Vehicle Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, Nissan X-Trail (first generation)
Design Philosophy:
The Airtrek was designed as a versatile, family-oriented crossover with a focus on practicality and all-wheel-drive capability, often with a sporty or adventurous image.
Global Variants:
While sold as Airtrek in Japan, it was rebadged and sold globally as the Mitsubishi Outlander, indicating shared underlying platforms and technologies.
Engine Service:
Detailed overhaul, repair, and diagnosis for all engine variants.
Powertrain:
Comprehensive coverage of transmission (automatic and potentially manual variants), drivetrain components (driveshafts, differentials, axles).
Chassis Suspension:
Repair and adjustment procedures for suspension (struts, springs, control arms), steering system, and wheel alignment.
Braking System:
Service, repair, and troubleshooting of brake components (discs, pads, calipers, lines, ABS).
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, diagnosis of electrical faults, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, and accessory systems.
Body And Frame:
Body panel repair, interior trim removal/installation, door mechanisms, glass, and chassis structural components.
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:
HVAC system diagnostics, component replacement, and refrigerant handling.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, lines, tank, and emission control systems.
Cooling System:
Radiator, hoses, water pump, thermostat, and cooling fan diagnostics.
Exhaust System:
Repair and replacement of mufflers, catalytic converters, and exhaust pipes.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, brake inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon faults.
Component Removal Installation:
Step-by-step instructions for disassembling and reassembling all major and minor vehicle components.
Adjustments:
Detailed procedures for calibrating and adjusting various systems (e.g., throttle position sensor, idle speed, brake adjustments).
Rebuilding Procedures:
Comprehensive guide for rebuilding major components like engines and transmissions.
Depth Of Coverage:
Expert-level technical information, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Includes diagnostic flowcharts, trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, and circuit testing.
Special Tool References:
References specific Mitsubishi special service tools (SSTs) with accompanying illustrations and usage instructions.
Torque Specifications:
Extensive lists of critical torque values for all fasteners and assemblies, ensuring correct tightening.
Wear Limits:
Provides precise wear limits for critical engine and drivetrain components to ensure proper function and longevity.
Pictorial Guidance:
Abundant step-by-step pictorial diagrams, exploded views, and photographs for clarity.
Engine Code:
4G63 (commonly found)
Engine Type:
Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (4G63) and 2.4 Liters (4G64, 4G69)
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 125 hp to 165 hp, depending on engine and market
Torque Range:
Approximately 135 lb-ft to 170 lb-ft, depending on engine and market
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Requirement:
Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating varies by market, typically 87 or higher)
ECU System:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) with diagnostic capabilities
Type:
4-speed Automatic (INVECS-II or similar)
Type:
Some markets or trims may have offered a 5-speed Manual Transmission, though less common.
Drive Modes:
Available with Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) variants (often with Active Center Differential or electronically controlled coupling).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific Mitsubishi ATF SP-II, SP-III, or equivalent.
Crash Test Performance:
Refer to specific market safety ratings (e.g., NHTSA, Euro NCAP) for model year and configuration. Generally moderate to good for its era.
Braking Assistance:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA)
Stability Control:
Active Stability Control (ASC) or similar electronic stability program available on some models.
Airbags:
Front airbags (driver and passenger) standard, optional side and curtain airbags on higher trims.
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners, rear center lap belt.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles (12,000 to 16,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.
Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Depends on plug type (copper, platinum, iridium). Iridium plugs often have intervals of 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km).
Timing Belt Replacement:
For engines with a timing belt (e.g., 4G63), typically recommended every 60,000 to 90,000 miles (96,000 to 144,000 km).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.5 - 5.0 liters (4.8 - 5.3 US quarts) with filter change.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
Commonly 5W-30, 10W-30, or 5W-40, refer to manual for specific grade based on ambient temperature.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Engine Oil Consumption:
Some 4G6x engines can develop oil consumption issues with age and mileage, potentially due to worn piston rings or valve stem seals.
Transmission Harshness:
Automatic transmissions can sometimes exhibit harsh shifting or delayed engagement, potentially requiring fluid changes or solenoid adjustments.
Suspension Wear:
Front suspension components like ball joints, tie rod ends, and strut mounts can wear over time, leading to noise and imprecise handling.
Cvt Issues:
If equipped with a CVT (less common for Airtrek, more for later Outlanders), specific maintenance and potential failure points exist.
ABS Sensor Failures:
ABS wheel speed sensors can fail, triggering ABS warning lights and disabling ABS function.
Mitsubishi Legacy:
Mitsubishi Motors has a long history in automotive manufacturing, known for durable and capable vehicles, often with a focus on SUVs and off-road prowess.
Aitrek Introduction:
The Airtrek was first introduced in 2001 as Mitsubishi's entry into the growing compact SUV segment, built on a car-like unibody platform.
Outlander Rebranding:
Globally, the Airtrek was renamed the Outlander starting with its second generation (around 2005/2006 model years), unifying the model name and platform worldwide.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily produced in Japan (Mizushima Plant) for the Airtrek designation.
