Service Precautions

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Before proceeding with diagnosis, following precautions must be observed:

Ensure vehicle has a fully charged battery and functional charging system. Codes cannot be retrieved if battery voltage is too low.
Visually inspect connectors and circuit wiring being worked on.
DO NOT disconnect battery or PCM. This will erase any DTCs stored in PCM.
DO NOT cause short circuits when performing electrical tests. This will set additional DTCs, making diagnosis of original problem more difficult.
DO NOT use a test light in place of a voltmeter. Use voltmeter with 10-megohm impedance.
When checking for spark, ensure coil wire is NOT more than 1/4" from chassis ground. If coil wire is more than 1/4" from chassis ground, damage to vehicle electronics and/or PCM may result.
DO NOT prolong testing of fuel injectors. Engine may hydrostatically (liquid) lock.