Segment:
Mid-size sedan, positioned as a more upscale and sporty offering than many contemporaries.
Target Audience:
Families seeking a comfortable, stylish, and reliable sedan with available performance options.
Key Competitors:
Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Lumina.
Distinguishing Factors:
Often offered more distinctive styling, a well-appointed interior, and sporty handling, especially in higher trims like the GTZ with its V6 engine.
Design:
Sleek, aerodynamic styling with a distinctive body-colored grille and aerodynamic lines. Available as a sedan.
Powertrain Options:
Offered with both efficient 4-cylinder and more powerful V6 engines, paired with either manual or automatic transmissions.
Interior:
Comfortable and well-equipped interior with a focus on driver ergonomics. Higher trims featured premium materials and amenities.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine disassembly, assembly, inspection, timing belt, seals, gaskets, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, cylinder heads, valves, camshafts, lubrication system, cooling system.
Engine Management:
Fuel injection systems (MPI), ignition system, ECU diagnostics, sensors (MAP, TPS, O2, CKP, CMP), emission controls, catalytic converter, evaporative emission control (EVAP).
Transmission Manual:
Clutch system, manual transmission (gearbox) disassembly, assembly, inspection, gears, bearings, shift mechanisms, lubrication.
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission (AT) operation, valve body, torque converter, planetary gear sets, hydraulic controls, transmission control module (TCM), fluid types, diagnostics.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) axle shafts, CV joints, differential (integrated with transmission), rear suspension components (if applicable for AWD variants, though 1997 NA typically FWD).
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, rotors, brake pads, rear drum brakes (if applicable), anti-lock braking system (ABS) components and diagnostics.
Suspension:
Front McPherson strut suspension, rear multi-link suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, wheel alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack and pinion, power steering pump, fluid type and capacity, steering column.
Electrical System:
12V battery system, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.
Body And Trim:
Exterior body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, seats, dashboard, headliner, glass, seals.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant, AC compressor, controls, cabin air filter (if applicable).
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS) diagnostics and components, seat belt mechanisms.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid change, tire rotation, air filter replacement, fuel filter replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common drivability issues, electrical faults, starting problems, cooling system issues, brake system issues.
Component Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for removing, inspecting, repairing, and reinstalling major and minor components across all systems.
Engine Rebuild:
Complete engine overhaul procedures, including torque specifications for all fasteners, machining limits, and assembly sequences.
Diagnostics:
OBD-I/OBD-II (depending on specific market and ECU) diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor data interpretation, troubleshooting electrical circuits.
Bodywork:
Panel replacement, door adjustment, glass installation, seal replacement, basic dent repair procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics. Includes detailed schematics, specifications, and diagnostic procedures.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 - 5,000 miles (6,000 - 8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (check owner's manual for specific recommendation).
Engine Oil Type:
10W-30 or 5W-30 (API SG or higher) - *verify with manual*
Oil Filter Part Number:
Commonly MD069782, MO-301, or equivalent. *Verify with manual/parts catalog.*
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 90,000 miles (96,000 - 145,000 km) or 5-7 years. Crucial for 4G63 engines to prevent catastrophic failure.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km) depending on plug type (e.g., Platinum or Iridium). Standard plugs may have shorter intervals.
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (check manual for specific DOT requirement).
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) or specific power steering fluid (check manual).
Common Issues Engine:
Timing belt failure if not replaced on schedule (4G63), oil leaks from valve cover gasket and front/rear main seals, potential for head gasket issues under high mileage or overheating.
Common Issues Transmission:
Automatic transmission clutch pack wear and solenoid issues leading to harsh shifting or failure to engage gears. Manual transmission clutch wear.
Common Issues Suspension:
Worn ball joints and control arm bushings, worn sway bar links, leading to clunking noises and poor handling. CV joint boot wear.
Common Issues Electrical:
Faulty alternator, power window regulators, HVAC blower motor resistor, and fuel pump relays can be common failure points. Corroded grounds can cause intermittent electrical issues.
Common Issues Body:
Rust issues, particularly around wheel wells, rocker panels, and rear quarter panels in areas with road salt. Condensation in headlight assemblies.