Antitheft - Procedure For No Start Problem
NO.: TSB-99-54-010DATE: October, 1999
MODEL: See Below
SUBJECT:
NO-START CONDITION (IMMOBILIZER IGNITION KEY INTERFERENCE)
PURPOSE
This bulletin contains information concerning a no-start condition caused by interference between the Immobilizer-equipped vehicle's transponder ignition key and another transponder device like the Mobil(R) Speedpass(TM) key-ring transponder cylinder or another vehicle manufacturer's transponder ignition key.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Other Transponder Ignition Keys
Other vehicle manufacturers offer anti-theft protection systems similar to Mitsubishi's "Anti-theft Engine Immobilizer with security keys" system. These systems, like Mitsubishi's, use programmable, code-encrypted transponder ignition keys.
Mobil(R) Speedpass(TM)
The Mobil(R) Speedpass(TM) is a key-ring transponder device which automatically charges a fuel purchase to the customer's chosen credit account. The device operates when the customer passes the Mobil(R) Speedpass(TM) key-ring transponder over a designated area on the front of the gas pump. A red Mobil(R) Pegasus logo then illuminates informing the customer that fueling can begin.
SYMPTOM
A 2000 model year Mitsubishi vehicle equipped with the "Anti-theft Engine Immobilizer with security keys" may experience a no-start condition, or a condition where the vehicle starts and dies within 2 seconds, related to interference between the Immobilizer transponder ignition key and another transponder device which may be on the same key ring. This no-start condition can happen if the other transponder device is held immediately adjacent to the ignition key when the key is turned to the ON position. The interference between the two adjacent transponders "confuses" the signal picked up by the ignition switch antenna, causing the Immobilizer-ECU to shut off fuel to the MFI system.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
2000 Diamante
2000 Eclipse
2000 Galant
2000 Montero Sport
PROCEDURE
If a no-start condition exists because another transponder device (another manufacturer's transponder ignition key or a Mobil(R) Speedpass(TM) cylinder) is adjacent to the ignition key, the Immobilizer-ECU will set a "transponder read error" fault code. To diagnose this condition, turn the ignition switch OFF, remove the other transponder device from the key ring, then try to start the vehicle again. If the vehicle starts and remains running, the other transponder was the cause and the lmmobilizer-ECU fault code should clear. This condition (another transponder device adjacent to the ignition key) will not cause the engine to stall after it has been running normally.
If the no-start condition remains after removal of other transponder from the key ring, refer to the service manual and continue with the appropriate diagnostic procedure.
In cases where interference between the ignition key and another transponder is causing this no-start condition, instruct the customer to separate the ignition key and the other transponder device(s) slightly when starting the vehicle.
NOTE:
Placing other keys on the key-ring between the ignition key and the other transponder device can help prevent the occurrence of this related no-start condition.
During the vehicle delivery process, dealership sales personnel should explain this situation to any customer who has a Mobil(R) Speedpass(TM) or may possibly have another make of vehicle with a anti-theft transponder ignition key.
NOTE:
This no-start condition DOES NOT occur by the Mobil(R) Speedpass(TM) cylinder or another manufacturer's transponder ignition key simply being attached to the same key ring as the ignition key Another Mitsubishi Immobilizer transponder ignition key (from the same or different vehicle) will NOT cause interference or the no-start condition, even if it is adjacent to the transponder ignition key being used to start the vehicle.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
This bulletin is for information only. No special warranty procedures apply.