Mitsubishi Lancer Engine Problems

CHANGE the belt. The reason Mitsubishi and other carmakers specify kilometres or months is because some drivers don't do many kilometres. Belts deteriorate over time, so I would recommend you change the belt and avoid the possibility of a breakage.

In the old days mechanics would probably apply a little grease like Vaseline to the belt and send you on your way, and you could try the same, but I reckon yours might need to be re-tensioned or it might even need a new belt. If you install a new belt, re-tension it after about 1000 km because it will stretch a little in the first few kays.

While it's past history now, you shouldn't have accepted the car when the dealer hadn't done what they'd agreed to do. That should have been fair warning that the dealer wasn't as good as his word,  and you should have walked away. And never, repeat NEVER, do verbal deals. The rattle could be pre-ignition, but you need to have a mechanic check it for you, and a specialist in Evos would be  preferable. As for the dealer, you need to persist and show that you won't go away. Also consider going to the state consumer affairs people.

THERE shouldn't be any rattling noises when you start a car, whether it's a Lancer or any other brand. The noise could come from a valve lifter that is taking an unusual amount of time to pump up.  Sludge in the engine could be affecting the supply of oil to the lifters. Or the problem could be caused by incorrect oil used at service or, in the worst case, a lack of proper servicing.

THE belt deteriorates with age as well as kilometres. I would recommend you have it changed. The potential consequences of not doing it far outweigh the saving from not doing it.

You’ve got the failure codes, so follow through on them and you should be able to establish the cause. Sounds like it could be a crankshaft sensor.