Vehicle Segment:
Sport Compact / Affordable Sports Car
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, owners seeking to maintain their vehicle
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic Si, Acura RSX, Nissan Sentra SE-R, Mazda MX-5 Miata (for convertible variants)
Vehicle Appeal:
Stylish design, available V6 engine, convertible option, sporty handling
Manual Benefit:
Empowers owners and technicians with in-depth knowledge for efficient and accurate maintenance and repair
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, timing belt/chain, lubrication system, cooling system
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, fuel injection system, starting and charging system, engine control module (ECM) diagnostics
Transmission Manual:
Manual transmission overhaul, clutch system, shift mechanism
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission overhaul, torque converter, transmission control module (TCM) diagnostics
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, axles, CV joints, differential
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, springs
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, ABS, EBD, brake lines, calipers, rotors, pads, master cylinder
Electrical Chassis:
Lighting systems, horn, wipers, power windows, power locks, mirrors
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant, compressor, evaporator, heater core
Body Interior:
Interior trim, seating, airbags, dashboard, center console
Body Exterior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, seals
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all systems
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Symptom-based troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation, component testing procedures
Repair And Overhaul:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation for all major systems
Component Replacement:
Detailed procedures for replacing common wear items and major components
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, alignment data, clearances, fluid capacities, resistance values
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and electrical system tracing
Base Engine:
2.4L 4G69 SOHC Inline-4
Optional Engine:
3.8L 6G75 SOHC V6
2.4L Horsepower:
162 hp @ 6000 rpm (2006-2007), 166 hp @ 6000 rpm (2008-2011)
2.4L Torque:
162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (2006-2007), 167 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (2008-2011)
3.8L Horsepower:
263 hp @ 6000 rpm (2006-2008), 265 hp @ 6000 rpm (2009-2011)
3.8L Torque:
260 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (2006-2008), 262 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (2009-2011)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane (2.4L), 91 Octane Recommended (3.8L GT)
Engine Control Unit:
Mitsubishi DIIC (DIagnostic Information and Control)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
IIHS Front Offset Ghr:
Acceptable (Good for later models)
Traction Control:
Standard on most models, available on base models
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard on GT V6 models, available on GS models
Antilock Brakes:
Standard
Airbags Front:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Airbags Side:
Front side-impact airbags
Airbags Curtain:
Front and rear side curtain airbags (coupe models)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 10,000-15,000 miles (16,000-24,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement 4Cyl:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with iridium-tipped spark plugs
Spark Plug Replacement V6:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) with iridium-tipped spark plugs
Timing Belt Replacement:
70,000-105,000 miles (112,000-168,000 km) or 7-10 years (for 4-cylinder models with timing belt, V6 models use timing chain)
Engine Oil 4Cyl:
API SN or higher, SAE 5W-30 (check manual for specific application)
Engine Oil V6:
API SN or higher, SAE 5W-30 (check manual for specific application)
Coolant:
Mitsubishi Genuine Long Life Coolant (or equivalent) - Green color
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 rated SAE 75W-85 synthetic gear oil
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mitsubishi Genuine DIA-Queen ATF-J3 (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Power Steering Fluid:
Power Steering Fluid (specific type per manual)
Common Complaints 4Cyl:
Oil consumption, potential oil leaks from valve cover or oil pan gasket, catalytic converter failure
Common Complaints V6:
Water pump leaks, serpentine belt tensioner issues, occasional catalytic converter failure
Common Complaints General:
Suspension component wear (bushings, ball joints), AC system issues (leaks, compressor failure), power window regulator failure, interior rattles and squeaks
Sport Suspension Wear:
Front struts and rear shocks may wear out prematurely, especially on aggressively driven vehicles.