Drivers of 2003 Outlander SUVs built before May 2003 may come in with a complaint of a pinging-type sound from the exhaust system while accelerating.
Mitsubishi says the noise is most likely the result of exhaust gases colliding in the front exhaust pipe. Installing an upgraded pipe with smoother contouring should help eliminate the noise.
Order Part No. MN180578 for FWD trucks; Part No. MN180579 for all-wheel-drive versions.
"Factory Fixes" is written by Jim DePalma, a 30-year veteran of the auto repair business who has served stints as a service manager, parts manager and ASE-certified technician. His column provides vehicle manufacturers' authentic factory technical service bulletins (TSBs) that have been condensed for easier reading. Mr. DePalma advises that techs always check with a dealer or repair information system for the latest revisions before starting to work on a vehicle. He can be reached via e-mail at [email protected].