Positioning:
The Mitsubishi 380 was a large family sedan positioned as a comfortable and reliable Australian-manufactured vehicle, competing with rivals like the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon.
Competitors:
Holden Commodore (VZ/VE), Ford Falcon (BA/BF), Toyota Aurion/Camry.
Distinguishing Features:
Spacious interior, powerful V6 engine, comfortable ride, strong safety features for its era, Australian manufacturing.
Value For Owner:
Provides detailed, factory-level information enabling owners to perform maintenance and repairs, saving on labor costs and ensuring correct procedures are followed.
Target User:
Suitable for both novice DIY enthusiasts and experienced professional mechanics due to its comprehensive nature and detailed illustrations.
Engine:
6G75 V6 SOHC (3.8L), including diagnostics, repair, overhaul, and component specifications
Transmission:
F4A51/R4A51 (4-speed automatic), including operation, diagnostics, repair, and fluid specifications
Brakes:
Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), and associated hydraulics and electronics
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link independent suspension, including alignment specifications and component replacement
Steering:
Power assisted rack and pinion, including steering column components and hydraulic system
Electrical:
Full electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, component location, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, instruments, power accessories
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, thermostat, water pump, coolant specifications, and troubleshooting
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter, fuel pressure regulator, evaporative emission control (EVAP)
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, oxygen sensors
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system, including refrigerant handling and component replacement
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, chassis components, corrosion protection
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Engine Repair:
Timing belt/chain service, head gasket replacement, piston/ring service, crankshaft and camshaft service, complete engine rebuild
Transmission Service:
Fluid and filter changes, internal component repair, torque converter replacement
Brake Service:
Pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, brake fluid flush, ABS bleeding procedures
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Shock absorber/strut replacement, control arm bushing replacement, tie rod end replacement, power steering pump service
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Diagnosis of common electrical faults using wiring diagrams, component testing
Body Repair:
Panel repair and replacement, door mechanism adjustment, glass replacement procedures
Diagnostic Procedures:
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) interpretation, fault code retrieval and clearing, live data analysis
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic routines.
Engine Type:
V6, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 24 Valves
Displacement:
3.8 Liters (3828 cc)
Horsepower:
Approximately 170 kW (228 hp) @ 5250 rpm (varies slightly by model year/spec)
Torque:
Approximately 343 Nm (253 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm (varies slightly by model year/spec)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (91 RON or higher recommended)
ECU Type:
Mitsubishi Electronic Control Unit (ECU) with OBD-II diagnostics
Timing Mechanism:
Timing belt (requiring regular replacement)
Length:
Approximately 4885 mm (192.3 inches)
Width:
Approximately 1785 mm (70.3 inches)
Height:
Approximately 1440 mm (56.7 inches)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2730 mm (107.5 inches)
Kerb Weight:
Approximately 1575 kg (3472 lbs) - varies by trim
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to vehicle placard (typically around 2000 kg)
Boot Capacity:
Approximately 500 Liters (17.6 cubic feet)
Ancap Rating:
4-star ANCAP rating (for 2007 model, earlier ratings may differ)
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Ebd:
Standard (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
Traction Control:
Optional on some trims, standard on higher trims
Airbags:
Driver, front passenger, side curtain airbags standard on most models
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioning seatbelts with load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX compatible
Audio System:
Factory fitted CD player with AM/FM radio, potentially with auxiliary input or premium audio system on higher trims.
Navigation:
Optional satellite navigation system available on higher-spec models.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking sensors available.
Bluetooth:
Not typically integrated from factory, aftermarket solutions available.
Dashboard Display:
Analogue gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and temperature, with integrated trip computer and warning lights.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (or 7,500 km for severe driving conditions)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 100,000 km or 7 years, whichever comes first. Critical item to avoid catastrophic engine damage.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 40,000 km or 24 months (recommended, though some may go longer)
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 10W-30 API SG or higher (check manual for exact specification and capacity, typically around 4.5-5.0 liters with filter)
Coolant Spec:
Mitsubishi Long Life Coolant (LLC) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for precise specification)
Common Problems:
Timing belt failure (if not replaced on schedule), minor electrical gremlins, potential for front suspension wear (bushings), occasional transmission shifting issues if fluid is neglected.
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
e.g., Mitsubishi MD365124 or equivalent aftermarket (always verify)
Air Filter Part Number Example:
e.g., Mitsubishi MR951843 or equivalent aftermarket (always verify)