🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Mirage

Generations Covered:

CJ, CK, CM (Sixth Generation)

Platform Codes:

MD920000 series chassis

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Subcompact / Economy car

Target Audience:

Budget-conscious buyers, first-time car owners, commuters seeking fuel efficiency.

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Nissan Sentra, Chevrolet Cavalier, Kia Rio.

Unique Selling Proposition:

Affordability, fuel efficiency, compact size for urban maneuverability, reputable Mitsubishi reliability for its class.

Design Philosophy:

Practical, economical, and reliable transportation with a focus on aerodynamic efficiency for its era.

📋 Manual Details

Years:

1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003

Regions:

Global (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific)

Trim Levels:

LS, ES, DE, GT, Special Editions

Estimated Pages:

2000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel delivery system (carburetor & injection), exhaust system.

Engine Management:

ECU diagnostics, sensor testing (MAP, TPS, O2, crank/cam position), ignition system, fuel injection control, emissions control systems.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch system, gearbox overhaul, gear selection mechanism, final drive, drive shafts, fluid specifications.

Transmission Automatic:

Torque converter, valve body, planetary gear sets, hydraulic control system, transmission control unit (TCU), fluid specifications, cooler lines.

Chassis Suspension:

Front suspension (MacPherson struts), rear suspension (multi-link/torsion beam depending on variant), shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, wheel bearings, alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum/disc brakes, hydraulic system, master cylinder, brake booster, ABS system (if equipped), brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures.

Steering:

Power steering system (hydraulic), steering rack, tie rods, steering column, power steering fluid specifications.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, diagnostic connectors.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system (refrigerant types, charging procedures), heater core, blower motor, climate controls, cabin air filter replacement.

Body And Trim:

Exterior body panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, interior trim components, glass replacement, weatherstripping.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, fuel filter replacement, coolant flush and fill, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid change, belt inspection and replacement, battery service, tire rotation.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts for common symptoms (e.g., no-start, rough running, overheating, electrical faults), fault code interpretation, step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts.

Repair Procedures:

Engine overhaul, head gasket replacement, timing belt/chain replacement, transmission rebuild, clutch replacement, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuild, power steering pump replacement, radiator replacement, starter/alternator replacement.

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostics (OBD-I/OBD-II depending on market), scan tool usage, sensor testing, actuator testing, electrical circuit testing using multimeters and oscilloscopes.

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and body repair).

Detail Level:

Detailed component removal and installation instructions, torque specifications for critical fasteners, diagnostic flowcharts, wiring diagrams, and exploded views.

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Quality:

High-resolution, searchable text, printable pages.

Print Readability:

Clear, legible text and diagrams suitable for printing.

Binding:

N/A (PDF format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

4G92 (SOHC)

Displacement 1:

1.5 Liters (1490 cc)

Cylinders 1:

4

Valvetrain 1:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)

Horsepower 1:

92 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.)

Torque 1:

97 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (approx.)

Engine Code 2:

4G93 (SOHC/DOHC)

Displacement 2:

1.8 Liters (1830 cc)

Cylinders 2:

4

Valvetrain 2:

SOHC or DOHC (GDI - Gasoline Direct Injection on some variants)

Horsepower 2:

111 hp @ 5500 rpm (SOHC), 125-145 hp (DOHC variants like GSR)

Torque 2:

114 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (SOHC), 120-130 lb-ft (DOHC variants)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Fuel Economy Est:

28-35 MPG (combined, depending on engine and transmission)

Fuel Delivery Early:

Carbureted (some base models in certain markets)

Fuel Delivery Later:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Ignition System:

Distributor-based or distributorless ignition system (DIS)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Std:

5-speed manual

Transmission Type Opt:

4-speed automatic

Traction Control:

Optional on some higher trims, particularly with automatic transmission.

All Wheel Drive:

Not typically offered on Mirage models; primarily FWD.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

160.8 inches (4084 mm)

Width:

66.7 inches (1694 mm)

Height:

54.1 inches (1374 mm)

Wheelbase:

97.6 inches (2479 mm)

Curb Weight Est:

2300 - 2500 lbs (1043 - 1134 kg)

Cargo Volume Trunk Est:

12.4 cu ft (sedan), 10.5 cu ft (coupe)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Side Impact Est:

Good (typically for frontal impact in its class for the era)

IIHS Ratings Est:

Acceptable/Marginal in frontal impact tests (common for vehicles of this size and era).

ABS:

Optional on many trims, standard on some later models.

Traction Control:

Optional on some models.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags standard from 1995 onwards. Side airbags not typically offered.

Seatbelts:

Three-point front and rear seatbelts (lap belt in center rear on some models).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/Cassette or CD player. Aftermarket head unit installation is common.

Speakers:

Typically 2 or 4 speaker configurations.

Cruise Control:

Optional on higher trim levels.

Keyless Entry:

Optional on some higher trims.

Bluetooth:

Not available on factory systems of this era.

Usb Port:

Not available on factory systems of this era.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Every 3,750 - 7,500 miles (6,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions.

Engine Oil Filter:

Replace with every oil change.

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km), depending on plug type (copper vs. platinum).

Timing Belt:

Replace every 60,000 - 90,000 miles (96,000 - 144,000 km) or 5-7 years. Critical maintenance item.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG/SH/SJ, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to owner's manual for specific climate recommendations).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) is recommended.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-85 or 75W-90 gear oil.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron II or equivalent (confirm specific Mitsubishi specification).

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron II or equivalent.

Engine Mounts:

Can degrade over time, leading to increased vibration.

Radiator Leaks:

Plastic end tanks can become brittle and leak.

Automatic Transmission:

Some units may experience delayed engagement or slipping; regular fluid changes are crucial.

Suspension Bushings:

Can wear out, causing clunking noises and poor handling.

Rear Wheel Bearings:

May develop a humming noise and require replacement.

Electrical Connectors:

Corrosion in connectors, particularly for lighting and sensors, can lead to intermittent faults.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

Generation Name:

Sixth Generation Mirage (platform code MD920000)

Design Changes:

Rounded styling, improved aerodynamics, wider track, independent rear suspension on some variants, introduction of DOHC engines and GDI technology.

Production Years:

1995-2003 (for this generation in global markets, North American production ended earlier, around 2002, with the Lancer taking its place).

Manufacturing Locations:

Japan, Thailand, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and other global assembly plants.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Fuel Efficiency Awards:

Consistently ranked as one of the more fuel-efficient vehicles in its class during its production run.

Reliability Ratings:

Generally considered reliable for its price point, though maintenance is key. Consumer reports often placed it mid-pack for its segment.

Emissions Compliance:

Designed to meet US EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards for its respective model years.