Mitsubishi Repair: fuse box, fuse box, distributor cap

Question
My car was running fine, that is until, I was checking the fuses, because the lighter did not work, and I couldn't charge my phone.  I have a 2002 Lancer with the owner Manuel, however the diagram as outlined does not match up with what's under my hood.  Now, oh help me! my car keeps cutting out when ever I start it, and when driving will cut out in an idle.  Thanks so much for any help you can offer.

Answer
Hi Marie,

To be honest, your problem sounds like it's more than just a fuse.

Your lighter fuse should be in the passenger cab and not under the hood. Granted, there are fuses under the hood, but those are generally 'more important' fuses, fusible links and relays. Somewhere, usually on the drivers side lower dash around the left side of the leg room area, is a little door that covers the main fuse box. This should be a closer match to the diagram in you owners manual. That's where you should be able to find the lighter fuse.

It's possible that while you were under the hood you jarred something loose that could cause your other problem. Not knowing how long it's been since you've had a tune-up, however, makes we want to suggest you have that done. A quick and relatively inexpensive change of your spark plugs, distributor cap and distributor rotor (if you don't have and electronic ignition), could do the trick.  As well,you may want to try replacing your air and fuel filters. If these things don't help, they're things that should be done regularly anyway, so no wasted money.

Hope this helps some if not completely.

Good Luck!