🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Carisma

Year:

1995

Platform Code:

DA1A (often shared with Volvo S40/V40)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact family car, competing in a crowded segment with offerings from Ford (Escort/Focus), Volkswagen (Golf), Opel/Vauxhall (Astra), and other Japanese manufacturers.

Key Competitors 1995:

Ford Escort, Volkswagen Golf Mk3, Opel Astra F, Peugeot 306, Renault Megane, Nissan Almera, Toyota Corolla.

Distinctive Features Of Carisma:

Shared platform with Volvo S40/V40, known for a comfortable ride, decent build quality, and practical interior. Offered a range of efficient engines. European styling and design.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Comprehensive mechanical and electrical repair and maintenance

Specific Systems Covered:

Engine mechanical, engine management (ECU), fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, intake system, manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch, drivetrain (FWD), suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS optional), body electrical, lighting, HVAC system, interior systems, exterior body panels, chassis.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 1000-1500 pages (typical for a full workshop manual)

Type:

Workshop Manual / Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English (most common for this model year and origin)

Format:

Likely originally printed, often digitized as PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed engine rebuild procedures, torque specifications, timing belt replacement, valve clearance adjustment, piston and ring replacement, crankshaft and bearing service, cylinder head overhauls, oil pump servicing.

Engine Management:

ECU diagnostics, sensor testing (e.g., MAF, MAP, TPS, O2), fuel injector testing, ignition coil testing, idle air control (IAC) valve operation, troubleshooting emission control systems.

Transmission Manual:

Gearbox removal and installation, clutch replacement, internal component inspection and repair, gear shift linkage adjustments.

Transmission Automatic:

ATF drain and fill, filter replacement, valve body diagnosis, torque converter checks, transmission removal and installation.

Suspension Steering:

Strut and shock absorber replacement, ball joint inspection, tie rod end replacement, wheel bearing service, power steering pump and rack maintenance, alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Brake pad and disc replacement, brake caliper service, master cylinder and brake booster checks, ABS system diagnostics (if equipped), brake fluid specifications and bleeding procedures.

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams for all major systems, fuse box layouts, relay functions, starter motor and alternator testing, battery specifications, lighting circuit troubleshooting, horn, wipers, power windows, central locking.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, fuel filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid replacement, transmission fluid changes, timing belt replacement intervals.

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems. Includes symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Repair Overhaul:

Detailed instructions for engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, steering system repairs, and body panel repair.

Component Replacement:

Specific procedures for replacing major components like alternators, starters, fuel pumps, radiators, water pumps, catalytic converters, exhaust systems, CV joints, and more.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics and bodywork.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format Quality:

High-resolution scans or original digital files, ensuring clear text and legible diagrams. Searchable PDF capabilities often included.

Print Quality:

Professional quality if printed, with clear text, sharp diagrams, and durable binding.

Binding Type:

Likely perfect bound or spiral bound for printed versions to allow for flat opening on a workbench.

Paper Type:

Durable, possibly coated paper to withstand workshop environments.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Common:

4G93

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve

Displacement:

1.8 Liters (1830cc)

Horsepower Approx:

113-125 PS (83-92 kW) depending on specific engine tune and market

Torque Approx:

165-170 Nm (122-125 lb-ft) depending on specific engine tune and market

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Petrol (Octane rating typically 95 RON recommended)

Engine Variants:

1.6L (4G92), 2.0L (4G63), 1.9L TD (diesel) may also be covered depending on manual scope.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Optional Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (INVECS-II 'Smart Shift')

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (Check specific manual for exact type and capacity)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Mitsubishi DiaQueen J2 or equivalent ATF (Check specific manual for exact type and capacity)

📐 Dimensions

Length Approx:

4435 mm (174.6 in)

Width Approx:

1700 mm (66.9 in)

Height Approx:

1415 mm (55.7 in)

Wheelbase Approx:

2600 mm (102.4 in)

Curb Weight Approx:

1200-1350 kg (2645-2976 lbs) depending on engine and equipment

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Approx:

1700-1850 kg (3748-4079 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Euro Ncap Rating Era:

Not available for this specific model year as Euro NCAP testing was in its infancy and specific model data is scarce.

Available Active Safety:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), power-assisted steering.

Standard Passive Safety:

Seat belts (front, rear), reinforced safety cell, collapsible steering column.

Optional Passive Safety:

Driver's airbag, front passenger airbag (availability varied by market and trim).

💡 Technology Features

Factory Audio System:

Typically a factory fitted radio/cassette player with optional CD changer. Speaker configurations varied by trim level.

Available Driver Assistance:

Cruise control was an option on higher trim levels. ABS was also optional.

Connectivity Features 1995:

Basic; primarily focused on vehicle operation. No integrated Bluetooth or USB connectivity as standard.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 15,000 km (9,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Check specific manual for severe driving conditions.

Oil Filter Replacement:

Replace at every oil change.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 km (18,000 miles) or 24 months. Inspect more frequently.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 60,000 km (36,000 miles) for standard plugs, potentially longer for iridium or platinum plugs if specified.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Critical: Typically every 90,000 km (54,000 miles) or 5 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage. Always replace tensioners and idlers concurrently.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SG or SH, ILSAC GF-2, Viscosity SAE 10W-40 recommended for most conditions. Check manual for specific grade and capacity.

Coolant Specification:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4, conforming to FMVSS 116.

Common Wear Items:

Front suspension components (bushings, ball joints), exhaust system (rusting), catalytic converter failure, radiator leaks, door mirror motor failure (electric fold), HVAC blower motor issues, starter motor brushes wear.

Engine Specific Notes:

The 4G93 engine is generally robust but can suffer from oil consumption as mileage increases. Timing belt integrity is paramount.

📚 Vehicle History

Mitsubishi Heritage:

Mitsubishi Motors has a long history in automotive manufacturing, known for reliable and capable vehicles, including SUVs, sedans, and performance cars. This era saw them expanding their presence in European markets.

Carisma Development:

The Carisma was developed as Mitsubishi's mainstream compact family car for Europe, aimed at competing with established European players. It was designed by Mitsubishi but notably shared its platform with the first-generation Volvo S40 and V40, a result of the collaboration between Mitsubishi and Volvo at the time.

Production Location:

Born, Netherlands (NedCar plant, a joint venture between Mitsubishi and Volvo)

Production Years Model:

1995-2004 (with a facelift in 2000)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Awards Era:

While specific awards for the 1995 Carisma are not widely publicized as standalone achievements, it was launched into a competitive market and designed to meet European consumer expectations for practicality and value. Its platform sharing with Volvo indicates a focus on meeting European safety and design standards.