Hello all,
I'm pretty good at keeping up with my maintenance. I just haven't drove the car for a while. it has been in the garage. Suddenly the other day while driving, ALL my ACD Lights turned on and stays on when I'm driving it. It doesn't feel like anything is wrong with the car but all the lights are on and thats freaking me out. My car is just bolt on's.

So I'm thinking i need a NEW ACD fluid change??. Please help. Thanks

 

All three lights on indicates a fault in the system. You need to pull the codes from the ACD system..

 

it is usually the pump not producing high enough pressure..

 

Your ACD pump likely needs a rebuild

 

Thank you so much everyone, I really appreciate it. I'm going to my mechanic tomorrow to have him replace the fluids and check it out. (I only have 52.5K miles on my SE).

So you think its the system, and not the fluids?

You guys are the best.

 

if he is not somewhat of an evo specialist he will not be able to replace the fluid in the acd pump. Having said that it is usually corrosion in the pump, faulty pressure sensor in the pump (but this shows up as 3 lights on right when you start the car), or sometimes the wiring harness.. worst case scenario is broken solenoid valve..

 

My pump is shot too. May only have 52.5k miles on your pump, but its 14 years old.

 

Kiki is the ACD expert. Chances are your pump plate is corroded and the unit can no longer build sufficient pressure. Its a timing thing really not so much miles and the pump sits in a horrible spot up front essentially open to the elements.

 

When you're mechanic looks at it, don't even bother having him quote an OEM replacement....my mechanic said that they are listed for $2,500 from mitsu. You're best option is likely a rebuild, assuming it doesn't have severe damage (mine had a split casting). Second option would be to check the marketplace or ebay for a used pump. You can usually find one for $400 - $700. Good luck!

 

So If i change all the fluids (i just ordered some OEM atf spf III fluid. Will this fix my faulty lights? I have never changed it, so i hope the job will be that easy. Flush and refill with new liquids. Thanks everyone!!

 

IIRC, when all three of my lights went on, it was because I was low on fluid. I remember the fluid looking fine while parked, but turns out the level was dropping while I was driving. It took me about a week to figure it out
I was ready to replace the ACD pump. Sounds like I got lucky.

 

the flush itself will usually not fix anything.... Maybe if you were low on fluid.. then it would help... You can try it tho..

 

I'm in the middle of ACD gong show, my solenoid busted. Reservoir wouldn't stay full and found crack where it was leaking out causing the 3 lights.
So anyway, what is the fluid level? If it's low where is it going? Look for wet below/around the pump.
Are all connections solid?
If you have fluid and all the plugs are good then it's probably rebuild time and be glad cause that's the cheapest/easiest crapfest to deal with.

 

You can have a fluid leak on the pump, usually the solenoid breaks. Also, your ACD actuator (plate really) in the transfer box can leak... which is usually a busted large O ring.

Other causes of 3 lights is low pump pressure due to pump corrosion, wiring harness issue, and busted pressure sensor (this shows up as 3 lights on the moment you start the car)

 

a broken wheel speed sensor will cause this to happen too.. I lost one a few weeks ago and it was just a wire that was broken.