🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Carisma

Model Generation:

1st Generation (DA)

Platform Code:

DA1A, DA2A, DA5A, DA6A

Chassis Code:

DA

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact/Small Family Car

Target Audience:

Families and individuals seeking a practical, reliable, and affordable European-market car. Also aimed at DIY mechanics and professional repair shops.

Competitors:

Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Vauxhall/Opel Astra, Peugeot 306, Renault Mégane, Fiat Bravo.

Design Philosophy:

European design influence, focusing on comfort, practicality, and a good balance of performance and economy, developed jointly with DaimlerChrysler (part of the Mitsubishi-Chrysler alliance at the time).

Unique Selling Points:

Spacious interior for its class, comfortable ride, availability of efficient gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines later in its lifecycle, and robust build quality.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service Workshop Manual & Wiring Diagram Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF)

Page Count:

Varies by specific compilation, but typically extensive for workshop and wiring diagrams (estimated 1000+ pages combined)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed overhaul and repair procedures for all gasoline engines, including GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) variants and common diesel engines.

Transmission:

Manual and automatic transmission servicing, repair, and overhaul procedures, including clutch, gearbox, and torque converter.

Brakes:

Comprehensive coverage of hydraulic brake systems, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), disc and drum brake servicing, hydraulic component replacement, and bleeding procedures.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension component diagnosis, repair, and replacement, including struts, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, and alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system repair, hydraulic pump and rack replacement, steering column servicing, and wheel alignment procedures.

Electrical:

Detailed wiring diagrams for all vehicle circuits, including engine management, lighting, infotainment, power accessories, safety systems, and diagnostic port information.

Bodywork:

Panel replacement, door and latch repair, trim removal and installation, glass replacement, and rust prevention/repair techniques.

Climate Control:

Air conditioning system servicing, refrigerant handling, component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator), heater core repair, and ventilation system maintenance.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump replacement, fuel injector cleaning and replacement, fuel pressure testing, evaporative emission control system (EVAP) diagnosis and repair.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat replacement, cooling fan diagnosis, coolant flush and fill procedures, and pressure testing.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance procedures, including oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, and fluid checks.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts and step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment for all major vehicle systems.

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) system information, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) explanations, and diagnostic tool usage.

Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, technical data, tolerances, and measurement procedures.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed electrical troubleshooting and wiring diagrams essential for complex fault finding.

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of text and diagrams. Searchable text within PDF format for efficient information retrieval.

Scalability:

Scalable for printing individual pages or sections. Diagrams are clear and detailed enough for accurate interpretation.

Format Type:

Digital (PDF)

Digital Asset:

Electronic document, providing instant access and searchability.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Family Gasoline:

4G9 series (e.g., 4G92, 4G93)

Engine Family Diesel:

4D68 (Indirect Injection Diesel)

Typical Displacements:

1.3L (4G13), 1.6L (4G92), 1.8L (4G93), 2.0L (4G94 GDI), 1.9L Diesel (4D68)

Horsepower Range:

Approx. 75 HP (1.3L) to 125 HP (1.8L MPI) and up to 150 HP (2.0L GDI)

Torque Range:

Approx. 110 Nm (1.3L) to 175 Nm (1.8L MPI) and up to 180 Nm (2.0L GDI)

Injection Type:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) for most gasoline variants, Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) for select 2.0L models, Indirect Injection (IDI) for diesel.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Petrol (Octane rating typically 95 RON recommended), Diesel

Block Material:

Cast Iron (4G13), Aluminium Alloy (4G9x, 4D68)

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminium Alloy

Valve Train:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) or DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) depending on engine variant. Belt-driven or Chain-driven.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual Transaxle (e.g., KM132, KM220)

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transaxle (e.g., F4A41, F4A42)

Clutch:

Dry single-plate diaphragm spring type (manual transmission)

Gear Ratios:

Varies by transmission and engine, specific ratios detailed in manual.

Transmission Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific ATF type for automatics (e.g., Diaqueen SP-III or equivalent) and gear oil for manuals.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

4-door Sedan, 5-door Hatchback

Length:

Approx. 4,470 mm (Sedan) / 4,315 mm (Hatchback)

Width:

Approx. 1,740 mm

Height:

Approx. 1,430 mm (Sedan) / 1,425 mm (Hatchback)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2,600 mm

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

4x114.3 mm (typically 4 studs)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 1,150 kg - 1,400 kg depending on engine and specification

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by model, detailed in manual

🛡️ Safety Features

Euro Ncap Score:

No specific Euro NCAP score available for early models, but general safety features were standard for European market.

ABS:

Available as an option on higher trims or later models.

Traction Control:

Rarely fitted on this generation.

Airbags:

Driver airbag standard, passenger airbag optional on some models.

Seatbelts:

Pre-tensioner seatbelts often standard for front occupants.

Body Structure:

Reinforced impact zones and crumple zones designed to European safety standards.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted radio/cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker systems. Aftermarket upgrades are common.

Dashboard Displays:

Analogue gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and temperature. Warning lights for various systems. Digital odometer.

Cruise Control:

Optional on higher trim levels, typically for gasoline engines.

Connectivity Options:

Limited by era. Typically no Bluetooth or USB connectivity. Aftermarket head unit installation is the primary method for modern connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (check manual for specific engine and oil type).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 km or 24 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Platinum-tipped plugs typically 60,000-100,000 km. Standard plugs ~30,000 km. Refer to specific engine data.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Critical: Typically 80,000-100,000 km or 5-7 years for engines using a timing belt. Consult manual for specific engine.

Engine Oil Type:

API SJ/SL or ACEA A3/B3, viscosity typically 5W-30 or 5W-40 depending on climate. Check manual for exact specification.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based, usually a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Refer to Mitsubishi Genuine Long Life Coolant or equivalent.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Common Problems:

Rust on sills, wheel arches, and around windows. Premature wear of suspension bushings. Potential issues with GDI injectors and carbon buildup. Water ingress into the cabin from blocked scuttle drains. Clutch wear on high-mileage manual transmissions.

Electrical Gremlins:

Flickering dashboard lights or intermittent power losses can sometimes be traced to poor earth connections or failing instrument cluster components. Wiring harness issues in the engine bay or door hinges.

📚 Vehicle History

Parent Company:

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (Japan)

Development Strategy:

Part of the Mitsubishi-Chrysler alliance, developed with European market needs in mind, featuring European styling and some chassis tuning.

Launch Year:

1995 (for the 1996 model year)

Facelift:

Minor facelift around 1999/2000, introducing updated styling and some interior improvements.

Manufacturing Location:

Born, Netherlands (NedCar plant, a joint venture with Volvo)

Production Years:

1995 - 2003

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General Reputation:

The Carisma was generally seen as a competent, if not particularly exciting, family car. It was praised for its practicality and comfort within its segment.

Reliability:

Mixed, with some models proving very reliable while others experienced more frequent issues, particularly with early GDI systems and some electrical components. Regular maintenance is key.

European Standards:

Designed and manufactured to meet European safety and emissions standards of the period.