Vehicle: 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse, L4-2.4L (4G69), Automatic Transmission/Transaxle

Mileage: 130,635 miles

Problem: The owner brought her Eclipse to the shop because the malfunction indicator light (MIL) was on. She added that the engine seemed a little down on power lately.

Case Details: When the tech connected a scanner to pull diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), he found only one: P003C Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control System (MIVEC) Performance.

He checked the oil level and condition. It was fine. Before taking the valve cover off to inspect the valve timing control components, he decided to call ALLDATA Tech-Assist for some diagnostic insight.

The consultant advised him that the ECM uses the oil pressure switch to determine whether the oil control valve is operating correctly. When the valve operates, the engine oil pressure rises. To confirm proper operation, he said to note if the switch is operating while driving by looking for an OFF to ON PID switch indication on his scan tool.

If it isn’t – and if the engine oil level and condition are good – check the switch, the oil control valve and associated circuits.

The technician performed the suggested inspections and found the switch was not switching from OFF to ON. When he inspected the oil control valve, he noticed that it was full of sludge and was corroded.

Confirmed Repair: The technician replaced the oil control valve, cleared the DTC then road-tested the vehicle. There were no further issues. Problem solved!