Segment:
Compact car, subcompact car, or small family car, competing in a segment known for affordability, fuel efficiency, and practicality.
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, and those prioritizing fuel economy and reliability in a smaller vehicle.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Mazda 323.
Design:
Aerodynamic styling typical of the early 1990s. Available in hatchback and sedan body styles.
Powertrain:
Fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines, front-wheel drive layout offering good traction and packaging.
Value Proposition:
Affordable price point, respectable fuel economy, and a reputation for reasonable reliability.
General Coverage:
Comprehensive service and repair for all major mechanical, electrical, and body systems of the 1992 Mitsubishi Mirage.
Trim Levels Covered:
Typically covers all available trim levels for the 1992 model year, including but not limited to Base, DL, LS, and potentially performance variants if offered domestically.
Estimated Page Count:
High volume, typically 1000+ pages for a comprehensive factory-level service manual of this era, given the breadth of systems.
Type:
Factory Authorized Service & Repair Manual (Software)
Format:
Software (Digital Download/CD-ROM likely, searchable PDF equivalent)
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair procedures, component removal/installation for all covered engine variants (e.g., 4G13, 4G15). Includes fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, cooling, lubrication, and engine mechanicals.
Transmission:
Covers both manual (KM132, KM145) and automatic (F4A21, F4A22) transmissions. Includes overhaul, diagnostics, clutch service, and fluid specifications.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, including CV joints, drive axles, differential (integral to transaxle), and related components.
Suspension:
Front independent suspension (McPherson strut) and rear torsion beam or independent suspension. Covers shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. Includes hydraulic system, master cylinder, calipers, wheel cylinders, brake pads, shoes, rotor/drum specifications, bleeding procedures.
Steering:
Manual steering and power steering systems (if equipped). Covers steering gear, power steering pump, hoses, fluid, tie rods, and linkages.
Electrical:
Comprehensive coverage of the vehicle's electrical system, including wiring diagrams, fuse/relay locations, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, and diagnostics.
Body:
Body panel repair, doors, hinges, latches, windows, mirrors, interior trim, and potentially structural repair information.
Climate Control:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Includes blower motor, heater core, A/C compressor, refrigerant handling (with safety precautions), and system diagnostics.
Safety Restraints:
Information on seat belts and potentially early airbag systems if equipped (though less common for 1992 economy cars). Focus would be on inspection and maintenance.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance procedures such as oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes, tire rotation, and inspection schedules.
Diagnostics:
Systematic troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues. Includes diagnostic flowcharts, symptom analysis, and step-by-step diagnostic routines for electrical and mechanical faults.
Repair:
Detailed, step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation. Covers everything from minor adjustments to major component overhauls.
Specifications:
Extensive list of technical specifications, torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, and diagnostic parameters essential for accurate repairs.
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems, crucial for electrical troubleshooting and repair.
Troubleshooting Charts:
Pre-formatted charts to identify problems based on symptoms and guide technicians to the root cause.
Depth:
Factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Diagnostic Tools:
While not software-based OBD-II diagnostics for this era, it details the use of basic multimeter readings, analog gauges, and proprietary Mitsubishi diagnostic tools/procedures for the period.
Engine Code 1.3L:
4G13 SOHC Inline-4. Displacement: 1298 cc (79.2 cu in). Bore x Stroke: 74.0 mm x 75.5 mm. Compression Ratio: ~8.5:1. Power: ~73-75 hp @ 5800-6000 rpm. Torque: ~74-76 lb-ft @ 3500-4000 rpm.
Engine Code 1.5L:
4G15 SOHC Inline-4. Displacement: 1468 cc (89.6 cu in). Bore x Stroke: 75.5 mm x 82.0 mm. Compression Ratio: ~8.7:1. Power: ~81-88 hp @ 5800-6000 rpm. Torque: ~88-93 lb-ft @ 3500-4000 rpm.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane typically recommended).
Injection System:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for most variants, some base models might have had carburetor options in certain markets.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant (e.g., 50/50 mix with distilled water). Specific Mitsubishi part numbers would be in the manual.
Oil Type:
API SG or SH service category, SAE 10W-30 viscosity is common. Specific recommendations would be in the manual.
Spark Plugs:
Specific NGK or Denso part numbers and gap specifications would be detailed. Common types include resistor type spark plugs.
Manual Transmission:
Standard on lower trim levels. Likely a 5-speed manual transaxle (e.g., KM132, KM145).
Automatic Transmission:
Optional on most trim levels. Likely a 3-speed or 4-speed automatic transaxle (e.g., F4A21, F4A22).
Automatic Features:
Could include overdrive (O/D) gear for improved fuel economy.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-85 or 75W-90. Specific Mitsubishi fluid part numbers provided in manual.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mitsubishi SP-II or equivalent ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid). Specific part numbers in manual.
Length:
Approximate: Hatchback ~3,960 mm (155.9 in), Sedan ~4,245 mm (167.1 in). Exact figures vary by body style.
Width:
Approximate: ~1,650 mm (65.0 in)
Height:
Approximate: ~1,350 mm (53.1 in) for hatchback, ~1,375 mm (54.1 in) for sedan. Varies by trim.
Wheelbase:
Approximate: ~2,400 mm (94.5 in)
Curb Weight:
Typically ranges from approximately 950 kg to 1,050 kg (2,100 - 2,300 lbs) depending on body style and equipment.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Specifications would be found in the manual for laden weight limits.
Cargo Volume:
Significantly more practical in the hatchback variant due to folding rear seats. Specific cubic feet/liters would be in the manual.
Tire Sizes:
Common sizes include 175/70R13, 185/65R14, depending on trim and wheel size. Specifics in manual.
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
Typically 4x114.3 mm (4x4.5 inches) with a center bore around 67.1 mm.
Crash Test Data:
As this is a 1992 vehicle, official NHTSA or IIHS ratings might be limited or non-existent in a format comparable to modern standards. The manual may reference internal safety testing or component safety standards of the era.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) may have been an optional feature on higher trim levels. Manual would detail its operation and service if present.
Seatbelts:
Standard three-point inertia-reel seatbelts for front occupants, lap belts for rear. Manual details adjustment, replacement, and maintenance.
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag was a relatively new option for this class in 1992. If equipped, the manual would cover its system, diagnostics, and safety precautions.
Child Safety:
Manual would cover LATCH system compatibility or child seat anchor points as per regulations of the time.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Specific recommendation in manual.
Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, or as needed based on driving conditions and inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Intervals vary based on plug type (copper, platinum). Typically 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for interference engines. For 4G series engines, this is typically around 60,000 to 90,000 miles. Manual will specify precise interval and component part numbers.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Refer to manual for exact specification and bleeding procedure.
Power Steering Fluid:
Specific ATF or power steering fluid as specified by Mitsubishi. Check manual for type and capacity.
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 5.0-6.0 liters (5.3-6.3 quarts) for the cooling system. Precise capacity in manual.
Common Wear Items:
Typical for vehicles of this age: worn CV joints, aging rubber bushings in suspension, exhaust system corrosion, fuel injector clogging, radiator leaks, and potential ECU (Engine Control Unit) issues.
Electrical Quirks:
Flickering dashboard lights, issues with power windows or locks, and intermittent sensor failures can occur due to age and wiring harness wear. Manual is essential for diagnosis.
Rust And Corrosion:
Depending on climate and care, rust on body panels, frame rails, and suspension components can be an issue. Body repair section of manual is relevant.
Mitsubishi Motors:
Mitsubishi Motors, a Japanese manufacturer with a long history dating back to 1917 (as Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.), known for diverse product lines including automobiles, heavy industries, and electronics.
Mirage Generations:
The 1992 Mirage is part of the third generation (1987-1991) or potentially the beginning of the fourth generation (1991-1995), depending on the specific model year introduction date and market. This era saw a shift towards more aerodynamic styling and refined powertrains.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan at Mitsubishi plants. Later generations also saw production in other countries.
Sales Data:
The Mirage was a significant model for Mitsubishi in global markets, known for its value and fuel efficiency, contributing to the brand's growth in the compact car segment.