Vehicle Segment:
Compact Sports Coupe/Convertible
Target Demographic:
Younger buyers, enthusiasts seeking sporty styling and performance.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic Si, Acura RSX, Toyota Celica, Nissan 240SX (previous generation), Ford Mustang (lower trims).
Styling:
Aggressive, aerodynamic design with a distinctive 'sunglasses' front end on this generation.
Engine Options:
Choice between a naturally aspirated inline-four and a potent turbocharged V6 engine.
Performance Variants:
GT and GTS trims offered enhanced performance, particularly the GTS with the V6.
Convertible Option:
Available as a convertible model, appealing to a broader market.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed procedures for disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of engine components, including cylinder head, block, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, camshafts, valves, and timing system.
Engine Performance:
Information on fuel injection systems (MPI), ignition systems, emissions control systems (EVAP, EGR), cooling systems, lubrication systems, and engine diagnostics.
Transmission Manual:
Repair and overhaul procedures for the manual transmission, including clutch operation, gearbox components, and gear shift mechanisms.
Transmission Automatic:
Detailed overhaul and repair procedures for the automatic transmission, including torque converter, valve body, planetary gear sets, and electronic controls.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) system, including front axle, CV joints, drive shafts, and differential components.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems (MacPherson struts front, multi-link rear), including shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, and alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system, including pump, steering rack, tie rods, and associated components.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brake systems, including hydraulic components (master cylinder, brake lines, calipers), parking brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components and diagnostics.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive coverage of the vehicle's electrical system, including battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting, horns, wipers, power windows, and mirrors.
Body And Chassis:
Body construction, panel removal and installation, doors, windows, interior trim, exterior trim, bumpers, and basic chassis structure.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, including refrigerant handling, compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, and control systems.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system operation, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) components, and related diagnostics.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for various systems and components.
Repair And Rebuild:
Step-by-step instructions for repairing and rebuilding major components such as engines, transmissions, brake calipers, and suspension parts.
Component Replacement:
Detailed guides for replacing common wear items and parts like clutches, alternators, starter motors, radiators, water pumps, and catalytic converters.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) information, including diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor data interpretation, and diagnostic tool usage.
Wheel Alignment:
Specific camber, caster, and toe-in specifications for front and rear wheels.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, connector pinouts, resistance and voltage testing procedures for various electrical circuits.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive
Target Audience:
Mechanical technicians, advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, including component testing, signal tracing, and interpretation of sensor data.
Repair Scope:
From basic fluid services to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including specialized procedures for systems like ABS and airbags.
Base Engine:
2.4L Inline-4 (4G64)
Optional Engine:
3.0L V6 SOHC (6G72), often turbocharged in higher trims.
Base Engine Horsepower:
Approx. 147 hp @ 5800 rpm
Base Engine Torque:
Approx. 158 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Gt Engine Horsepower:
Approx. 197 hp @ 5500 rpm (Naturally Aspirated V6)
Gt Engine Torque:
Approx. 205 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (Naturally Aspirated V6)
Gts Engine Horsepower:
Approx. 200 hp @ 5500 rpm (Naturally Aspirated V6, some variations may exist)
Gts Engine Torque:
Approx. 205 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (Naturally Aspirated V6, some variations may exist)
Gts Turbo Engine Horsepower:
Approx. 260 hp @ 5500 rpm (Factory Turbo V6, rare, often aftermarket tuned)
Gts Turbo Engine Torque:
Approx. 255 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (Factory Turbo V6, rare)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 octane regular unleaded (for 2.4L and 3.0L NA), 91+ octane premium unleaded (for Turbocharged variants).
Fuel Tank Capacity:
15.1 gallons (57 liters)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months, or 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months with synthetic oil. Refer to manual for severe vs. normal driving conditions.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for iridium-tipped plugs, consult manual for specific type and interval.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years (crucial for the 4G64 engine, interference engine).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API SJ or higher) for 2.4L and 3.0L engines. Check owner's manual for specific viscosity grade recommendations based on temperature.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change for 2.4L; Approx. 4.7 quarts (4.4 liters) with filter change for 3.0L V6.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Consult manual for specific Mitsubishi approved coolant type (e.g., DIA-COOL Premium).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mitsubishi Genuine ATF-SP III or equivalent.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III ATF or equivalent power steering fluid.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Engine Mounts:
Premature wear and cracking of engine and transmission mounts, especially on V6 models, leading to vibrations and clunking.
Timing Belt Tensioner:
Failure of the timing belt tensioner on the 4G64 engine can lead to catastrophic engine damage due to it being an interference engine.
Catalytic Converter:
The catalytic converter can become clogged or fail, affecting performance and emissions, particularly on higher mileage vehicles.
Cv Axles:
Wear and tear on CV joint boots can lead to torn boots, grease expulsion, and eventual joint failure, causing clicking noises when turning.
Interior Plastics:
Some interior plastic components can become brittle or degrade over time due to sun exposure.
ABS Sensors:
ABS wheel speed sensors can fail, leading to ABS warning lights and reduced braking performance.