Segment:
Compact Pickup Truck / Light Commercial Vehicle
Target Audience:
Commercial users, tradespeople, recreational off-roaders, and general consumers seeking a durable and versatile light truck.
Key Competitors:
Toyota Hilux, Nissan D22 Navara/Frontier, Ford Ranger (older generation), Isuzu D-Max (older generation), Mazda BT-50 (older generation).
Vehicle Attributes:
Rugged construction, reliable powertrains, available 4WD, utility focus, compact dimensions offering maneuverability.
Manual Value:
Provides factory-accurate procedures, diagrams, and specifications essential for proper maintenance and repair, saving on dealership costs and ensuring longevity.
Covered Years:
1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002
Market Focus:
Global (specific regional variations may exist but core service procedures are universal)
Estimated Pages:
1500-2000+ (typical for a comprehensive factory service manual of this era)
Type:
Factory Service Workshop Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, often distributed as a collection of scanned pages or a searchable digital document)
Powertrain:
Engine (gasoline and diesel), fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, transmission (manual and automatic), drivetrain (transfer case, drive shafts, differentials)
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (front discs, rear drums/discs depending on variant)
Electrical:
12V electrical system, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), lighting system, ignition system, instrument cluster, power accessories (windows, locks), wiring diagrams
Body:
Body panels, doors, interior trim, seats, glass, bumpers, frame (for chassis cab variants)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, lubrication points
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common problems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) if applicable to the era, system checks
Repair:
Component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation procedures for all major systems
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearance measurements, resistance values, diagnostic parameters
Depth:
Comprehensive: covers routine maintenance to major component overhauls and troubleshooting, including detailed exploded views and wiring diagrams. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Options:
Commonly 2.0L and 2.4L gasoline (e.g., 4G63, 4G64), and 2.5L diesel (e.g., 4D56). Specific engine codes and variants may differ by market.
Engine Type Gasoline:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC/DOHC
Engine Type Diesel:
Inline 4-cylinder, OHV/OHC, naturally aspirated or turbocharged (depending on variant)
Gasoline Horsepower Range:
~100-125 hp (depending on exact displacement and tuning)
Diesel Horsepower Range:
~80-115 hp (naturally aspirated vs. turbo)
Gasoline Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Diesel Fuel Delivery:
Indirect Injection (IDI) or Direct Injection (DI) via rotary or inline injection pumps (depending on engine variant)
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (EI) with distributor or distributorless ignition system (DIS)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH/SJ or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 (refer to specific engine for precise viscosity and API rating)
Engine Oil Capacity:
~4.0 - 5.0 liters (depending on engine variant, with filter change)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed manual transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed automatic transmission
Drivetrain Options:
2WD (RWD) and 4WD (with manual or electronic transfer case) available
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil (check specific manual for exact specification)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mitsubishi Genuine ATF SP-II or SP-III equivalent
Wheelbase Range:
~2970 mm to 3000 mm (standard cab vs. crew cab)
Overall Length Range:
~4650 mm to 5000 mm (depending on cab and bed configuration)
Ground Clearance Range:
~200-220 mm (typical for 4WD variants)
Curb Weight Range:
~1600 - 1900 kg (depending on configuration)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
~2500 - 2800 kg (approximate, check specific model)
Crash Test Availability:
Limited official crash test data available from independent bodies for this specific era and model in all markets. Generally built to meet regional safety standards of the time.
Braking System:
Front ventilated disc brakes, Rear drum brakes (common); some higher trims may have rear discs.
ABS Availability:
Optional on some models, not standard across all trims/years.
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard on many models; passenger airbag optional or unavailable on base trims.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts for front occupants, two-point or three-point for rear depending on cab configuration.
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configuration typically 2 or 4.
Climate Control:
Manual heating and ventilation, optional air conditioning system.
Cruise Control:
Optional on higher trim levels.
Connectivity Features:
Limited to basic audio inputs (cassette/CD). No advanced Bluetooth or USB connectivity in factory configuration.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (depending on operating conditions and oil type).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on driving environment.
Fuel Filter Replacement Diesel:
Every 30,000-40,000 miles (48,000-64,000 km) for diesel variants.
Timing Belt Replacement:
If equipped with a timing belt (some gasoline engines), typically 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-144,000 km) or 5-7 years. Diesel variants often use timing chains.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check specific manual for compatibility)
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron II/III compatible ATF or specific power steering fluid (refer to manual)
Common Wear Items:
Suspension bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, clutch wear (manual transmissions), glow plugs (diesel), exhaust system rust, radiator leaks.
Electrical Gremlins:
Corrosion on electrical connectors, especially in humid climates; intermittent issues with window regulators or central locking.
Mitsubishi Truck Legacy:
Mitsubishi has a long history of producing robust and durable pickup trucks, dating back to models like the Colt T120 and subsequent generations of the L-series trucks.
L200 Third Generation:
The 1997-2002 L200 represents the third generation of Mitsubishi's global pickup truck (code K60/K70), evolving from the previous L200/Mighty Max. It introduced a more modern, rounded styling compared to its predecessors.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily produced in Japan (Okazaki Plant), and also assembled in various international locations through CKD (Completely Knocked Down) kits for local markets.
