C161E Mitsubishi active center differential pump or relay fault

Lancer Evolution ACD pump code C161E

Severity not verified — if the car runs badly, have it inspected

We read only owner reports, which say an AWD warning comes on and some were told the cause is the ACD pump; no document tells us how drivable it is.

Source: how we rate severity

C161E in short

On Mitsubishi Lancer and Lancer Evolution models, C161E is an active center differential pump fault, which lights the AWD service warning. Owners were quoted about $2,000 for the pump. We have not verified drivability, so have the all-wheel-drive system inspected.

Lancer and Evolution owners report an AWD service light with C161E, which they quote as the electric pump relay circuit stuck or an ACD pump actuator lock.

One dealer said it can happen under aggressive driving. Owners report quotes near $2,000 for the pump, often after warranty.

No Mitsubishi document was available to us, so this is owner-report evidence.

Pick your make

C161E is a manufacturer-specific code: its meaning depends on who built the car.

Other makes: meaning not verified. Check with a scan tool that reads manufacturer definitions.

Most likely causes

  1. Active center differential pump or relay circuit

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Three owners quote C161E as the ACD pump circuit and were told to replace the pump.
    What would change this
    Rises if the AWD light returns with the code. Falls if the pump tests normal.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read the AWD and ACD codes and have a shop test the ACD pump and relay.

    Best left to a shopTool: scan tool that reads the AWD module

    Warning:The pump is part of the drivetrain hydraulics. Leave testing to a shop.

Symptoms

  • AWD service warning light on
  • Light comes on when warm and goes off at start-up

How to fix

On your vehicle

Mitsubishi

No curated relationships for C161E yet.

All Drivetrain, 4WD and AWD codes

Sources and review

  1. NHTSA complaint ODI 10640971: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution C161E — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  2. NHTSA complaint ODI 10510612: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart C161E — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  3. NHTSA complaint ODI 10633477: 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer C161E — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
Editorial review
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Technician review
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