2022 Eclipse Cross Rough Idle, Misfire, and CEL

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Amanda S. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:33 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SE

Hi everyone,

I'm having some trouble with my 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SE, which has about 35,000 miles on it. For the past week or so, I've noticed a really rough idle, especially when the engine is cold or at a stoplight. It feels like the car is shaking a bit more than usual.

Yesterday, the check engine light came on, and the car felt a bit sluggish, almost like it was misfiring under acceleration. I haven't noticed any strange noises, but the fuel economy seems to have dipped slightly.

I'm wondering if this is a common issue with the 1.5L turbo engine in these models. Could it be spark plugs, ignition coils, or something more serious? I'm planning to get it scanned, but I wanted to see if anyone here has experienced similar problems and what the fix turned out to be. Thanks for any insights!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

David, a rough idle, misfire sensation, and an illuminated Check Engine Light (CEL) on your 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SE with the 1.5L turbo engine point towards a common set of engine performance issues. Given the mileage, several components could be at play.

Possible Causes:

  1. Ignition System Components:
    • Spark Plugs: Worn or fouled spark plugs are a very common cause of misfires and rough idle.
    • Ignition Coils: A failing ignition coil for one or more cylinders can lead to intermittent or constant misfires.
  2. Fuel System Issues:
    • Clogged Fuel Injectors: A dirty or clogged fuel injector can prevent a cylinder from receiving enough fuel, causing a misfire.
    • Low Fuel Pressure: Issues with the fuel pump or fuel pressure regulator could lead to insufficient fuel delivery.
  3. Air Intake/Vacuum Leaks: Unmetered air entering the engine due to a vacuum leak can disrupt the air-fuel mixture, leading to rough idle and misfires.
  4. Turbocharger System: While less common for just a rough idle, issues with the turbocharger (e.g., wastegate problems, boost leaks) can affect engine performance and sometimes trigger misfires if the air-fuel ratio is severely impacted.
  5. OBD Codes: The CEL is almost certainly accompanied by diagnostic trouble codes. Common codes for these symptoms include:
    • P030x (e.g., P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304): Indicates a misfire detected in a specific cylinder (x).
    • P0300: Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected.
    • P0171: System Too Lean (Bank 1) - often associated with vacuum leaks or fuel delivery issues.

When to See a Shop: You should get your Eclipse Cross to a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Driving with a persistent misfire can lead to further damage, particularly to the catalytic converter, which is an expensive component to replace.

What to Expect at the Shop:

  1. OBD-II Scan: The first step will be to read the stored trouble codes. This will usually pinpoint the cylinder(s) experiencing misfires or indicate a broader system issue.
  2. Visual Inspection: The mechanic will check for obvious issues like loose vacuum hoses, damaged wiring, or signs of leaks.
  3. Spark Plug & Coil Inspection: They will likely remove and inspect the spark plugs and test the ignition coils, especially for the cylinder(s) reporting misfires.
  4. Fuel System Diagnostics: This might involve checking fuel pressure and potentially testing injector function.
  5. Compression Test: In some cases, a compression test might be performed to rule out internal engine issues like a faulty valve or head gasket.

Addressing the root cause quickly will restore your vehicle's performance and prevent more serious problems.