who added the wrong coolant. The service manager didn't even know how the block heater works - I don't think they are a good source of info on this topic. We'll see what they say when I bring it back in for the replacement - I will ask for the old core to do some forensics.
I didn't add any coolant and the only ones who have done any service on this car are them.
Skills: Cage fighting, computer chatting, making sweet moula
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View my fuel log 2014 Mirage 1.2 manual: 38.0 mpg (US) ... 16.1 km/L ... 6.2 L/100 km ... 45.6 mpg (Imp)
Fummins (01-10-2018)