Segment:
Full-size sedan, positioned as a comfortable and reliable family car.
Competitors:
Competed against vehicles like the Holden Commodore/Statesman, Ford Falcon, Toyota Aurion, and Nissan Maxima in the Australian and New Zealand markets.
Design Philosophy:
Based on the Mitsubishi PS platform (shared with the Mitsubishi Grandis minivan), featuring a spacious interior and comfortable ride. Distinctive styling cues intended to appeal to a discerning buyer.
Target Audience:
Families and individuals seeking a well-equipped, comfortable, and safe sedan with a powerful V6 engine.
Systems Covered:
Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, transmission (automatic and manual), drivetrain, steering, suspension, brakes, body electrical system, climate control, chassis, interior, exterior trim, safety systems (airbags, ABS, traction control).
Procedures Included:
Routine maintenance, scheduled servicing, troubleshooting, diagnostic procedures, component removal and installation, repair procedures, wiring diagrams, component specifications, tightening torques, fluid capacities and specifications.
Estimated Page Count:
Approx. 2000+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Powertrain:
Comprehensive coverage of the 6G75 V6 engine, including timing belt/chain, cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, and exhaust systems. Detailed information on the INVECS-II 5-speed automatic transmission and its operation, torque converter, valve body, solenoids, and control systems. Covers front-wheel drive axle shafts, CV joints, and differential.
Chassis:
In-depth coverage of front and rear suspension (McPherson strut front, multi-link rear), steering system (power rack and pinion), braking system (front ventilated discs, rear solid discs, ABS, EBD), and wheel alignment specifications.
Electrical:
Detailed electrical diagrams for all systems, including engine control module (ECM), body control module (BCM), lighting, wipers, power windows, power locks, audio system, instrument cluster, airbags, and anti-theft systems. Includes troubleshooting for common electrical faults.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Specific diagnostic flowcharts for identifying malfunctions, OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, and component testing procedures.
Repair Rebuild:
Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, and reassembly. Includes procedures for engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component renewal, and body panel repair.
Level Of Detail:
Factory-level detail suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics. Covers everything from basic fluid changes to complex engine and transmission diagnostics and repair.
Engine Type:
6G75 SOHC V6
Displacement:
3.8 Liters (3828 cc)
Horsepower:
175 kW (235 hp) @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
334 Nm (246 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (91 RON recommended)
ECU:
Mitsubishi Immobiliser System ECU
Type:
INVECS-II 5-speed Automatic Transmission
Type:
None (Automatic was standard for all trims)
Gear Shifts:
Sports mode with manual shifting capability (Tiptronic-style).
Atf Type:
Diaqueen ATF SP-III or equivalent (confirm with owner's manual)
Ancap Rating:
4 Star (for models tested, may vary by specific year/spec)
Braking:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) on higher trims.
Airbags:
Front airbags for driver and passenger, side airbags and curtain airbags available on higher trims.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioning front seatbelts.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD audio system with multiple speakers. Higher trims may feature premium audio systems (e.g., Rockford Fosgate) with subwoofer and external amplifier.
Navigation:
Optional satellite navigation system available on higher trim levels.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Parking Sensors:
Rear parking sensors available as an option or standard on higher trims.
Bluetooth:
Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming was an option on later models.
Oil Change:
15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (confirm with owner's manual).
Air Filter:
Every 30,000 km or 24 months.
Spark Plugs:
Platinum-tipped spark plugs typically require replacement every 90,000 km - 105,000 km (confirm exact type and interval).
Timing Belt:
The 6G75 engine uses a timing chain, which is designed to last the life of the engine and does not require regular replacement like a timing belt.
Engine Oil:
SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 API SM or ILSAC GF-4 certified (check manual for specific viscosity and specification for your climate).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.7 Liters with filter change.
Coolant:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with demineralized water (50/50 mix).
Brake Fluid:
FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Problems:
Occasional reports of minor electrical gremlins, power steering pump noise, and wear on suspension components (bushings, ball joints) due to road conditions. Interior trim rattles can also occur with age. Torque converter shudder on earlier models was addressed with software updates.
Manufacturer:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Japan. The 380 represented Mitsubishi's sole large sedan offering in Australia following the discontinuation of the Mitsubishi Magna/Verada.
Platform Origin:
Developed from the Mitsubishi PS platform, which was a global platform shared with the Mitsubishi Grandis. This replaced the older Magna/Verada platform.
Manufacturing Location:
Adelaide, South Australia, Australia (at the former Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd. plant).
Production End:
Production ceased in 2008, with sales concluding in 2009 due to the closure of the Australian manufacturing plant.
Accolades:
While not a significant award winner, the 380 was generally praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and powerful V6 engine, particularly in the Australian market where it was manufactured.
Reviews:
Received mixed reviews upon release, with praise for its refinement and comfort, but some criticism regarding its styling and dated platform by some automotive journalists.
