2020 Eclipse Cross Turbo Lag / Power Loss

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Chris P. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:31 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SE

Hey folks,

I've got a 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SE with the 1.5L turbo engine, and lately, I've been experiencing some noticeable turbo lag and a general feeling of power loss. It's most apparent when I try to accelerate quickly, like merging onto the highway or passing another car. There's a significant delay before the turbo kicks in, and even then, it doesn't feel as strong as it used to.

It almost feels like the engine is struggling to breathe. I haven't seen any check engine lights come on, which is confusing. I'm wondering if this is a common issue with these engines or if there's something specific I should be looking at. Any ideas on what might be causing this or what I can check myself before taking it to the dealer?

Thanks for any help!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Experiencing increased turbo lag and power loss in your 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross's 1.5L turbo engine, even without a check engine light, can be frustrating. This often points to issues affecting the turbocharger's efficiency or the engine's ability to process air/fuel mixtures correctly.

Common Causes:

  1. Boost Leaks: Hoses or connections in the intake system (intercooler pipes, vacuum lines) can develop leaks, causing a loss of boost pressure.
  2. Wastegate Actuator/Valve Issues: The wastegate controls exhaust flow to the turbo. If it's stuck open or its actuator is failing, the turbo won't build boost effectively. A common code for this is P0299 (Turbocharger/Supercharger Underboost).
  3. Diverter Valve/Bypass Valve Failure: This valve releases excess boost pressure when the throttle closes. If it's stuck open, boost can escape, leading to power loss.
  4. Clogged Air Filter or Intake: A restricted air intake can starve the engine and turbo of necessary air.
  5. Faulty MAF (Mass Air Flow) Sensor: An inaccurate MAF reading can cause the engine's computer to miscalculate fuel delivery and boost targets.
  6. Catalytic Converter Restriction: A partially clogged catalytic converter can create excessive back pressure, hindering exhaust flow and turbo performance.

Troubleshooting Steps & When to See a Shop:

  1. Visual Inspection: Check all visible intake hoses, intercooler connections, and vacuum lines for cracks, disconnections, or signs of leaks.
  2. Air Filter Check: Inspect your engine's air filter. If it's dirty or clogged, replace it.
  3. Professional Diagnostic Scan: Even without a CEL, a professional OBD-II scanner can often detect pending codes or manufacturer-specific codes related to boost pressure, MAF readings, or O2 sensor performance. Look for codes like P0299, P0101 (MAF sensor performance), or P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold).
  4. Boost Pressure Test: A shop can perform a boost pressure test to confirm if the turbo is generating the correct amount of pressure.

Recommendation: Since you're experiencing a noticeable performance drop, it's best to have your Eclipse Cross inspected by a qualified technician. They have the specialized tools to accurately diagnose boost-related issues, perform smoke tests for leaks, and check sensor readings to pinpoint the exact cause.