My wife's 2009 lancer has over 70k. The dealership says that she's suppose to change the chain at 60k or it will void her warranty. She does not drive aggressively and she's not stuck in rush hour traffic for hours. The dealer says that everyone in Los Angeles is considered under the extreme schedule, which is 60k. On the regular schedule in the manual, there seems not to be a scheduled replacement for the timing chain. If so, when should it be changed?

1. Is this B.S. and I should just call their bluff?

2. Should I have her change the timing chain anyways and also change out the water pump just in case? I think it's like $360+

3. Are there any warning signs that the chain is stretching or about to brake?

 

They are trying to scam you, the timing chain never needs replacing, that's why its a chain, not a belt! Look in your maintenance manual, it does not state you need to ever change it. You can tell them they are full of sh*t

 

I did a search on the site for timing chain replacements, and the majority of threads were for 2008-2010 Evo/Ralliart models. Apparently, 2011 and newer models were issued a different timing chain. Whether this was just for the Evo/Ralliart is beyond me.

I have a 2011 GTS, and in my Recommended Service Schedule doesn't say anywhere at 60k miles to replace the timing chain. That said, I'm not sure what your 2009 Service Schedule states.

Is the Exclamation inside the Triangle Light on when you look at your dash? Regardless, I think the dealership is trying to **** you over. If I recall correctly, the Drivetrain warranty is 10 year/100,000 miles. Unless they can show you in the Recommended Service Schedule to replace the timing chain at 60k miles, they need to fix it under warranty.

 

There was no change to the timing chain for 2011. The reason you don't see it on there is simple; the timing chain replacements are for the Ralliart and the Evolution - both of these cars make power, therefore more stress is put on the chain.

With our N/A Lancers, the timing chain only needs to be replaced if there's excessive wear or it breaks a tooth. Mitsubishi went to the chain for longevity and reliability to outlast a timing belt that only lasts 80k-120k miles.

I'm at 76k and I'm going strong, and there are other guys that have well over 100k miles and still haven't touched the timing chain.

 

My point exactly. OP, you do not need to change timing belt at 60k.

 

Thanks everyone for chiming in!

 

...a little more detail - RA and EVO don't have a scheduled chain interval - we have a chain 'stretch' sensor. Early models chains were weaker and would stretch in a as little as 30K miles - after 2011(?) Mitsu improved the design.

OP: I would not go back to that dealer. Either purposely ripping you off or too stoopid to be in business for very long...

Follow the normal recommended maintenance schedule in the manual (unless you are really sure you need the 'extreme' interval.