Picked up a 2008 with 44,000K on it. Minor mods, intake and turbo back exhaust. I don't have the manual, but borrowed my buddy's 2010 manual. I'm getting a red triangle with with an "!" in it. His manual indicates that there could be a timing chain wear issue. In the FAQs in this forum, I found a link to TSB-11-13-007 indicating that there is a programming error that might give an erroneous error code. Has anyone encountered this? I can't imagine that the timing chain would be worn at 44,000 miles.

It also has a Blitz Turbo controller and timer installed. They are connected through the diagnostic port (at least I think that is what is plugged into the port). If the plug is taken out for diagnostic purposes, and then plugged back in afterward, will it change any thing or will it resume the normal operation of the Blitz controllers.

If the plug is not related to the Blitz controllers, I'm thinking it is a tuning port, because there is a USB cable in the glove box. Is my thinking along the right track?

I'm really new to this stuff so please be gentle!

 

it does sound like the timing chain stretch warning to me.

and yes they have been known to stretch with even lower miles than that. Get the upgraded version.

 

Is this a major job or is it realativley routine for dealers?

 

It's a know issue for 2008 and 2010 models. There is an updated timing chain that they have been putting in the 2011+ models that resolves this issue. However, I'm not sure what replacement options you have.

 

Slow down, people. There are several issues that can cause that warning light. Go get the code read before going any further.

 

he's right, get the code read 1st or take off your valve cover and have perform a visual inspection on the chain to see if its stretched, there are some markers as you look inside the timing cover, if the chain has gone passed the markers then it needs changed anyway.

But no its not a major job at all, I know many people who have done the job themselves, but you need the MUTII diagnostics device to reset the ECUs learned value. If you have to do the chain, make sure you get the new thicker version.

 

Thanks Guys, I received the verdict. It is definitely the timing chain. I was recommended to a great mecahanic that has done extensive work on my buddy's 2012 Porche 911 Turbo S (talk about fast 0-60 in 2.6 seceonds after the work he had done). Anyway he explained to me that the timing chain doesn't actually stretch, the tensioner blocks wear which causes them to not be able to properly tension the chain which throws off the timing (retards it). He says the parts are usually sold in a kit that includes the chain tensioners and everything else needed to do the job. He says it makes total sense to replace everything while you have it openned up. I priced the parts on line and it looks like they are around $200. Does anyone have any idea of approximately how many hours it will take an experienced mechanic to do the job?

Thanks.

 

This person might know Porsches, but he or she doesn't know Mitsus. It is a very well known that our timing chains really do stretch; there are side-by-side pictures of new and old chains on the web.

Go somewhere else.

 

I was wondering the same. Because if the chain does not stretch, why would Mitsu change the chain to a different one? I thought it physically stretched?

 

This, for me, at least, settles it: http://roadraceengineering.com/blog/?p=3687

 

the mechanics theory is valid because I was always told timing chain are not suppose to stretch therefore less maintenance than a timing belt but in the case of our cars it doesn't apply at all check out Iowa's link they definitely do stretch without a doubt. like stated above go somewhere else.

 

First off, theories don't have validity. Theories either have supporting or refuting evidence. The word "validity" with no preceding modifier refers to whether a given measure provides accurate information about the attribute being measured.

Second, whether something is supposed to stretch is not a good way to support or refute a conclusion concerning whether it does stretch. If everything in this world did exactly and only what it was supposed to, a whole bunch of folks with jobs that involve fixing stuff, such as your Porsche mechanic, would be unemployed.

Finally, if directly-relevant data exist, one should always stop talking about theory. In this case, various theories on whether timing chains should or do stretch are trumped by data which show that they do.

Yes, a majority of this post is about reasoning, instead of the original issue, but readers of this forum might be on juries, inter alia, and it would be nice if people, especially jurors, could approach things logically.

 

what I should've said is I have heard that mechanics statement before and although ive been led to believe chain stretch is not a common issue in a lot of cars it is quite common in ours. so yes chains definitely stretch.

 

We know that the chain stretches; However someone not familiar with this car may assume/ theorize without researching or actually looking at the problem, that it should not stretch to that point and in fact it should not…it is a DEFECT… so this does not make him a terrible mechanic that you should never go back to.

 

I deleted some site feedback from the above two posts because the only person who needed to be told (i.e., me) has now seen it. Please note that my "rant" about logic spoke only to things that people wrote and not to the people who wrote them. I know that it is difficult to keep the two separate, but the difference is important to me.

To the extent that people can remain focused on what was said and try to avoid making inferences about the person who said it, we'd all have an easier time.

As to whether a given mechanic having a plausible but incorrect theory implies that you shouldn't go there ... well, that was merely advice. If there's nobody else even close to competent available, then I guess that you do go back.