🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Mirage

Years Covered:

1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003

Chassis Codes:

CJ series, CM series

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 1998-2003 Mitsubishi Mirage was positioned as an affordable, reliable subcompact economy car, often appealing to first-time car buyers and those seeking fuel efficiency.

Competitors:

Competed directly with vehicles such as the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier, Nissan Sentra, and Hyundai Elantra in its segment.

Attributes:

Practical hatchback and sedan body styles, economical operation, straightforward mechanicals, often available with a range of engine options and front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) depending on market and trim.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Complete service and repair information for the 1998-2003 Mitsubishi Mirage.

Estimated Page Count:

1500-2000 (estimated, based on typical professional service manuals for this era and scope)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF), Printable

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical (including specific variants), fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, lubrication system, engine control systems (ECM).

Transmission:

Manual transmission (5-speed), Automatic transmission (3-speed and 4-speed), clutch system, driveline, CV joints, axles.

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear independent), steering system, brakes (front disc, rear drum/disc), wheels, tires.

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrumentation, body electrical components, power accessories, diagnostic connectors.

Body And Interior:

Body panel repair, interior trim, seats, airbags, HVAC system, body sealing, glass replacement.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, and pipe replacement and repair; oxygen sensor diagnosis.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, spark plug service, belt replacement.

Repair:

Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, electrical diagnosis and repair, bodywork.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, common fault diagnosis for engine, transmission, and electrical systems.

Diagnostics:

OBD-I and OBD-II diagnostic codes and procedures, sensor testing, actuator testing, diagnostic tool usage.

Engine Mechanical Repair:

Detailed procedures for cylinder head removal and installation, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft inspection and replacement, camshaft service, engine bearing replacement.

Fuel System Diagnostics:

Fuel pump pressure testing, injector resistance and spray pattern testing, fuel pressure regulator diagnosis, EVAP system troubleshooting.

Brake System Service:

Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, brake bleeding procedures, parking brake adjustment, master cylinder and brake booster testing.

HVAC Service:

Refrigerant handling, component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator), heater core service, blower motor replacement, system evacuation and charging.

Body And Frame Repair:

Information on body panel alignment, collision repair guidelines, rust repair, and glass replacement procedures.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic tune-ups and fluid checks to full engine and transmission overhauls, complex electrical diagnostics, and structural body repairs.

Wiring Diagrams:

Extensive and detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, including power distribution, lighting, engine control, and body electronics.

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque specifications for all critical fasteners, including engine components, suspension parts, and driveline fasteners.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage instructions for any special tools required for specific repair or diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format), often searchable and bookmarkable.

Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory documentation, ensuring clarity of text, diagrams, and illustrations.

Binding:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

Primarily featured 1.5L (4G15) and 1.8L (4G93) inline-4 gasoline engines. Performance variants like the Mirage Cyborg and VR-4 (for Galant platform) utilized more potent engines, but the Mirage typically focused on economy.

1.5L Power:

Approx. 92-103 hp (depending on variant and market)

1.8L Power:

Approx. 111-125 hp (depending on variant and market)

Induction:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), typically multi-point.

Common Codes:

4G15 (1.5L), 4G93 (1.8L)

🔧 Transmission

Manual:

5-speed manual transmission.

Automatic:

3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmission available on most models.

Drivetrain Options:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) was standard. Some performance variants or specific market models might have offered All-Wheel Drive (AWD).

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

Available as a 3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback, and 4-door sedan.

Curb Weight Range:

Approximately 2200 - 2600 lbs (depending on body style, engine, and transmission).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Fair to Good (testing varied by year and specific test protocols). Refer to official NHTSA archives for precise ratings.

Braking System:

Front ventilated disc brakes, rear drum brakes standard. Higher trims or performance variants may have offered rear disc brakes.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags were standard on most models for the later years of this generation.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts for all occupants, with pretensioners for front seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio with cassette tape player. Optional CD player available on higher trims or as an aftermarket addition.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional feature, typically on higher trim levels or as part of a package.

Diagnostic Port:

OBD-II compliant diagnostic connector for engine management and emissions system diagnostics.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specific recommendations).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial for 4G15 and 4G93 engines. Recommended replacement interval is typically 60,000-90,000 miles or 5-7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Engine Oil:

API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended. Consult manual for exact viscosity and API classification.

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Mopar/Chrysler HOAT or similar green coolant often compatible for this era.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron III (or equivalent) ATF. Capacity typically around 3-4 quarts for a fluid change.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Timing Belt Failure:

Due to interference engine design (especially 4G93), timing belt failure leads to piston-valve contact and severe engine damage. Regular replacement is paramount.

Rust And Corrosion:

Common in older vehicles, especially in areas with road salt. Frame rails, rocker panels, and wheel wells are common areas for rust.

Cv Joint Wear:

Front CV (Constant Velocity) joints can wear out, leading to clicking noises during turns.

Suspension Wear:

Ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings can wear over time, affecting steering and ride quality.

Alternator Failure:

Alternators can be a point of failure, leading to battery discharge issues.

Evaporative Emissions System:

Faults related to EVAP canister purge valves or leaks can trigger Check Engine Lights.

📚 Vehicle History

Mitsubishi Motors:

Mitsubishi Motors has a long history in automotive manufacturing, with roots in Japan dating back to 1917. Known for innovations in turbocharged engines and rally racing heritage.

Mirage Lineage:

The Mirage nameplate has been used by Mitsubishi for various subcompact vehicles globally. The 1998-2003 generation (often referred to as the 'CJ' platform in many markets) was a significant iteration of this model, designed for global markets.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Japan, but also produced in other Mitsubishi plants globally to serve various markets, including North America (as the Mirage) and Europe (often as the Colt).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Consumer Reports:

While specific awards might be scarce for this model year compared to larger or more premium vehicles, the Mirage was generally recognized for its fuel efficiency and affordability by consumer publications of the era.