🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Carisma

Model Years Covered:

1995-2004

Generation:

First Generation (DA)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Family Car / Lower-Medium Segment

Key Competitors:

Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Opel Astra, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Almera.

Design Philosophy:

Practical, comfortable, and reliable family car with a focus on European market preferences, often shared platform with Volvo S40/V40 and Proton Wira.

Platform Sharing:

Shared platform with Volvo S40/V40 and Proton Wira, leading to some commonality in certain chassis and suspension components, although specific implementations differ.

📋 Manual Details

All Models Engines Trims Transmissions:

Yes

Regional Variations Covered:

Assumed to cover primary global markets (Europe, Asia), may require cross-referencing for specific regional differences.

Estimated Page Count:

Estimated 1500-2500+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era).

Manual Type:

Workshop Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English (Assumed, as is standard for widely distributed repair manuals; confirmation recommended).

Digital Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine overhaul, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing components, lubrication system.

Engine Management:

Fuel injection system (MPI/GDI), ignition system, emissions control, sensors, actuators, ECU diagnosis.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch system, gearbox overhaul, gear shifting mechanism, driveshafts.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission overhaul, hydraulic control, torque converter, valve body, electronic control unit.

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension components, struts, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, power steering system, steering rack.

Brakes:

Brake system components (master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pads), ABS system, hydraulic lines, parking brake.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, starter motor, lighting system, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, body control modules.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system components, refrigerant system, blower motor, controls.

Body Exterior:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, trim, rust prevention, underbody coating.

Body Interior:

Interior trim, seats, dashboard, instrument cluster, airbags, seat belts, headliner.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-ups, spark plug replacement, belt inspections.

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Fault finding procedures, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Component Replacement:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for replacing all major and minor components.

Engine Rebuild:

Complete engine overhaul procedures, including torques, clearances, and assembly sequences.

Transmission Rebuild:

Detailed procedures for rebuilding both manual and automatic transmissions.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of any specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.

Body Repair:

Panel alignment, dent repair, structural repairs, welding procedures, door and window fitting, bumper repair and replacement.

Chassis And Body Electrical:

Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, power windows, central locking, mirrors, wipers, horn, dashboard illumination, warning lamps.

Fuel And Exhaust Systems:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, injectors, exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, emissions control components.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to full mechanical and electrical overhauls and diagnostics.

Diagnostic Tools Required:

Basic hand tools, multimeter, possibly an OBD-II scanner (depending on year and market regulations), specific diagnostic tools for fuel injection and transmission control units.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Likely searchable if the PDF was created from a digital source with OCR.

Print Ability:

High quality, allowing for printing of individual pages or entire sections.

Digital Binding Equivalent:

Downloadable, accessible across multiple devices.

Digital Paper Equivalent:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Code And Type:

4G92 (1.8L SOHC/DOHC MPI), 4G93 (1.8L GDI), 4G63 (2.0L DOHC MPI), Sirius D4 (1.6L SOHC MPI).

Engine 1 Displacement:

1.6L, 1.8L, 2.0L

Engine 1 Power Output:

Approx. 82-126 hp (1.6L), 112-140 hp (1.8L MPI), 125 hp (1.8L GDI), 145 hp (2.0L).

Engine 1 Torque Output:

Approx. 130-170 Nm (depending on engine variant).

Fuel Injection Type:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) or Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) for some variants.

Emission Standards:

Euro II / Euro III compliant (depending on year and market).

Additional Engine Variants:

Early models may have used older engine designs; the 1.8 GDI engine was introduced later and offered improved fuel efficiency but required specific maintenance.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual

Optional Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic (INVECS-II)

Automatic Transmission Features:

Sport mode, Snow mode (INVECS-II).

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

4-door Sedan, 5-door Hatchback

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2600 mm (260 cm)

Length:

Approx. 4430-4510 mm (depending on body style)

Width:

Approx. 1720-1730 mm

Height:

Approx. 1405-1430 mm

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1150-1300 kg (depending on engine and equipment)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Typically around 1700-1850 kg

🛡️ Safety Features

Euro Ncap Rating:

3 Stars (Early models, later improvements expected)

ABS:

Optional or standard on higher trims, typically Bosch ABS systems.

Traction Control:

Optional on some higher-spec models.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard on most models from mid-production onwards, side airbags optional on some.

Seat Belts:

3-point front and rear seat belts, pre-tensioners for front seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted radio/cassette or CD players, optional premium sound systems (e.g., Clarion).

Display:

Basic dashboard display with analogue gauges, digital odometer on some models.

Cruise Control:

Optional on higher trim levels.

Parking Sensors:

Rarely fitted from factory, usually aftermarket additions.

Connectivity Options:

Limited to basic AUX input for aftermarket head units; no integrated Bluetooth or USB in factory systems of this era.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 7,500 to 15,000 miles (12,000 to 24,000 km) or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Recommended every 60,000 to 90,000 miles (96,000 to 144,000 km) or 5-7 years for relevant engines (e.g., 4G93, 4G63). Crucial for interference engines.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SG/SH/SJ or ACEA A2-96/A3-02. Viscosity typically SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40, sometimes 5W-30 for colder climates. Check manual for exact recommendation.

Coolant Specification:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze/coolant. Mitsubishi genuine coolant or equivalent (e.g., G11/G12 type if compatible). 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 75W-85 gear oil. Manual transmission fluid (MTF).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Mitsubishi Diaqueen ATF SP-II M, SP-III, or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon type fluid. Check manual for specific type.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Regular replacement is recommended every 2-3 years to prevent moisture absorption.

Power Steering Fluid Specification:

Typically ATF Dexron II/III or a specific power steering fluid. Consult manual for exact type.

Common Issues Engine:

Timing belt failure on interference engines (if not replaced), occasional oil leaks, issues with early GDI systems (carbon buildup), camshaft/crankshaft sensor failures.

Common Issues Suspension:

Worn front suspension bushings, worn rear axle bushings, leaking shock absorbers.

Common Issues Electrical:

Corroded electrical connectors, failure of window regulators, issues with central locking, alternator problems.

Common Issues Rust:

Rust can affect wheel arches, sills, and rear subframes, particularly in regions with heavy road salt usage.

📚 Vehicle History

Mitsubishi Motors Positioning:

Japanese manufacturer known for robust engineering, including rallying heritage (Lancer Evolution).

Carisma Development:

Developed in collaboration with Volvo and Mitsubishi Motors' NedCar plant in the Netherlands. Designed for European tastes and market requirements.

Production Period:

1995-2004

Production Location:

Born, Netherlands (NedCar plant)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Awards:

While not a recipient of major mainstream awards, its design was often praised for practicality and European appeal. Competed in segments that regularly received 'Car of the Year' awards from various publications, though the Carisma itself was not a standout winner.