Adaptive Equipment problems of the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer

When starting my 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer evolution gsr, I received a warning message on the cluster display showing a yellow-orange symbol that shows 4 wheels connected by axles and the middle-shaft, where the front two wheels are facing at an angle to the side. The error code read as c161e: dtc c161e: electric pump relay circuit system (stuck). This has become a very common issue with the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer evolution. So common that when you search for the code c161e, you can find countless forum discussions on multiple websites commenting on the frequency of this issue. . Read more...

Active yaw control (ayc) and active center differential (acd) pump failed. Not covered under power train warranty pump was corroded and could no longer produce enough pressure. Pump in located directly behind passenger rear wheel exposed to water, salt, and other road debris.

On Wednesday morning 4/24/2013 after night shift I went outside to start my car 5-10 minutes early just like any other time prior to driving. I put my car in gear to pull away and a service signal went off stating "maintnence required" with a depiction of a transaxel and the front suspension in "motion". I then put the car in neutral and applied the emergency break to inspect. The awc function would not work, "tarmac" to "gravel" to "snow". The next day I brought my vehicle to d'ambrosio Mitsubishi for their technicians to look at it and repair it. They did the usual maintnence oil change, fluid check, tire rotation etc like I have done ever 2500 miles. The technicians discovered the s-awc pump had seized up and that the pump needed to be replaced; he stated it would cost $2500. 00 to replace, I asked what I had done to cause such a catastrophic event; the service manager advised me that it was a flaw caused by Mitsubishi and there was nothing I had done or did not do to cause this. I then left and have no idea what I'm going to do now that I have a front wheel drive car that is meant to be a full time all wheel drive car, now its sitting under a tarp and I take the bus or get a ride.

Saturday morning I warmed up my car for 5 minutes. Started to drive my car for about 15 seconds, awd service required popped up on my display. I stopped the car and brought it back home. Looked up what the issue could be and found out that the acd pump has failed. This is a well known problem from Mitsubishi for these cars and they have not issued a recall or real fix. Without the acd pump functioning, there is a possibility that the car can lose traction in certain situations or damage the entire drivetrain system. Mitsubishi claims that its not part of the drivetrain so there is no warranty and it's also a "luxury" system. Controlling wheel traction is not a luxury its a safety feature.

This is a very common problem on the Mitsubishi evo x if you live in a cold area and roads are salted for snow. The location of the awc pump is not enclosed enough so the salt, road crap gets to the pump and it fails. Mitsubishi said it would cost $2 grand to replace the pump. Yes $2 grand for a pump!!! Mitsubishi needs to step up and do something about this. I know many people that have had this happen and read about thousands of others. Please help!.