🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Carisma

Production Years Covered:

1996-2010

Platform Code:

DA1 (platform shared with Volvo S40/V40)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact family car, European-focused design

Key Competitors:

Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Opel Astra, Peugeot 306, Renault Mégane, Toyota Corolla

Design Philosophy:

Comfortable ride, spacious interior for its class, practical hatchback and saloon body styles, shared platform with Volvo S40/V40 contributing to perceived quality and safety.

Target Audience:

Families and individuals seeking a reliable, well-equipped, and reasonably priced compact car.

📋 Manual Details

Geographical Coverage:

Europe, Asia, Australia, select other markets

Page Count:

Extensive (typically 1500+ pages for a comprehensive workshop manual)

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English (primary, often includes translations for specific regions)

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine overhaul, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing belt/chain, lubrication system, cooling system

Engine Performance:

Fuel injection system, ignition system, emission control systems (catalytic converter, EGR), turbocharger (if applicable), engine diagnostics

Transmission Manual:

Clutch, gearbox overhaul, gears, synchromesh, bearings, shifting mechanism

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission overhaul, hydraulic control, torque converter, transmission control module (TCM) diagnostics and repair

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive system, differentials, drive shafts, CV joints

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, struts, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, wheel alignment specifications

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, power steering fluid specifications

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), brake calipers, pads, rotors, master cylinder, brake booster, ABS system diagnostics and repair

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams for all systems, fuse box layout, lighting system, horn

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, bumpers, frame structure, corrosion protection

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system, refrigerant types, system diagnostics, blower motor, evaporator, condenser

Interior Components:

Seats, dashboard, center console, airbags, seatbelts, interior lighting

Preventive Maintenance:

Oil change intervals, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, belt inspections

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts for common issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, error code interpretations

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair with torque specifications

Diagnostics:

OBD-II diagnostic procedures, specific sensor testing, ECU data interpretation

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and bodywork repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Resolution:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

Inline-4 Cylinder engines: 1.3L (4G13), 1.6L (4G92), 1.8L (4G93), 2.0L (4G94), 1.9L Turbo Diesel (F9Q, Renault origin)

1.6L (4G92) Mivec:

Approx. 115 PS (85 kW) at 6000 rpm, 150 Nm (111 lb-ft) torque at 4500 rpm

1.8L (4G93) Gdi:

Approx. 125 PS (92 kW) at 5500 rpm, 177 Nm (131 lb-ft) torque at 3750 rpm (Gasoline Direct Injection variant)

1.9L Turbo Diesel:

Approx. 90 PS (66 kW) at 4000 rpm, 190 Nm (140 lb-ft) torque at 2000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for most gasoline engines, Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) for some 1.8L variants, Direct injection for Turbo Diesel.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating varies by market), Diesel fuel

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed manual transmission

Optional Transmission:

4-speed automatic transmission

Transmission Fluid:

Manual: SAE 75W-90 GL-4, Automatic: JWS 3309 (ATF T-IV equivalent) or similar

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

5-door Hatchback, 4-door Saloon (Sedan)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2635 mm (103.7 inches)

Length:

Hatchback: Approx. 4300-4340 mm (169.3-170.9 inches), Saloon: Approx. 4470 mm (176.0 inches)

Width:

Approx. 1735 mm (68.3 inches)

Height:

Hatchback: Approx. 1445-1455 mm (56.9-57.3 inches), Saloon: Approx. 1440 mm (56.7 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1150-1350 kg (2535-2976 lbs) depending on engine and trim

🛡️ Safety Features

Euro Ncap Rating:

3 Stars (early models, updated in later phases)

Braking System:

Standard front disc brakes, rear disc or drum brakes depending on model. Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).

Traction Control:

Optional or standard on higher trims in later years.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Optional side airbags on some models.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted radio cassette or CD player, optional premium sound systems available on higher trims. Aux-in and USB were not standard on early models.

Climate Control:

Manual air conditioning standard on many models, optional automatic climate control on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Available as an option on 1.8L and 2.0L models, and standard on some higher trims.

Parking Sensors:

Rare, usually an aftermarket fitment.

Bluetooth:

Not available from factory. Available as an aftermarket upgrade.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil type.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Typically every 90,000-120,000 km (56,000-75,000 miles) or 5-7 years for gasoline engines. Critical for preventing catastrophic engine damage.

Spark Plugs:

Every 60,000-100,000 km (37,000-62,000 miles) depending on spark plug type (standard vs. iridium).

Engine Oil Specification:

API SG/SH/SJ or ACEA A2/A3, viscosity SAE 5W-30, 5W-40, or 10W-40 depending on ambient temperature.

Coolant Specification:

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

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Should be flushed and replaced every 2-3 years.

Common Problems:

Rust susceptibility (especially wheel arches and sills), exhaust system corrosion, potential for electrical gremlins (e.g., window regulators, central locking), timing belt tensioner issues on some early models, fuel pump failures, suspension wear (bushings, ball joints).

Gdi Specific Issues:

Carbon buildup in intake ports due to direct injection, requiring periodic cleaning. Potential for injector issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Mitsubishi Reputation:

Known for robust engines, reliable 4WD systems (though not applicable to Carisma's FWD focus), and a history in motorsport.

First Generation:

Launched in 1995 for the 1996 model year, replacing the Lancer in some European markets. Based on the Mitsubishi Space Star concept.

Facelifts:

Received minor facelifts in 1999 and 2002, with styling updates and improved interior features. Introduction of GDI engines and common rail diesels.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily produced at the NedCar plant in Born, Netherlands, in cooperation with Volvo.

Discontinuation:

Production ceased in 2006 in Europe, with some markets continuing until 2010. Replaced by the Lancer in many regions.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General Reception:

Generally received mixed reviews, praised for comfort and practicality but criticized for styling by some and perceived build quality compared to some German rivals. Performance was adequate for the class.