The Mitsubishi Diamante, specifically the Second Generation (JA) models produced for the 1996 and 1997 model years, represents Mitsubishi's flagship sedan offering. This vehicle competed in the premium mid-size sedan segment, distinguished by its distinctive styling, comfortable and spacious interior, and powerful V6 engine options, including a 3.0L SOHC and a more potent 3.5L DOHC. Available with either front-wheel drive or an optional all-wheel-drive system, the Diamante was engineered to provide a refined driving experience, competing with established luxury and near-luxury marques by offering a strong value proposition through its advanced features and performance for its era.
This comprehensive service repair workshop manual provides extensive coverage for the Mitsubishi Diamante, encompassing all aspects of maintenance, repair, troubleshooting, and diagnostics. It details procedures for all major systems, including the engine mechanical and electrical components, fuel, transmission, suspension, steering, brakes, and body electrical systems, as well as HVAC. The manual offers step-by-step instructions, diagnostic flowcharts, and technical specifications, ensuring that owners, mechanics, and technicians have the necessary information to maintain the vehicle's reliability and performance throughout its lifespan.
Generation:
Second Generation (JA)
Model Years Covered:
1996, 1997
Engine Codes:
6G72 (3.0L SOHC V6), 6G74 (3.5L DOHC V6)
Market Position:
Premium mid-size sedan slot, competing with established luxury and near-luxury marques, emphasizing comfort, style, and advanced features for its time.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against vehicles like the Toyota Avalon, Lexus ES, Nissan Maxima, and Ford Taurus SHO. Offered a strong value proposition with its V6 engines, upscale interior, and distinctive styling.
Key Features:
Available in sedan and wagon (wagons were less common in North America for these years), powerful V6 engines, advanced all-wheel-drive option (some models), spacious and comfortable interior, advanced styling.
Coverage Areas:
Full Service, Repair, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Wiring Schematics, Specifications
Page Count:
Extensive (Actual page count not specified in product info, but described as 'full' and 'complete')
Manual Type:
Service Repair Workshop Manual
Systems Covered:
General Information, Engine Mechanical, Engine Electrical, Emission Control, Fuel System, Clutch System, Manual Transaxle, Automatic Transaxle, Driveshaft and Axle, Suspension System, Steering System, Restraint System, Brake System, Body (Interior and Exterior), Body Electrical System, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Procedures Included:
Step-by-step repair instructions, troubleshooting guides, diagnostic procedures, component replacement, fluid changes, tune-ups, inspections, electrical system diagnosis, wiring harness repair, body repair, HVAC system servicing
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and repairs, including factory-level procedures and specifications.
Print Quality:
Printable, high-resolution for clarity of text and diagrams
Binding Type:
Digital (N/A for PDF, but implies flexibility for printing specific pages)
Paper Type:
Digital (N/A for PDF, but implies printable on any paper type)
Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows and Mac, compatible with various devices including phones and ebook readers (e.g., Amazon Kindle)
Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader
Primary Engine:
3.0L SOHC V6 (6G72)
Optional Engine:
3.5L DOHC V6 (6G74) - Available in higher trim levels, offering more power and refinement.
Horsepower 3.0L:
Approximately 195-200 hp (varies slightly by year and specific tuning)
Torque 3.0L:
Approximately 200-205 lb-ft
Horsepower 3.5L:
Approximately 210-240 hp (varies by year and specific tuning)
Torque 3.5L:
Approximately 225-250 lb-ft
Fuel System:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Distributor-based (depending on specific model and market)
Standard Transmission:
4-speed Automatic Transaxle
Optional Transmission:
5-speed Manual Transaxle (less common, primarily on base models or certain markets)
Transmission Features:
Some models featured a viscous coupling all-wheel-drive system for enhanced traction and stability.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 110.2 inches (2800 mm)
Length:
Approx. 195.9 inches (4975 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.5 inches (1790 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.9 inches (1420 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,500 - 3,800 lbs (1588 - 1724 kg) depending on configuration.
Safety Ratings NHTSA:
Generally good for its era, though specific ratings for 1996-1997 models may vary. Likely received 4-star ratings in frontal impacts. (Specific data would require referencing NHTSA archives for these years.)
Active Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most models, Traction Control (optional on some trims).
Passive Features:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard, three-point seat belts with pretensioners.
Infotainment Features:
Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player (optional), premium audio system available on higher trims.
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise control standard. Limited electronic driver aids beyond ABS and optional traction control for this model year.
Connectivity Features:
Basic AM/FM radio, cassette, CD player. No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity as expected for the era.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Refer to manual for specific recommendations.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for 6G7 series engines. Generally recommended every 60,000-90,000 miles. Failure can cause severe engine damage.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended. Consult manual for exact viscosity based on climate.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based, typically a green coolant. Consult manual for specific type and capacity (approx. 7-8 quarts for V6).
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
Mitsubishi Diaqueen SPII-ATF or equivalent ATF SP-II fluid. Capacity approx. 3.5-4 quarts for change.
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil recommended. Capacity approx. 2.5 quarts.
Known Issues:
Timing belt failure (if not replaced on schedule), power window motor issues, occasional transmission solenoid problems, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, and some electrical gremlins common in vehicles of this era.
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
Wix 51515, Fram PH8310 (Always verify compatibility with VIN)
Air Filter Part Number Example:
Wix 49240 (for 3.0L), Wix 49230 (for 3.5L) (Always verify compatibility with VIN)
Brand Heritage:
Mitsubishi, a global automotive manufacturer with a history dating back to the early 20th century, known for innovation, durability, and performance, particularly in rally and off-road vehicles, and also producing passenger cars and luxury models.
Model Evolution:
The second generation Diamante (JA) launched in 1996, representing a significant redesign over the first generation. It featured sleeker styling, improved aerodynamics, and more powerful engine options, further solidifying its position as Mitsubishi's flagship sedan.
Production Location:
Primarily produced in Japan (e.g., Mitsubishi Motors' Mizushima Plant).
Recognitions:
While not a recipient of major standalone awards for these specific years, the Diamante was recognized for its value, comfort, and performance in its segment by various automotive publications at the time of its release.
