The Mitsubishi Diamante, produced for the 1996 and 1997 model years, represents a premium large sedan known for its comfortable ride, sophisticated styling, and powerful V6 engine options. Competing in a segment with vehicles like the Toyota Avalon and Buick Park Avenue, the Diamante offered a spacious interior, a quiet cabin, and the availability of All-Wheel Drive on select trims. These models, chassis codes F31A for the sedan and F36A for the wagon, were manufactured primarily in Japan and featured a smooth, refined driving experience, making them a notable entry in the near-luxury market of their time.
This comprehensive workshop repair service manual in English covers all Mitsubishi Diamante models, engines, trims, and transmission types from 1996 and 1997. It provides in-depth information for general maintenance, troubleshooting, and detailed repair procedures for all major vehicle systems, including the engine, transmission, brakes, electrical systems, suspension, and more. Designed for both owners and professional technicians, this manual offers diagnostic and repair guidance, critical specifications, and step-by-step instructions, ensuring proper upkeep and repair for optimal vehicle performance and longevity.
Model Years Covered:
1996, 1997
Chassis Codes:
JDM/USDM: F31A (sedan), F36A (wagon)
Positioning:
A premium, large sedan known for its comfortable ride, sophisticated styling, and availability with powerful V6 engines. It competed in a segment with vehicles like the Toyota Avalon, Lexus ES, and Buick Park Avenue.
Competitors:
Toyota Avalon, Lexus ES, Buick Park Avenue, Oldsmobile Aurora, Mercury Sable, Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Lumina.
Features:
Spacious interior, smooth ride, quiet cabin, availability of AWD on some trims, advanced (for the era) features like climate control and optional leather upholstery.
Coverage:
All Models/Engines/Trim/Transmissions Types
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds (Specific number not provided, but described as extensive)
Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual
Covered Systems:
General Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Engine Service/Repair, Transmission Service/Repair, Brake System, Wiring Diagram, Electrical System, Suspension, Periodic Lubrication, Steering, Cooling System, Fuel Injection/Fuel System, Emission System, Heater/Air Conditioning, Engine Control System, Chassis/Body, Restraint System, Interior, Differential/Drive, Axle, and much more.
Included Procedures:
Diagnostic, repair, maintenance, disassembly, assembly, cleaning, reinstallation, troubleshooting, electrical service, step-by-step repair procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers information used by professional technicians, including detailed substeps, critical specifications, diagrams, and photos.
Printability:
Full Printable
Binding:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Paper Quality:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Engine Options:
6G72 3.0L SOHC V6; 6G74 3.5L DOHC V6 (depending on market and trim)
Horsepower Torque 3.0L:
Approx. 150-165 HP / 175-180 lb-ft torque
Horsepower Torque 3.5L:
Approx. 210-220 HP / 230-240 lb-ft torque
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Standard Transmission:
4-speed Automatic
Optional Transmission:
N/A (Automatic was standard across most markets)
Transmission Features:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) standard, optional All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available on certain trims (e.g., ES-Limited AWD).
Wheelbase:
Approx. 107.1 inches
Length:
Approx. 191.9 inches
Width:
Approx. 70.9 inches
Height:
Approx. 55.7 inches
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,300 - 3,700 lbs (depending on engine and trim)
NHTSA Driver Front 1996:
4/5 Stars
NHTSA Passenger Front 1996:
4/5 Stars
Active Safety:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard.
Passive Safety:
Dual front airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, reinforced body structure.
Infotainment System:
Factory-installed AM/FM cassette stereo with optional CD player. Basic climate controls.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited by modern standards. ABS was the primary active safety feature. Cruise control standard on many trims.
Connectivity:
No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB. Analog systems for audio and climate.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific recommendations.
Timing Belt Interval:
Crucial: Approximately 60,000 miles or 5 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage. (Confirm specific interval in manual)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (Check manual for exact specification and viscosity)
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF SP-II or SP-III (Check manual for exact specification)
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors)
Common Problems:
Timing belt wear/failure, transmission issues (especially in higher mileage vehicles), AC system leaks (compressor seals, O-rings), front suspension components (ball joints, tie rods), occasional electrical gremlins, catalytic converter failure.
Heritage Notes:
Mitsubishi has a long history of producing durable and reliable vehicles, often focusing on value and innovative engineering. The Diamante was positioned as a flagship model, showcasing their capabilities in the luxury/near-luxury segment.
Generation Notes:
The 1996-1997 models represent the second generation of the Mitsubishi Diamante (introduced in 1992 in Japan as the Sigma/Diamante, and in the US for 1992). This generation saw styling updates and powertrain refinements.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (Primarily)
Awards Mentions:
While specific awards for the 1996-1997 models are not widely publicized, the Diamante generally received positive reviews for its comfortable ride and refined interior, particularly in comparison to other domestic offerings of the era.
