DTC B1079: Refrigerant Leaks: Diagnosis

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Required Special Tool:

MB991958: Scan Tool (M.U.T.-III Sub Assembly)
- MB991824: Vehicle Communication Interface (V.C.I.)
- MB991827: M.U.T.-III USB Cable
- MB991910: M.U.T.-III Main Harness A

STEP 1. Using scan tool MB991958, diagnose the CAN bus line
CAUTION: To prevent damage to scan tool MB991958, always turn the ignition switch to the "LOCK" (OFF) position before connecting or disconnecting scan tool MB991958.
1. Connect scan tool MB991958. Refer to "HOW TO CONNECT THE SCAN TOOL (M.U.T.-III) ".
2. Turn the ignition switch to the "ON" position.
3. Diagnose the CAN bus line.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the "LOCK" (OFF) position.
Q: Is the CAN bus line found to be normal?

YES : Go to Step 2.

NO : Repair the CAN bus line. (Refer to DIAGNOSIS ).
STEP 2. Recheck for diagnostic trouble code.
Recheck if the DTC is set.
1. Erase the DTC.
2. Turn the ignition switch to "ON" position.
3. Check if the DTC is set.
Q: Is the DTC set?

YES : Go to Step 3.

NO : It can be assumed that this malfunction is intermittent. Refer to HOW TO COPE WITH INTERMITTENT MALFUNCTIONS .
STEP 3. Check A/C pressure sensor connector A-53 and A/C-ECU connector C-22 for loose, corroded or damaged terminals, or terminals pushed back in the connector.
Q: Are air A/C pressure sensor connector A-53 and A/C-ECU connector C-22 in good condition?

YES : Go to Step 4.

NO : Repair or replace the connector. Refer to HARNESS CONNECTOR INSPECTION .

Fig 1: Connecting Special Tool To Data Link Connector
Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
STEP 4. Check the wiring harness between A/C-ECU connector C-22 (terminals 20, 16 and 19) and A/C pressure sensor connector A-53 (terminals 3, 2 and 1).
NOTE: Also check intermediate connector C-131 and joint connector C-102 for loose, corroded, or damaged terminals, or terminals pushed back in the connector. If intermediate connector C-131 and joint connector C-102 is damaged, repair or replace the connector as described in HARNESS CONNECTOR INSPECTION .

Q: Is the wiring harness between A/C-ECU connector C-22 (terminals 20, 16 and 19) and A/C pressure sensor connector A-53 (terminals 3, 2 and 1) in good condition?

YES : Go to Step 5.

NO : Repair the wiring harness.
STEP 5. Check the A/C pressure sensor operation.
1. Assemble a gauge manifold on the high pressure service valve.
2. Disconnect the A/C pressure sensor connector and connect special tool test harness MB991658 as shown in the illustration.
3. Turn ON the engine and then turn ON the A/C switch.
  
  Fig 2: Identifying A/C Pressure Sensor Connector Terminals
  Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
  
  Fig 3: Measuring Voltage A/C Pressure Sensor Terminals And Body Ground
  Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
4. At this time, check to see that the voltage of A/C pressure sensor terminal No. 2 reflects the specifications of the figure.
  NOTE: The allowance shall be defined as ±5%.
Q: Is the A/C pressure sensor operating properly?

YES : Go to Step 6.

NO : Replace the A/C pressure sensor. Then go to Step 7.

Fig 4: A/C Pressure Sensor Output Voltage Graph
Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
STEP 6. Check the refrigerant level.
Use the refrigerant recovery station to remove all of the refrigerant, and then calculate the amount of the refrigerant and charge it.

Q: Is the refrigerant level correct?

YES : Go to Step 7.

NO : Correct the refrigerant level (Refer to ON-VEHICLE SERVICE ). Then go to Step 7.
STEP 7. Recheck for diagnostic trouble code.
Check again if the DTC is set.
1. Connect scan tool MB991958 to the data link connector
2. Turn the ignition switch to the "ON" position.
3. Check if the DTC is set.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the "LOCK" (OFF) position.
Q: Is the DTC set?

YES : Return to Step 1.

NO : The procedure is complete.