Years Covered:
1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002
Chassis Codes:
CJ_series (e.g., CJ2A, CJ4A, CJ5A)
Segment:
Subcompact car, positioned as an affordable and economical option in its class.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Chevrolet Cavalier, Hyundai Accent.
Vehicle Attributes:
Known for its fuel efficiency, nimble handling, and practical design, offering various body styles including sedan and hatchback.
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners and independent repair shops with factory-level diagnostic and repair information, enabling accurate and cost-effective maintenance and repairs.
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Starting System, Charging System.
Drivetrain:
Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Clutch System, Drive Axles, Transfer Case (if applicable).
Chassis:
Suspension System (Front and Rear), Steering System, Brake System (including ABS), Wheels and Tires.
Electrical:
Body Electrical Systems, Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio Systems, Power Accessories, Engine Control Module (ECM) and related sensors, Anti-theft systems.
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Glass, Upholstery, Restraint Systems (Airbags, Seatbelts), HVAC System.
Maintenance:
Routine service checks, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, component testing procedures.
Repair And Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems, including engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension arm replacement, etc.
Special Tools And Equipment:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair or diagnostic procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including advanced electrical diagnostics and bodywork.
Engine Options:
Primarily 1.5L (4G15) and 1.8L (4G93) SOHC/DOHC inline-4 gasoline engines. Performance variants like the GT may feature the 1.8L DOHC MIVEC.
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 92 hp (1.5L) to 118 hp (1.8L SOHC) and 135 hp (1.8L DOHC/MIVEC).
Torque Range:
Approximately 89 lb-ft (1.5L) to 117 lb-ft (1.8L SOHC) and 122 lb-ft (1.8L DOHC/MIVEC).
Induction:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI).
ECU:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) with diagnostic capabilities.
Emission Systems:
Catalytic Converter, Oxygen Sensors, Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system (depending on market).
Transmission Types:
5-speed manual transmission (KM132 or similar).
Automatic Transmission:
4-speed automatic transmission (F4A2x or similar).
Transmission Fluid Type:
Refer to manual for specific fluid type (e.g., Diaqueen ATF SP-III for automatic, Gear Oil for manual).
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated dry single-plate clutch for manual transmission.
Wheelbase:
Approximately 97.0 inches (2465 mm).
Length:
Approximately 163.2 inches (4145 mm) for sedan, 157.3 inches (4000 mm) for hatchback.
Width:
Approximately 65.8 inches (1670 mm).
Height:
Approximately 53.7 inches (1365 mm) for sedan, 54.5 inches (1385 mm) for hatchback.
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 2200 - 2500 lbs (1000 - 1135 kg) depending on engine and trim.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to vehicle's compliance plate for specific GVWR.
Standard Tire Size:
Typically 175/70R14, 185/65R14, or 195/55R15 for performance models.
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
4x100mm
Wheel Offset:
Typically ET +35 to +40
NHTSA Crash Test Results:
Refer to NHTSA database for specific year and model ratings. Early models may not have comprehensive testing.
Braking System:
Front ventilated disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some trims.
Steering System:
Power assisted rack and pinion steering.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard on most models within this range.
Seat Belts:
Front and rear seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters for front occupants.
Child Seat Anchors:
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system may be present on later models.
Audio System:
Factory-installed AM/FM/Cassette or CD player, with aftermarket head unit upgrades common.
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels.
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, and power mirrors available on certain trims.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or 3 to 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specific recommendations).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial interval, often around 60,000 to 90,000 miles. Failure can cause severe engine damage (interference engine).
Coolant Flush:
Recommended every 30,000 to 60,000 miles or 2-4 years.
Engine Oil:
API Service SG, SH, or SJ certified. Viscosity grade typically 5W-30 or 10W-30, consult manual for exact grade and capacity.
Coolant:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent green ethylene glycol based antifreeze) with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Refer to manual; typically ATF Dexron II/III or a specific power steering fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Suspension components (bushings, ball joints), exhaust system (rust), clutch wear (manual transmission), O2 sensors, and potential for oil leaks from valve cover or oil pan gaskets.
Engine Performance Issues:
Rough idling due to dirty throttle body or vacuum leaks, misfires from worn spark plugs or ignition coils.
Transmission Problems:
Occasional issues with automatic transmission shifting or manual clutch engagement.
Mitsubishi Motors:
Mitsubishi Motors, a Japanese automaker with a long history of producing reliable and innovative vehicles across various segments.
Mirage Lineage:
The Mirage has been a core model for Mitsubishi, evolving through several generations, with this specific generation representing a significant redesign from its predecessors.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan and potentially other global facilities depending on market distribution.
Generation Timeline:
This specific generation (often referred to as the 'CJ' platform) ran from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s, with facelifts and updates occurring within this period.
