Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2003 Mitsubishi Lancer LSFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Armature Check
- Check that the armature coil is not grounded.
- Place the armature in a growler.
- Hold a thin steel blade parallel and just above the armature while slowly rotating in the growler. A shorted armature will cause a blade to vibrate and be attract to the core. See Fig 1 . Replace the shorted armature.
- Check the insulation between the armature coil cores and the commutator segments. See Fig 2 . They are normal if there is no continuity.
- Check for continuity between the segments. See Fig 3 . The condition is normal if there is continuity.
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.