Market Segment:
Compact Sports Coupe / Convertible
Key Competitors:
Dodge Neon, Honda Prelude, Toyota Celica, Mazda MX-6, Ford Probe, Nissan 200SX/240SX.
Design Philosophy:
Sporty styling, performance-oriented variants (GT, GTS, Spyder GS-T/GSX), available all-wheel drive, choice of naturally aspirated or turbocharged engines.
Target Audience:
Enthusiast drivers seeking performance and sporty aesthetics, individuals looking for a reliable yet engaging daily driver.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine control systems (ECU), fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, emissions control.
Transmission:
Manual transmission (G4M41, KM220) and automatic transmission (F4A23, F4A22, W4A5A) repair, overhaul, diagnosis, and maintenance.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and All-wheel drive (AWD) systems, including CV joints, driveshafts, differentials, and transfer cases (for AWD models).
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, springs, control arms, sway bars), power steering system, steering column, wheel alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), disc and drum brake components, parking brake, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures.
Electrical Electronics:
12-volt electrical system, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams for all circuits, instrument cluster, body electricals, power accessories.
Body Chassis:
Body structure, exterior panels, doors, windows, convertible top mechanism (Spyder), interior trim, chassis components, corrosion protection.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis, repair, refrigerant handling, and component replacement.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks), tune-up procedures, inspection schedules.
Repair Overhaul:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation for all major systems.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Systematic troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation (OBD-I/OBD-II), diagnostic connector locations.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for bolts and nuts, engine clearances, fluid capacities, electrical component resistance values, alignment settings.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and bodywork repairs).
Engine Code Base:
4G63 (2.0L DOHC Turbocharged I4)
Engine Displacement Turbo:
1997 cc (2.0 Liters)
Engine Configuration Turbo:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, turbocharged and intercooled.
Horsepower Turbo:
210-215 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque Turbo:
205-214 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (approx.)
Engine Code Naturally Aspirated:
6G72 (3.0L SOHC V6)
Engine Displacement V6:
2972 cc (3.0 Liters)
Engine Configuration V6:
V-Type 6-cylinder, SOHC, 12-valve.
Horsepower V6:
155-163 hp @ 5500-5750 rpm (approx.)
Torque V6:
180-185 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded (91 octane or higher for turbocharged models), Regular Unleaded (87 octane) for naturally aspirated models.
Standard Transmission Coupe:
5-speed manual (G4M41 for turbo, KM220 for N/A)
Optional Transmission Coupe:
4-speed automatic (F4A23 for turbo, F4A22/W4A5A for N/A)
AWD Availability:
Available on turbocharged models (GS-T coupe, GSX coupe, Spyder GS-T/GSX) with a viscous coupling all-wheel-drive system.
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
Dexron III (or equivalent) for F4A22/F4A23, DiaQueen SP-III for W4A5A (refer to manual for exact spec per transmission).
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or SAE 75W-85 (refer to manual for exact spec per transmission).
Wheelbase:
Approx. 103.3 inches (2624 mm)
Length:
Approx. 178.0 inches (4521 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.2 inches (1783 mm)
Height:
Approx. 51.6 inches (1311 mm) Coupe / 52.6 inches (1336 mm) Spyder
Curb Weight Base:
Approx. 2900 lbs (1315 kg) (V6 FWD)
Curb Weight Turbo AWD:
Approx. 3250 lbs (1474 kg) (4G63 Turbo AWD)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)
Wheel Size Standard:
16 x 6.0 inches
Wheel Size Optional Sport:
17 x 7.0 inches
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings:
Frontal: 4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for models equipped with airbags). Side impact ratings varied by year and equipment, typically 4-star.
ABS:
Available (standard on higher trims and AWD models).
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard on most models by 1997 onwards.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, front seatbelt pretensioners.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to specific engine type).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for platinum-tipped plugs, or 30,000 miles for standard plugs (check manual for specifics).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for 4G63 engine (interference engine) - recommended every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years. Automatic transmission fluid change interval: 30,000-60,000 miles.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic blend or full synthetic, API SJ or higher (for 4G63 Turbo) / SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 API SG or higher (for 6G72 V6). Always consult the manual for exact viscosity based on climate.
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Mopar/Chrysler HOAT coolant or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Engine 4G63:
Turbocharger failure (oil starvation/contamination), oil leaks, piston ring wear leading to excessive oil consumption, cracked exhaust manifolds, coolant leaks, timing belt failure (catastrophic engine damage).
Engine 6G72:
Oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket), exhaust manifold gaskets, sometimes lifter tick.
Suspension Steering:
Worn control arm bushings, tie rod ends, strut mounts, power steering pump leaks/noise.
Body Chassis Spyder:
Convertible top hydraulic leaks/malfunctions, window regulator issues, rust in common areas (wheel wells, rocker panels).
Electrical:
Faulty O2 sensors, ABS sensor failures, intermittent power window/lock issues, SRS system warning lights.
Manufacturer:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (Japan).
Platform Sharing:
Shared platform and many components with the Dodge Avenger and Plymouth Eclipse (Chrysler partnership).
Second Gen Launch:
Introduced for the 1995 model year, featuring a complete redesign over the first generation.
Manufacturing Location:
Normal, Illinois, USA (Diamond-Star Motors plant).
Production Years Covered:
1995-1999 (This manual covers the entire second generation lifespan).
