Just do a google search for part# MD315301. Mitsubishiparts.net or .com or the dealer all carry it for around $30,

 

Sounds good thanks!

 

Found this too

No: TSB-05-55-004
DATE: December, 2005
MODEL: 2002-06 Lancer

SUBJECT:
INSUFFICIENT HEATER
PERFORMANCE

PURPOSE
In extremely cold ambient temperatures under the conditions described below, the heater performance may be insufficient to heat the vehicle interior while the engine is idling. This is due to inappropriate coolant flow volume, which can be improved by changing the PCM software parameters. If a customer complains of this condition, reprogram the PCM as described in this bulletin.

Condition:

- Fan setting: High

- Air Outlets: Face mode

- Intake air temperature below -4 degrees F (-20 degrees C) just after engine start-up

or

Intake air temperature below 1 degree F (-17 degrees C) at idle after driving over 19mph (30 kph)





After reprogramming, the engine idle rpm will be changed as shown.

AFFECTED VEHICLES

2002-2006 Lancer models equipped with 2.0L SOHC engine

PROCEDURE

CAUTION
BATTERY VOLTAGE (AS MEASURED AT THE BATTERY POSTS WITHOUT ELECTRICAL LOAD) MUST BE 12.4V [...]

 

If your car hits normal operating temperature it is unlikely your thermostat. My car wouldn't ever hit 185 degrees and the gauge was moving all over the place.

 

Okay sounds good. Thanks.

 

look familiar?

that's what my gague looked like for ~5yrs after installing a new tstat and 2 coolant flushes....(till i sold it)
never checked the temp with a scanner but it stayed there 100% of the time after heating up

 

Yea thats where mine sits once it warms up too. That is the normal position, I was just having issues with the heat getting cooler at idle when its below 0 outside. Its find now that it warmed up a little.

 

also if you get the car up to temp...
grab the upper radiator hose(from radiator to tstat housing), it never gets quite hot...it's just warm...even in the dead heat of summer...

i always thought that was weird...but i was assured that it's normal too...
and again...it did the same thing for ~5yrs till i sold my RA...

as for the heat going down...if it's 0F or below outside...i'd expect it to do that...lol