Just bought a new CE, a few questions

BryceVR

New Member
I just picked up a 2001 CE sedan with 162k on it and apart from the clear coat it seems to be great little car. The clear coat issue seems to be common and I'll address it but I have a few niggly things.
I bought it mainly a cheap runabout as my main car is a bit thirsty and fussy for daily duty.
The car had sat unused for 3 years so it needed a bit of TLC but it's registered and running very nicely.

It had an auto transmission leak, very minor but annoying, since I've had it going the leak seems to have stopped, I bought a trans filter kit and gasket so when I'm bored I'll sort it out.

Fuel gauge is dodgy. It sort of worked and then it didn't. This annoying me but I'm calculating consumption at 7l/100km (I live in the country) so I just keep an eye on the odo at the moment, but any tips on where to investigate would be appreciated.

The vents don't output to anywhere except the dashboard outlets. I'm assuming this is a dodgy linkage. Any ideas?
I'm going to replace the stereo so I'll tackle all the dasboard stuff at the same time. Is there a tutorial of tips on have to safely disassemble the console? Any tricky bits to keep an eye out for?
The steering wheel is a little bit off centre, maybe just a spline but it's annoying, are there any issues in popping the wheel off to reseat it?
The clock doesn't work I'm assuming electrical so I'll check that with the console out.
Drivers side rear door won't open from the outside, again I'm assuming a popped linkage, any known issues with that?
I get water vapour from the tailpipe. I'm assuming it's just condensation as I ony drive it about 5kms every 2-3 days and once or twice a fortnight a 100 km trip. There's no vapour after the longer runs and there's not temperature issue or loss of coolant. I'll keep an eye on it but if anyone has any comment I'd appreciate it.
Does any one have a LHS corner blinker, mine has a hole that I covered with clear polycarbonate but I'd like to fix it properly.
If anyone can enlighten me to any other likely issues I'd welcome the input

As some Bona Fides...
Here was my view of the last Bathurst 1000. I was the pit official for Mosterts pit bay.
Scrutineer privileges.
You can't buy those tickets!!
I was fortunate enough to do the same for the 12hr but personal issues meant I missed the main event.
My lovely Lancer needs some directed support, I see that you are the best source of information.
I think it's a lovely car and most perfectly suited to my requirements.
My monster is 345Kw, 450NM, 900KG.
$40k of development.
My little Lancer is a perfect run around car and I'm loving it !!

I don't want to drive the tow car as a daily but ...
Having a nice spirited spin around is an essential.
You see my issue?


Thanking in advance
B
 

Attachments

  • Bathurst 2021 101.jpg
    Bathurst 2021 101.jpg
    576.4 KB · Views: 7
  • Bathurst 2021 201.jpg
    Bathurst 2021 201.jpg
    1.3 MB · Views: 7
  • Bathurst 2021 301.jpg
    Bathurst 2021 301.jpg
    1.2 MB · Views: 4
  • Bathurst 2021 701.jpg
    Bathurst 2021 701.jpg
    1.2 MB · Views: 5
  • Bathurst 2021 801.jpg
    Bathurst 2021 801.jpg
    1.2 MB · Views: 4
  • Bathurst 2021 1001.jpg
    Bathurst 2021 1001.jpg
    1.1 MB · Views: 4
  • Bathurst 2021 1101.jpg
    Bathurst 2021 1101.jpg
    1.2 MB · Views: 4
  • Bathurst 2021 1501.jpg
    Bathurst 2021 1501.jpg
    1.2 MB · Views: 4
  • Bathurst 2021 1701.jpg
    Bathurst 2021 1701.jpg
    1.1 MB · Views: 6
Last edited:
Welcome dude,

Sounds like you have a bit of work on your hands to get it running 100%

The vents don't output to anywhere except the dashboard outlets. I'm assuming this is a dodgy linkage. Any ideas?
If you turn the dial to change position does it spring back a little bit or fight your selection? There is a cable / linkage which can kink or jump out of its bracket holding it in place which can stop the change of flow, Cable either needs to be re-seated or replaced.
If you get behind the stereo you can pull the cable to see if you can manually switch it to confirm nothing is obstructing it. will be 1x cable for direction and 1x for temp selection

The steering wheel is a little bit off centre, maybe just a spline but it's annoying, are there any issues in popping the wheel off to reseat it?
Probably just had an after market wheel on it in its previous life, if you have an airbag its best to un-prime the system (remove battery and let it sit for a bit) but if not just take off the cover, unbolt the wheel and re-seat it.

The clock doesn't work I'm assuming electrical so I'll check that with the console out.
Does the back-light for the clock come on when you put on your headlights? Could be fuse, blown globe, plug fell out of the back, dead clock or some electrical gremlins, pretty cheap to replace if its dead.

Drivers side rear door won't open from the outside, again I'm assuming a popped linkage, any known issues with that?
IIRC they have these little plastic clips which hold the metal rods together inside the door which could be broken or dislodged, you should have easy visual inspection if you just pull the door card off.


As for the other stuff im not too sure but hopefully its enough info to get you started.


 
Welcome dude,

Sounds like you have a bit of work on your hands to get it running 100%


If you turn the dial to change position does it spring back a little bit or fight your selection? There is a cable / linkage which can kink or jump out of its bracket holding it in place which can stop the change of flow, Cable either needs to be re-seated or replaced.
If you get behind the stereo you can pull the cable to see if you can manually switch it to confirm nothing is obstructing it. will be 1x cable for direction and 1x for temp selection


Probably just had an after market wheel on it in its previous life, if you have an airbag its best to un-prime the system (remove battery and let it sit for a bit) but if not just take off the cover, unbolt the wheel and re-seat it.


Does the back-light for the clock come on when you put on your headlights? Could be fuse, blown globe, plug fell out of the back, dead clock or some electrical gremlins, pretty cheap to replace if its dead.


IIRC they have these little plastic clips which hold the metal rods together inside the door which could be broken or dislodged, you should have easy visual inspection if you just pull the door card off.


As for the other stuff im not too sure but hopefully its enough info to get you started.
Thank you very much my friend.
It goes beautifully, I was pleasantly surprised. It was a $200 car and with windshield and tyres I'm happy for $1000
Most of the issues aren't hard.
I've built my fair share of cars, my post was to glean any tricky bits that Id be advised to be aware of.

Again I thank you.
The vent dial does nothing. I'll investigate when I pop the console and fascia.
Any tips there ?
I didn't want the wheel to blow up in my face so there was the investigation on that part.
So pop the cover, loosen the wheel, relocate the splines and we're happy campers.
The clock is just a no go, not fussy but I'll investigate with the fascia removed.
The fuel gauge pisses me off though
:)
 
Last edited:
I figure an hour or two over a few weekends and she'll be a funky car again.
I like the feel and the 1.8 spins really nicely. I prefer Auto for anything not comp related so the box works well.
I'll do the filter and new seal so I'd like to think that most issues are under control.
It's always the fiddly bits that piss you off !!
 
G'day and welcome mate! Its always interesting to see how guys will often come from a car with 4x or 5x the power to a Lancer and remark how its not as bad as most people think! Looks like youre right in the thick of it there too!

One of the best things about these cars is its all relatively straight forward without any fancy engineering or tricks, its a "what you see is what you get" kind of deal. Most panels will pop off with a gentle tug, or a couple of bolts tucked away, and im pretty sure we have a couple of guides on here on how to remove almost every part and panel (although, with age the images may not be around either anymore).

The fuel gauge is the most insensitive thing about these cars.. They work off a basic electrical resistance system with a float in the tank, reading directly to the dash cluster. Due to the shape of the tank, the second and third quarters of fuel will "run out" quickly, but the first and fourth quarters will take much longer - 7l/100km is pretty bang on for economy, and what i would expect for mostly highway driving.

BryceVR said:
Drivers side rear door won't open from the outside, again I'm assuming a popped linkage, any known issues with that?
This would be likely a broken linkage correct. Not an overly common thing, but with age and wear, they can get a little out of shape. The exterior door handle will come off with a bolt or two, and i think this is done from the interior once the door card is popped off (again, with a handful of little screws holding it on). The unlock mechanism is just a piece of wire rod, almost like a coathanger, that hooks into the door handle's little hole for it. Without pictures its a little hard to describe, but once the handle is off the car, and if the rod is the issue, it should be a piece of cake.

BryceVR said:
I get water vapour from the tailpipe. I'm assuming it's just condensation as I ony drive it about 5kms every 2-3 days and once or twice a fortnight a 100 km trip. There's no vapour after the longer runs and there's not temperature issue or loss of coolant.
Also correct, its just condensation. A small economy engine without turbos or otherwise, it doesn't generate the heat in the system in the colder months that will help evacuate the moisture that builds up. Not really an issue, unless its for hundreds of thousands of kms, as the water can pool and very very slowly form rust pinholes at the factory welded joins. Just give it a solid drive once every week or two, as you are, and it'll be fine. Water vapour is really also a sign of a correctly working cat system, if that makes you feel better too.
 
Thank you very much for those insights.
Yes you are correct, I was pleasantly surprised by the honesty and simplicity of this little bus.
I have a race car, on historic plates so it gets an outing fairly regularly when it's not in pieces getting a new thingamybob or doohickey.
The tow car is OK but for just running around and my regular inter urban romps it's just a bit too thirsty and somewhat overkill.
I got the car because someone left it on my property and for a few $00, a new windshield and front tyres got a lovely little run around.
I'm very impressed so far but as I'm a car tragic I'll endeavor to repair and enhance as I use it.
My thinking is that every time you drive, you do something, even if it's just cleaning a panel or fixing some trim. Eventually you have a car that you're comfortable and confident in.
My post here was to avail myself of a pool of knowledge so that as I encounter these issues I'm building on a pool of knowledge and not making unnecessary mistakes.
Every car has its tricks and particular methods ..
Again my most fervent thank you and I'm sure I'll post a really nice cosy car for your consideration.
B

Are there any tricks in the fascia removal?
That will be my next exploration.
yes I concur about the water vapour, I had a Ford EL wagon that would use a catback more often than tyres.
 
Back
Top