Papaya P.Perth, WA
No power while accelerating
Hey guys! Have an express l300 Petrol automatique and i have a big problem when am accelerating it as no power at all ! If am accelerate slowly it goes ! I change all filters change the fuel pump change the coil and the sparks leads and problem still there and now sometimes it doesnt want to start !
Can you help me please I cant find the problem!
Calculator? Or engine hs ? ...?
300k kms
Purchased in July 2021.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
The reviewer stated that an incentive was offered for this review
Engine randomly stalling and occasional engine firing erratically.
Hi there, I have a 1989 Mitsubishi starwagon express 2 ltr carb engine. I was wondering if anybody has any idea what is going on. When driving along (mostly at higher speed 80-100km) the van will suddenly stall. It has happened whilst driving slowly more recently. I have changed the coil, the dizzy cap, the lead from coil to dizzy and the spark plugs. The battery is good and when testing the battery while running it shows that the alternator is good..... so im not sure it is a spark problem but more a fuel problem. I have put a new filter on. c...Read more
leaned out the tank. thought it could have been water/crap in the tank. So I'm wondering before I go any further if anyone has had or heard of this issue and whether it is the fuel pump that is causing my problem? if so it is hard to change the fuel pump? It is the type that is on the side of the engine head and has a little pushrod or the like which operates the pump motion. It's an old van but the last owner had the engine reconditioned. It was driving fine up until a month ago then it just started happening. Thanks in advance. Also if it is a hard job then is it possible to bypass it and install an electric one? cheers TimPurchased in January 2021 for $4,000.00.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Alan
- 2 reviews
- 3 likes
Cost effective
Hi All bought my express in 04 paid $27000.00 ten years after my first express same price, have racked up 310,000 Kms finally died the other day, did all the service and oil changes myself, which was not as often as it should have been, van has a false floor for tools so comes in just under two tons, awesome vehicle, glad I bought two, other has only done 26000 Kms, ready for another ten years,
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
MagsJoondalup
- 3 reviews
- 1 like
Mitsubishi 2003 model express van
I love my little Mitzy. My brothercslls itnbits are missing instead of Mitsubihi, but he bought one foe his business and he loves it too! It does everything, carries building products and large purchases, takes dogs out, ferries me around effortlessly. My husband changes oil in it regularly and mechanically sound, no problems as yet, touch wood. It is a knockabout vehicle which never lets me down and has done c. 150,000. It had 42,000 when I bought it 11 years ago. I must admit I have pranged it quite a bit but ont mind that ad it has lots of character. I had the timing belt changed at just before 100,000 just to be on the safe side.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
DibsNewcastle
Some Minor Teething Problems As A Camper But Getting There
Fitted out my 2008 Mitsubishi L300 Express van as a camper to see if we like grey nomad'ing before spending too much on travelling kit. Used as guidance for the fit-out a You tube titled Mitsubishi Express Microcamper Campervan Conversion. Fitout and van all up cost me $13K - van was $8500K at 76000 km. With the fitout I went a bit chunky on the cabinetry, bed frame, the auxiliary battery, flooring and the Dometic fridge so the van ended up sitting a bit squat on the suspension - especially when loaded for a trip. Just worked out today that I c...Read more
an wind up the front suspension as it is a torsion bar system and thereby gained 25 - 30 mm of additional suspension travel up front. Wished I had realised this before our recent Lake Mungo and Flinders Ranges trip where we had to take it VERY easy over the roads through Brachina and Parachilna Gorges, the road out to Arkaroola and the Lake Mungo road. On these and any wavy sealed roads we frequently bottomed out the suspension. I realise the vehicle is not designed for off-road but I intend to do more 'dirt roading'. I intend to get the rear suspension raised with an extra leaf to even things up in order to tow a light motorbike trailer and possibly investigate if I can fit suspension lift front gas shocks. Just did 5000 km to the Flinders Ranges and back and didn't use any oil or water so no complaints. Also intend to to tweak the cooling system and ensure it is in tip-top condition as I lack confidence in the cooling system for any form of towing but think with a touch up it will be up to the job. Only using the van as an Autumn thru Spring season van - Summer is definitely out. Have added insulation to the walls and floor in the fitout and we sleep very warm in cold conditions even without heating - just use good doonas. Agree that passenger side rear view mirror adjustment awkward and the road noise is up there a bit but overall a workable van for economical grey nomad'ing. Have the usual Kings awning for outside living and cooking and a water pipe on top. The inability to stand upright in the van is a compromise we are happy to accept as we had a garage height constraint that limited vehicle height. Would like to improve the fuel consumption if possible (10.3L/100km) - van feels like it could do with an overdrive on the open road. Wondering if I could change the diff ratio??Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Reubenqld, 4870
Cant get important parts for a mitsubishi express 2003 2L SJ Carby model
The driving is nice when the car actually runs. Its impossible to find Parts such as a Charcoal Canister or a thermostat housing cover.. or many other little things. Like harness clips. Its a bit of a joke if you ask me. Ive been off the road for over a month trying to find a replacement part. A simple thermostat housing??? Every other car its easy to just order a part and then install it.. This van is a headache to work on.. With thermostat on side of block in a ridiculous place.. especially behind the alternator.. Even more ridiculous is that the van is only an express in Australia which makes it next to impossible to search internationally for parts. Its second hand or wreckers or none at all..
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
how can i adjust the power steering
Great handling with weight in the back,interior / exterior great but a bit thirsty on fuel and hard to get to things in the engine. Changing components in the engine is also difficult having to drop the motor to get to parts. I prefered the two litre carby model rather than the 2.4litre as performance is very similar and the 2Litre runs on less fuel.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
tdphillipsMetropolitan Adelaide, SA
- 15 reviews
cheap solid van
Agree with most comments about these express vans, very basic and not a lot of safety features, but easy to drive, easy to get in and out too. The 2.0 EFI engine seems fine - no need to burn it! -, surprisingly smooth and quiet, relatively economical, enough power through the hills. Tried to find a cheap hiace, but had no luck there, for the same money, <$4k, got a newer 2005 express with half the kms of the hiace vans - don't get me wrong, the hiace is very good, just hard to find and $$. Mitsy parts are cheap, so running costs are cheap, grea...Read more
t for a young tradey starting out, more $ in the pocket. Drive these vans within their limitations and they do the job well, I guess that's why you still see them everywhere. Took the advice of a comment on "product review" and replaced PVC valve as it was stuck, runs better, no noticeable oil use. Timing belt at 90k intervals seems excessive, but you can buy the kit from Amazon for approx $125 delivered.1 comment
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Last word in reliability
If you bought a 2 litre mitsi, my advice is to burn it and get yourself a 2.4 litre van. They come with all the options - power steer, doors both sides, air con and fuel injection.
I purchased a 2.4 EFI SJ in '99. Guess what? it's still going having done some 850000 km.
It's on it's third rebuild but I don't use genuine Mitsi parts. Mitsi and Hyundai motors were made in the same factory. That's why they start tappet noise @ 100,000 and start blowing smoke. That smoke is caused by worn oil rings. Pay the $3,300 and get the engine reco'd with ...Read more
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Start shaking
Hi, I bought a Mitsubishi express 2.0 - 1999 5 month ago.. ( 219 000 now ) Since yesterday when I turn on the van the engine shakes. When I drive all is alright but when The car stop the engine start again.. What's the problème ? Serious ? Do I have to go to the garage ? Thanks for your answer !
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
peterSydney, NSW
- 10 reviews
- 6 likes
Love my Mitsy
I have owned 5 Mitsubishi Express Vans without any problems, only 1 gearbox in my 1993 Diesel mod which done 687000 klms with no breakdowns, i am now looking for a good 2013 swb, i think they are the most reliable van out there and cheap to sevice, its a shame they stopped making them
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Richard from AdelaideMELBOURNE
- 3 reviews
- 2 likes
Pretty decent, reliable, but still has design issues
Great car, reliable, seems tough. I use it as a camper. In the winter, this car is your best friend as a camper. The engine gets hot, and is under the front seats. Heats the whole van as it cools down.
In the summer, when I used it as a camper for 6 weeks, it was a struggle. Park early and allow 2 hours for it to cool down before settling in for the night. So it's a hot car.
HavIng said that the air con is great, so while it's running, it's fine. But turn the van off and that engine heat makes the van into a sauna.
Mine chews throug...Read more
h engine oil, 2.5L since the roadtrip began 3 weeks ago, but isn't producing black smoke... i've read the mitsubishi express eats up engine oil. Not sure if that's the case, but mine certainly does. Overall i'm happy with the van, but that said, I got a bargain second hand one for $1100, (radiator corrosion, pinhole leaks, ) but it runs well. Yeah, it's a tough van, but not without quirks. Break lights go quickly too...Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
D MSydney west
You get what you pay for. V poor safety
Lot of engine noise coz ur sitting on top of engine. Poor safety. No Airbags. No crumple zone. No ABS. Had a few near miss and two actual accidents due to poor handling in wet conditions. Sold it after the second accident. Do yourself a favour and do a test drive on a rainy day. Mine was as thirsty for petrol and engine oil.
On a positive ( if you do consider) note it's cheap to buy and repair.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
MarioPerth
breaks lights don't work
I have a Mitsu expressvan and breaks lights don't work at all. Allready changed both of them but still not working. Have checked all fuses and all working.
Do you know how can i canfix it??
Does anybody have the fuse box manual? If you don't mind could you send me a picture please?
Thank you very much
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
The best van
I brought my Express second hand and i use it as a Courier vehicle.
It is 2006 Manual lwb widowed all round 2.0L engine thats done over 400,000ks and still the original engine. It runs LPG and Petrol. When i brought the van it had 220,000ks on it a few years ago. Every botton works so dose AC thats still original just regassed and power sterring. Only thing iv changed is a brake comp valve due to over loading and clutch.
In the last 3 years i spent $2100 in Mantanance and if you do your own Servicing it will cost about $80 for full Synthe...Read more
tic oil with flush and ryco oil Filter. Few people complaine about the seat belt well un bolt the 1 bold that every car has to hold the belt in place and spray sylicon spray into it. Mine retracts better than alot of my co workers and thay have the New Sprinters and Hiaces. I use it Mon to Fri and and for at lest 13hr a day of driving and stop start. Mine never has never missed a beat never ever broken down on me while drivingSimilar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
I just love it!
I purchased my van new and purely love it! As compared to the VW Caddy is way better as visibility and even driving position ! The engine is very good 2.4 petrol, I find to be getting a good mileage out of a fuel of tank considering the bulk of the van itself. Not a performance vehicle, yet great to drive around having my hobby stuff and travelling without fear of loosing thousand bucks, insurance etc. if this is not your only car then great! Great for blokes setting up own stuff without fears of huge costs . I care for my van, good vehicle ...Read more
to keep me out of trouble. Humble and steady so get ready...to enjoy it. The price is right, good brand and excellent product if looked after. Ignition key can turn off if accidentally the knee cap pushes against the ignition key,... When reached to open the passenger window!Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
glotAU
- 6 reviews
- 6 likes
You get what you pay for
First thing remember the price!
A pretty bad van but reliable. Good engine. Needs timing chain done every 90,000km, I run gas. All under seat engines are hard to service. Noisy as hell. Needs a tacho as I have often been driving down the highway in 4th gear. Doors leak air. I can see daylight through the seals. Cheap windscreens. Easy to get parts at wreckers. Fuel economy okay. The 2.4 is fuel injected. Good carrying and towing capacity. Cheap tyres 8 ply. Okay headlights. Absolutely ratshit safety. Also seat belts don't retract. Seat coverin...Read more
6 comments
Be aware, timing belt every 90k. 4 hours work. Crank angle sensor. 4 hours work. Small battery. Don't leave parking lights on.
What's crank angle sensor?
Now done 165000 km. Original brakes, exhaust, suspension. Battery too small. It is big enough when in top condition but after a couple of years, starts to struggle a bit. The engine heat doesn't help.... Read more
I have extended the battery cables to the cargo bay behind the driver's seat and installed a decent sized battery. Seat belts don't retract but that is normal from near new. Main cluster bearing in manual gearbox wears and allows excessive play which wears out the syncro rings. I am having slight issues with changing up into third sometimes. Still think it is a good reliable van for the price. I do a lot of highway driving.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
eveready
- 7 reviews
Tireless workhorse
My Express 2 litre is now 23 years old, I can only praise the reliability of this vehicle I looked at a new one but the same little things that bug me on mime are stil there
1 No tacho
2 the left side mirror is a real bummer really needs power mirrors and windows
3 the accelerator pedal is too high off the floor ( i modified mine )
4 needs central locking needed on all doors ( fitted a cheap kit a few years ago and what a difference)
...Read more
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
- Express 1986-2005
- Selected Review
What you see is what you get
You buy a Mitsubishi Express, it is a basic van for what I believe an acceptable price. My 05 2.0L SWB now has 213,000ks on it. I occasionally get crabby with it driving it empty on rough roads (have a couple of hundred kgs over the back axle and it drives like a different van) and decide I am going to sell it, then I have a reality check and remind myself that it is a commercial designed to serve a purpose and it doesnt drive like my car, but then a pallet of stock doesnt fit in the boot of my car.
I do deliveries and carry tools to servic...Read more
e equipment out of it. Some weeks away in it I can do 2,000ks in a week and I have grown to love driving it. The standard kit is basic, I added an air curtain to the cargo barrier (makes the aircon much better and the road noice Way quieter), some spotlights (headlights are rubbish for long distance night driving) new cd player with bluetooth and better speakers and some good quality lambswool seatcovers actually make the seats quite comfortable. There is no third seat, but the cup holders and tray in the centre are awesome for storage. Aircon is good, but kiss goodbye half your power if you have it on, it doesnt really matter if your cruising on the highway but, it still copes. If I need to overtake or something, i just flick it off for the few seconds I need the extra power. Was burning a bit of oil, Mitsubishi said this was standard. But at 110,000ks a mechanic friend recommended I use a different oil (to Castrol Magnatec) I am now using a Gulf Western 10W40 oil and it burns none (or very very little) and does not even require topping up over the 10,000ks between changes (even with over 200,000ks). I regularly load 1000kgs on the back and it gets very slow, but you know it will always make it. The fuel tank would be amazing if it was an extra 20 litres, I can still get a notch over 400ks in town on one 55ltr tank and on the highway (on 105) i can get 450 - 500 with a load. Transmission is clunky, but easy to use when you get to know it. I have just done the standard servicing myself since owning the van, with more complicated stuff going to the mechanic (mind you it has only needed to go 3 times, 2 x timing belts and the clutch). Never let me down, it is a classic example of keep it simple, every day it starts.4 comments
Comprehensive and informative review - thanks Bucko!
Any ideas on whether the current model is as bullet proof?
Cheers!
14
Yes the current model is the same as the old one, it has been the same since 2002. The only change was in 06 they went from a 2.0L to a 2.4L to have a bit more power. The 2.4L would be much better, I have the 2.0L
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Reality PeopleBrisbane
Great for the Price
There are a lot of vans out there of various models. The Mitsubishi Express line is value for money. You get what you pay for in this world but this is a quality machine for the price, especially second hand purchases. Other makes from other companies are at least $15,000 more. The Express has barely changed in 15-20 yrs except from 2006 to 2007 the engine went from 2.0 lt to a 2.4 lt. These machines were made for couriers to zip around the city and suburbia stopping and starting. No they are not great on the open highways going from city to ci...Read more
ty at 120 km per/hr because that is not their intended use, but they get there using appropriate speed limits like any other vehicle. If you want compatible safety aspects like other makes then go ahead and pay the much bigger purchase prices. That is your option but don't complain after an event when no one forced you to purchase the vehicle. Do your homework before buying any vehicle. Of course you are sitting on or slightly next to an engine, just like other makes but you know this before buying. You can see that just by looking at the van. Is it noisy? Yes, I believe to be a little noisier then other vans but with a cargo barrier and a good thick piece of plastic from the hardware store (its cheap) you have put in place a noise reduction technique and keeps your fuel costs down regarding air conditioning as you are now only keeping the cockpit cooler. Do your homework, ask around, read the reviews, there is good and bad in everything and of course drive safely people, there are too many idiots out there on the roads. I know a handful of people driving these vans and they love them. They get to take home more money in their pockets for their families because they haven't had to pay out at least $15,000 more on another make. Value for money, especially 2nd hand vans. Don't go older then 2007 model as this is where I believe changed up to 2.4 lt. Very zippy van, easy parking and has been around for years. Can get good priced re-conditioned engines when the time comes. Central locking should work for all doors from cabin button. No central locking device on key ring, this is especially annoying. Concave (I think that's correct) side mirrors for those blind spots should be standard.1 comment
Great info in your review RP - valuable to me as I'm in the market for a courier van.
Pity Mitsubishi don't offer them new at the moment.
Cheers!
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
- ‹ Prev
- Next ›
Questions & Answers
Zeeasked
Hey I been looking for the cigarette lighter fuse for weeks now doing my head in I found the one on the drivers side but no accessories fuse there so the radio and cigarette lighter not working 2005 Mitzi express van?
2 answers
Not sure.
My lighter never worked from day 1. Ended up replacing/rewiring the whole thing. Try Alan. He has more electronic gadgets on his L3 than the Jaycar Winnebago!
Primary fusebox near accelerator pedal (the one you found). Circuits share common fuses such as horn & indicators. Radio and lighter on same circuit? Probably. If you had a separate fuse for every lamp and accessory or electronic device you would end up with about 3 fuse boxes, each one with about 40 fuses, like you would find in a Ford Territory or similar.
Legend thanks mate I’ll give Allan a buzz
Tim 1983asked
Looking for rubber window seals for 1989 mitsi starwagon rear sliding windows. anyone have any ideas? tia
No answers
Julzasked
Hi was wondering if anyone could help does anyone know if the 2003 SWB van Manuel have a factory option for rear seats?
Looking to get one installed in NSW but looking for a cheaper option as quoted $1200 for a single seat.
Your help would be greatly appreciated
4 answers
Best ask around at the wreckers, also check on the web for L300 2003 van, or 2003 mitsubishi vans and see what vehicles pop up,
Thanks Alan I have had bit of a look on the web but haven’t been able to find anything as yet I’ll keep looking
Starwagon. Try Mitsispares (Mel). Bolt on. Otherwise aftermarket van conversion. I had two vans done (windows & bench seats) using Belmore van conversions, but they aren't around anymore.
I know the guy who pulls the engines from any unregistered vehicles that go through Yennora dismantlers but oddly enough you never see L300's going through there but I can ask. Private message your number.
Another option. Mate has a VW transporter and had the same dilemma. He installed aircraft locking track in the back (two strips) with the locks and then fitted a bench seat out of Hyundai or something. Some fabrication req'd but basically just welded some metal brackets onto the bench seat that the aircraft locking slides would engage with. Helps if you work with aeronautical engineers but not unobtainable.
ieatwords.com.au has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence our content moderation policies in any way, though ieatwords.com.au may earn commissions for products/services purchased via affiliate links.
tdphillips
Bought a used power steering setup, $100 complete, bolted in, wheel aligned, easy.