🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Mirage

Years Covered:

1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003

Chassis Codes:

CJ1A, CJ2A, CJ4A, CK1A, CK2A, CK4A (Global variations may exist)

Market Segment:

Subcompact Hatchback and Sedan

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Mitsubishi Mirage (also known as Colt in some markets) was positioned as an affordable, fuel-efficient subcompact vehicle, appealing to budget-conscious buyers and those seeking a practical daily driver.

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Mazda Protege

Value Proposition:

Offered a balance of affordability, decent fuel economy, and a surprisingly roomy interior for its class, with available sporty variants like the Mirage Cyborg.

Manual Value Proposition:

This manual provides the essential information for owners and technicians to maintain, diagnose, and repair the 1995-2003 Mitsubishi Mirage, ensuring its longevity and optimal performance.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Coverage:

1.5L 4G15 SOHC, 1.8L 4G93 SOHC/DOHC (depending on market and specific model)

Transmission Coverage:

5-Speed Manual, 4-Speed Automatic

Body Style Coverage:

3-Door Hatchback, 5-Door Hatchback, 4-Door Sedan

Estimated Page Count:

>1000 Pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, valve train, timing belt/chain, oil pump, lubrication system

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, evaporative emission control (EVAP)

Ignition System:

Ignition coils, spark plugs, ignition timing, distributor (if applicable), crank/cam sensors

Cooling System:

Radiator, coolant hoses, thermostat, water pump, cooling fan, pressure cap

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, exhaust pipes, oxygen sensors

Transmission Manual:

Clutch system, gearbox assembly, gear selection, shifting mechanisms, internal components

Transmission Automatic:

Torque converter, transmission control module (TCM), hydraulic system, valve body, gear sets, fluid cooler

Drivetrain:

Front wheel drive axles, CV joints, differential

Suspension Front:

MacPherson struts, control arms, ball joints, sway bar, bushings

Suspension Rear:

Torsion beam axle (hatchback), independent trailing arm (sedan/some hatchbacks), shocks, bushings

Steering System:

Steering rack, power steering pump, steering column, tie rods

Brake System:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (common), ABS (optional), master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, pads, rotors, shoes

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting system, horn

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, glass, bumpers, interior trim, chassis components

HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate controls, refrigerant recharge

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS), seat belts

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, brake pad inspection

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation (OBD-I/OBD-II depending on year), symptom-based diagnosis

Component Removal And Installation:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for removing and installing major and minor components

Major Repairs:

Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system overhauls

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring diagrams, circuit testing, component testing, troubleshooting electrical faults

Bodywork And Paint:

Minor dent repair, panel alignment, trim piece replacement

Depth Of Information:

Comprehensive; covers routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed troubleshooting and wiring diagrams.

Diagrams And Illustrations:

Includes exploded views, detailed diagrams, and schematics for clarity.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Yes (typically, depending on the source scan quality)

Printable:

Yes

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of text and images

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

4G15

Engine Type 1:

1.5L (1490cc) Inline-4 SOHC

Bore Stroke 1:

75.5 mm x 82.0 mm

Compression Ratio 1:

9.4:1 (typical)

Horsepower 1:

92 hp @ 6000 rpm (approximate)

Torque 1:

91 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (approximate)

Engine Code 2:

4G93

Engine Type 2:

1.8L (1830cc) Inline-4 SOHC / DOHC

Bore Stroke 2:

81.0 mm x 89.0 mm

Compression Ratio 2:

9.5:1 (SOHC), 10.0:1 (DOHC)

Horsepower 2:

111 hp @ 6000 rpm (SOHC), 135 hp @ 6500 rpm (DOHC - Cyborg)

Torque 2:

114 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (SOHC), 124 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (DOHC)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane typical minimum)

Emissions Control:

Catalytic converter, Oxygen sensors, EVAP system

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual

Optional Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated, Dry single-plate

Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:

Dexron-III (or equivalent)

Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (typical)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 97.0 inches (2465 mm)

Length:

Approx. 160-170 inches (4064-4318 mm) depending on body style

Width:

Approx. 66.7 inches (1694 mm)

Height:

Approx. 53.5-55.5 inches (1359-1410 mm) depending on body style

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2200-2500 lbs (1000-1134 kg) depending on configuration

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by model, consult specific vehicle VIN

Towing Capacity:

Not typically recommended or specified for this class of vehicle.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test:

May vary by year and testing protocols; consult NHTSA archives for specific results. Generally, subcompacts of this era had moderate safety performance.

IIHS Crash Test Ratings:

Likely rated 'Acceptable' or 'Marginal' in frontal impacts based on period standards.

ABS:

Optional on some models, standard on higher trims or later years

Traction Control:

Rarely equipped on this generation Mirage

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Airbags (standard on most models from mid-90s onwards)

Seat Belts:

3-point front, 2-point rear lap belts (later models may have 3-point rear)

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH system not standard, typically requires tether straps

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player. Analog climate controls.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited to ABS on some models. No modern driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, etc.

Connectivity Features:

No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity. May have an auxiliary input for aftermarket head units.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, whichever comes first (severe usage may require more frequent changes).

Engine Oil Filter Replacement Interval:

With every oil change.

Air Filter Replacement Interval:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type, e.g., standard vs. platinum).

Timing Belt Replacement Interval:

Every 60,000-90,000 miles or 5-7 years, whichever comes first (critical for 4G15/4G93 engines as failure can cause catastrophic damage).

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.

Brake Fluid Change Interval:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.

Engine Oil Type Capacity:

5W-30 or 10W-30, approx. 3.5-4.0 quarts (3.3-3.8 L) with filter (consult manual for exact specification based on engine variant).

Coolant Type:

Mitsubishi Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based, green color).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Common Issues Engine:

Timing belt failure, oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), occasional rough idle, starter motor issues.

Common Issues Transmission:

Automatic transmission shudder or slipping (especially at higher mileage), clutch wear (manual transmission).

Common Issues Suspension Steering:

Worn ball joints and tie rod ends, noisy front struts, worn control arm bushings.

Common Issues Electrical:

Faulty alternator, aging wiring harnesses, window regulator failures, central locking issues.

Common Issues HVAC:

Leaky A/C systems, heater core failure, blower motor resistor issues.

Timing Belt Kit Example:

Gates TCK107, Dayco TBK213 (Always verify with VIN and engine code)

Oil Filter Example:

Fram PH3600, Wix 51358, Purolator L14610 (Verify for specific engine)

📚 Vehicle History

Mitsubishi Motors Heritage:

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer, has a long history dating back to 1917, with significant entries in rally racing and innovative technologies.

Mirage Generation:

This manual covers the fourth generation of the Mitsubishi Mirage, produced globally from 1991 to 1995 and evolved into the fifth generation (referred to as '95-'03 in this context) which ran until 2003 in many markets, before being replaced by the Lancer (in sedan form) or other models.

Design Philosophy:

The fifth-generation Mirage adopted a more aerodynamic and rounded styling compared to its predecessor, reflecting contemporary design trends.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Japan, with assembly plants in other countries including the USA (for North American market vehicles).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Fuel Economy Ratings:

Often received good fuel economy ratings for its class, contributing to its appeal as an economical vehicle.

Value Awards:

While specific awards are scarce for this generation, its affordability and reliability made it a strong contender in the value segment.