MITSUBISHI LANCER 2005 Owners Manual
Page 91 of 788
STARTING SYSTEM
ENGINE ELECTRICAL16-27
DISASSEMBLY SERVICE POINTS
<<A>> MAGNETIC SWITCH REMOVAL
CAUTION
Do not clamp the yoke assembly with a vise.
Disconnect the lead from the M terminal of the 
magnetic switch.
<<B>> SNAP RING/STOP RING REMOVAL
1. Apply a long socket wrench of an appropriate size 
to the stop ring and strike the wrench to drive out 
the stop ring toward the pinion gear side.
2. Remove the snap ring with snap ring pliers, then 
remove the stop ring and overrunning clutch.
STARTER MOTOR PARTS CLEANING
Never clean in a solvent such starter motor parts 
as the magnetic switch, brush holder, and 
armature. If they are soaked in a solvent, their 
insulation could be impaired. When these parts 
require cleaning, wipe off contamination with 
cloth.
1. Never soak the drive unit in a solvent. If it is 
washed in a solvent, the grease having been 
packed in the overrunning clutch at the factory will 
be washed out. Wipe the drive unit with cloth if it 
requires cleaning.
REASSEMBLY SERVICE POINTS
>>A<< STOP RING/SNAP RING 
INSTALLATION
Use a suitable puller to pull the stop ring until it gets 
over the snap ring.
INSPECTION M1162001300157
COMMUTATOR
1. Support the armature with a pair of V block and 
turn it to measure the runout of the surface not 
rubbed by the brushes using a dial gauge.
Standard value: 0.05 mm or less
Limit: 0.1 mm
AK201882
B terminal
M terminal S terminal
AC
AK100883AC
Socket wrench
Stop ring
Pinion Gear
Overrunning 
clutch
AK202791
Snap ring 
pliersSnap ring
Pinion gear
Overrunning 
clutch
AB
AK202911
Overrunning 
clutchStop ring
Snap ring Stop ring
AB
AK202712 
Page 92 of 788
STARTING SYSTEM
ENGINE ELECTRICAL16-28
2. Measure the diameter of the commutator.
Standard value: 29.4 mm
Limit: 28.8 mm
3. Measure the depth of the undercut between 
segments.
Standard value: 0.5 mm
Limit: 0.2 mm
BRUSH HOLDER
Push the brush into the brush holder to make sure 
that the spring is working on the brush.
If the spring is not working, replace the brush holder.
OVERRUNNING CLUTCH
1. Make sure that the pinion cannot be turned 
counterclockwise and can be turned clockwise 
freely.
2. Check the pinion for abnormal ware and damage.
BRUSHES
1. Check the commutator contacting surface of each 
brush for abnormal roughness. Also check the 
height of the brush. Replace the brush holder if 
the height is lower than the limit.
Limit: 7.0 mm
2. When the contact surface of the brush is rectified 
or the brush holder is replaced, recondition the 
contact surface with sandpaper wrapped around 
the commutator.
ARMATURE COIL
1. Check the armature coil for short circuit as 
follows:
AK202715
AK202711
SegmentUndercut
Mica
AB
AK201187
AK202710
Free
Lock
AB
AK202846
Brush 
height
AB 
Page 93 of 788
STARTING SYSTEM
ENGINE ELECTRICAL16-29
2. Set the armature in a growler.
CAUTION
Clean the surface of the armature thoroughly 
before performing the test.
3. While holding a thin strip of iron against the 
armature in parallel with its axis, turn the armature 
slowly. The armature is normal if the iron strip is 
not attracted to the armature or it does not vibrate.
4. Check the insulation between commutator 
segments and armature coils. The armature coils 
are properly insulated if no continuity is present.
5. Check continuity between a segment and another. 
There is no open circuit in the tested coil if there is 
continuity.
MAGNETIC SWITCH
1. Coil open circuit test
•Check that there is continuity between the M 
terminal and body A.
•If there is no continuity, replace the magnetic 
switch.
2. Contact fusion check
•Check that there is no continuity between the B 
terminal and M terminal.
•If there is continuity, replace the magnetic switch.
3. Switch contact check
•Push the indicated end of the magnetic switch 
with a strong force to close the internal contacts. 
Without releasing the switch end, check that 
there is continuity between the B terminal and M 
terminal.
•If there is no continuity, replace the magnetic 
switch.
AK202733
Growler
AB
AK202734
AK202713
AK202891
A
M  terminal
AB
AK202892
M terminal B terminal
AB
AK202893
M terminal B terminal
AB 
Page 94 of 788
IGNITION SYSTEM
ENGINE ELECTRICAL16-30
IGNITION SYSTEM
GENERAL INFORMATIONM1163000100294
This system is equipped with two ignition coils (A and 
B) with built-in power transistors for the No. 1 and 
No. 4 cylinders and the No. 2 and No. 3 cylinders 
respectively.
Interruption of the primary current flowing in the 
primary side of ignition coil A generates a high 
voltage in the secondary side of ignition coil A. The 
high voltage thus generated is applied to the spark 
plugs of No. 1 and No. 4 cylinders to generate 
sparks. At the time that the sparks are generated at 
both spark plugs, if one cylinder is at the 
compression stroke, the other cylinder is at the 
exhaust stroke, so that ignition of the compressed 
air/fuel mixture occurs only for the cylinder which is 
at the compression stroke.
In the same way, when the primary current flowing in 
ignition coil B is interrupted, the high voltage thus 
generated is applied to the spark plugs of No. 2 and 
No. 3 cylinders.The engine-ECU <M/T> or engine-A/T-ECU <A/T> 
turns the two power transistors inside the ignition 
coils alternately on and off. This causes the primary 
currents in the ignition coils to be alternately 
interrupted and allowed to flow to fire the cylinders in 
the order 1-3-4-2.
The engine-ECU <M/T> or engine-A/T-ECU <A/T> 
determines which ignition coil should be controlled 
by means of the signals from the camshaft position 
sensor which is incorporated in the camshaft and 
from the crank angle sensor which is incorporated in 
the crankshaft. It also detects the crankshaft position 
in order to provide ignition at the most appropriate 
timing in response to the engine operation 
conditions. It also detects the crankshaft position in 
order to provide ignition at the most appropriate 
timing in response to the engine operation 
conditions.
When the engine is cold or operated at high 
altitudes, the ignition timing is slightly advanced to 
provide optimum performance.
When the automatic transmission shifts gears, the 
ignition timing is also retarded in order to reduce 
output torque, thereby alleviating shifting shocks.
SYSTEM DIAGRAM
AK101074
Air flow sensor 
<4G6> MAP sensor <4G1>
Intake air temperatur
sensor
Engine coolant
temperature sensor
Camshaft position
sensor
Crank angle sensor
Barometric pressure
sonsor <4G6>
Detonatoin sensor
Ignition switch-STEngine-A/T-
ECU <A/T> Engine-ECU 
<M/T>Ignition coil B
Cylinder No.
23 4
AG
1 Spark plugIgnition coil AIgnition
switch
Battery 
Page 95 of 788
IGNITION SYSTEM
ENGINE ELECTRICAL16-31
IGNITION COIL SPECIFICATION
SPARK PLUG SPECIFICATIONS
SERVICE SPECIFICATIONS
M1163000300180
IGNITION COIL
SPARK PLUG
RESISTIVE CORD
SPECIAL TOOL
M1163000600288
Item Specification
Type Molded 2-coil
Items 4G1 4G66
NGK BKR6E-11 IGR6A11
DENSO K20PR-U11
−
CHAMPION RC8YC4
−
Item Standard value
Secondary coil resistance kΩ8.5 − 11 . 5
ItemsStandard value Limit
Spark plug gap mm 4G1 1.0 − 1.1
−
4G6 1.0 − 1.1 1.3
Item Standard value Limit
Resistance kΩ
−Maximum 19
Tool Number Name Use
MD998773 Detonation sensor 
wrenchDetonation sensor 
removal and installation 
Page 96 of 788
IGNITION SYSTEM
ENGINE ELECTRICAL16-32
ON-VEHICLE SERVICE
IGNITION COIL (WITH BUILT-IN POWER 
TRANSISTOR) CHECK
M1163001200324
Check by the following procedure, and replace if 
there is a malfunction.
SECONDARY COIL RESISTANCE CHECK
Measure the resistance between the high-voltage 
terminals of the ignition coil.
Standard value: 8.5 − 11.5 kΩ
PRIMARY COIL AND POWER 
TRANSISTOR CONTINUITY CHECK
NOTE: .•
 An analogue-type circuit tester should be used.
•Connect the negative (-) prove of the circuit tester 
to terminal No. 1.
CAUTION
This test must be performed quickly (in less than 
10 seconds) to prevent coil from burning and 
power transistor from breakage.
RESISTIVE CORD CHECKM1163001400124
Measure the resistance of the all spark plug cables.
1. Check cap and coating for cracks.
2. Measure resistance.
Limit: Maximum 19 kΩ
SPARK PLUG CHECK AND CLEANING 
<4G1>
M1163004300342
CAUTION
When pulling off the spark plug cable from the 
plug always hold the cable cap, not the cable.
1. Remove the spark plug cables.
2. Remove the spark plugs.
3. Check for burned out electrode or damaged 
insulator. Check for even burning.
4. Remove carbon deposits with wire brush or plug 
cleaner. Remove sand from plug screw with 
compressed air.
5. Use a plug gap gauge to check that the plug gap 
is within the standard value range.
Standard value: 1.0 − 1.1 mm
If the plug gap is not within the standard value 
range, adjust by bending the earth electrode.
CAUTION
Be careful not to allow foreign matter in 
cylinders.
6. Clean the engine plug holes.
7. Install the spark plugs. 1.5 V power supply 
between 2 − 3Continuity between 1 − 
2
When current is flowing Continuity
When current is not 
flowing No continuity
AKX01264
AKX01265AD
1.5 V
123 +
–
AKX00382
AKX01272
AG
Plug gap gauge
Measurement
direction 
Page 97 of 788
IGNITION SYSTEM
ENGINE ELECTRICAL16-33
SPARK PLUG CHECK AND CLEANING 
<4G6>
M1163004300353
CAUTION
When pulling off the spark plug cable from the 
plug always hold the cable cap, not the cable.
1. Remove the spark plug cables.
2. Remove the spark plugs.
CAUTION
•Do not attempt to adjust the gap of the iridium 
plug.
•Always use a plug cleaner and finish cleaning 
within 20 seconds. Do not use wire brushes. 
Otherwise, the iridium and platinum tip may 
be damaged.
3. Check the plug gap and replace if the limit is 
exceeded.
Standard value: 1.0 − 1.1 mm
Limit: 1.3 mm
CAUTION
Be careful not to allow foreign matter in 
cylinders.
4. Clean the engine plug holes.
5. Install the spark plugs.
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR CHECKM1163004400219
Check the camshaft position sensor circuit if 
self-diagnosis code No. P0340 is shown.
(Refer to GROUP 13A − Troubleshooting − 
Inspection chart for diagnosis code <4G1> P.13A-15 
or GROUP 13B − Troubleshooting − Inspection chart 
for diagnosis code <4G6> P.13B-15 ).
CRANK ANGLE SENSOR CHECKM1163004500272
Check the crank angle sensor circuit if self-diagnosis 
code No. P0335 is shown.
(Refer to GROUP 13A − Troubleshooting − 
Inspection chart for diagnosis code <4G1> P.13A-15 
or GROUP 13B − Troubleshooting − Inspection chart 
for diagnosis code <4G6> P.13B-15 ).
DETONATION SENSOR CHECKM1163002900047
Check the detonation sensor circuit if self-diagnosis 
code No. P0325 is shown. 
(Refer to GROUP 13A − Troubleshooting − 
Inspection chart for diagnosis code <4G1> P.13A-15 
or GROUP 13B − Troubleshooting − Inspection chart 
for diagnosis code <4G6> P.13B-15).
IGNITION SECONDARY VOLTAGE 
WAVEFORM CHECK USING AN 
OSCILLOSCOPE
M1163001700170
MEASUREMENT METHOD
1. Clamp the secondary pickup around the spark 
plug cable.
NOTE: .
•The peak ignition voltage will be reversed 
when the spark plug cables No. 2 and No. 4, 
or No. 1 and No. 3 cylinders are clamped.
•Because of the two-cylinder simultaneous 
ignition system, the waveforms for two 
cylinders in each group appear during 
waveform observation (No. 1 cylinder - No. 4 
cylinder, No. 2 cylinder - No. 3 cylinder). 
However, waveform observation is only 
applicable for the cylinder with the spark plug 
cable clamped by the secondary pickup.
•Identifying which cylinder waveform is 
displayed can be difficult. For reference, 
remember that the waveform of the cylinder 
attached to the secondary pickup will be 
displayed as stable.
2. Clamp the spark plug cable with the trigger 
pickup.
NOTE: Clamp the trigger pickup to the same 
spark plug cable clamped by the secondary 
pickup.
AKX00383
AL
Platinum
tipIridium 
tip 
Page 98 of 788
IGNITION SYSTEM
ENGINE ELECTRICAL16-34
STANDARD WAVEFORM
Observation Conditions
Observation Conditions (The only change from above condition is the pattern selector.)Function Secondary
Pattern height High (or Low)
Pattern selector Raster
Engine revolutions Curb idle speed
Pattern selector Display
AKX00278
kV
0 Secondary
ignition voltage
wave patternIgnition voltage
(point D)Spark line (point A)
Dwell sectionWave dampling reduction section (point B)
Point C
Time
AD 
Page 99 of 788
IGNITION SYSTEM
ENGINE ELECTRICAL16-35
WAVEFORM OBSERVATION POINTS
Point A: The height, length and slope of the spark line show the following trends (Refer to abnormal 
waveform examples, 1, 2, 3 and 4).
Point B: Number of vibration in reduction vibration section (Refer to abnormal waveform example 5)
Point C: Number of vibrations at beginning of dwell section (Refer to abnormal waveform example 5)
Point D: Ignition voltage height (distribution per each cylinder) shows the following trends.
AKX01275
kV
Secondary ignition
voltage wave pattern
0
2NO. 1 cylinder
NO. 3 cylinder
ignition noise
Newtral sectionNO. 4 cylinderNO. 2 cylinder
ignition noise
Time
AC
Spark line Plug gap Condition of 
electrodeCompression 
force Concentration 
of air mixtureIgnition 
timingSpark plug 
cable
Length Long Small Normal Low Rich Advanced Leak
Short Large Large wear High  Lean Retarded High 
resistance
Height High Large Large wear High Lean Retarded High 
resistance
Low Small Normal Low Rich Advanced Leak
Slope Large Plug is fouled
−− −−
Number of vibrations Coil and condenser
3 or more Normal
Except above Abnormal
Number of vibrations Coil
5 − 6 or higher Normal
Except above Abnormal
Ignition 
voltagePlug gap Condition of 
electrodeCompression 
forceConcentration 
of air mixtureIgnition 
timingSpark plug 
cable
High Large Large wear High Lean Retarded High 
resistance
Low Small Normal Low Rich Advanced Leak 
Page 100 of 788
IGNITION SYSTEM
ENGINE ELECTRICAL16-36
EXAMPLES OF ABNORMAL 
WAV E F O R M S
Example 1
•Wave characteristics
Spark line is high and short.
•Cause of problem
Spark plug gap is too large.
Example 2
•Wave characteristics
Spark line is low and long, and is sloping.
Also, the second half of the spark line is distorted. 
This could be a result of misfiring.
•Cause of problem
Spark plug gap is too small.Example 3
•Wave characteristics
Spark line is low and long, and is sloping. 
However, there is almost no spark line 
distortion.
•Cause of problem
Spark plug gap is fouled.
Example 4
•Wave characteristics
Spark line is high and short.
Difficult to distinguish between this and abnormal 
waveform example 1.
•Cause of problem
Spark plug cable is nearly falling off (Causing a 
dual ignition).
Example 5
•Wave characteristics
No waves in wave damping section.
•Cause of problem
Layer short in ignition coil.
AKX00280
AKX00281
AKX00282
AKX00283
AKX00284