🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

FTO

Year:

1998

Chassis Code:

DE3A

Engine Code:

6A12 (MIVEC variations)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Sport Coupe

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, owners seeking DIY maintenance and repair, and independent mechanics.

Key Competitors Era:

Toyota Celica, Honda Prelude, Nissan Silvia (S14/S15), Mazda RX-7 (FC/FD), Subaru SVX.

Design Philosophy:

Aerodynamic, sporty coupe with a focus on driver engagement and advanced technology for its time, including MIVEC and INVECS-II transmissions.

Manual Selling Point:

Comprehensive coverage described as 'ALL YOU EVER NEEDED TO KNOW' and 'THE BIGGEST AND BEST MANUAL HERE', indicating a high level of detail and completeness.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (likely PDF)

Estimated Page Count:

Likely extensive, covering 2 sections as described. Official Mitsubishi manuals of this era often exceeded 500 pages.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete engine overhaul, disassembly, assembly, tuning, and component identification for 6A12 engine variants.

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, fuel injection system (ECI-Multi), starting system, charging system, engine control unit (ECU) diagnosis and wiring.

Transmission Manual:

Service and repair procedures for manual transmissions, including clutch, gearbox internals, and linkages.

Transmission Automatic:

Service and repair procedures for INVECS-II Sport Mode automatic transmission, including torque converter, valve body, and electronic control.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) system, including differential, driveshafts, and CV joints.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems (independent), including shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, and alignment procedures.

Steering:

Power steering system, including pump, rack and pinion, fluid, and troubleshooting.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), including hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components, caliper, rotor, and pad service.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, and fuel pressure regulation.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, and pipe replacement.

Cooling System:

Radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and coolant specifications.

HVAC System:

Air conditioning, heating, and ventilation system service and troubleshooting.

Body Exterior:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, and trim replacement and repair.

Body Interior:

Seats, dashboard, trim panels, carpets, and interior component removal and installation.

Electrical System Chassis:

Lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior lights), wipers, horn, power windows, central locking, and related wiring harnesses.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS) service and precautions, seatbelt mechanisms.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, and belt inspections/replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation (if applicable), and step-by-step diagnostic trees.

Component Removal Installation:

Detailed instructions for removing and installing virtually all mechanical and electrical components.

Engine Rebuild:

Comprehensive guides for complete engine disassembly, inspection, measurement, and reassembly with torque specifications.

Transmission Overhaul:

Detailed procedures for automatic and manual transmission internal repairs and adjustments.

Brake System Service:

Brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor resurfacing/replacement, brake bleeding, and ABS component servicing.

Suspension Alignment:

Wheel alignment specifications and procedures.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring diagrams, circuit testing, and troubleshooting of electrical faults.

Body Repair:

Procedures for body panel alignment, dent repair, and accessory installation.

Depth Of Information:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced diagnostics. Likely includes factory-level procedures and specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format) is the most common for such manuals, offering searchability and compatibility.

Digital Quality:

Assumed to be of good quality, enabling clear reading of text and diagrams. High-resolution scans or original digital files are typical.

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital format)

Digital Paper:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V6 SOHC/DOHC MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system)

Displacement:

2.0 Liters (1998 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

81.0 mm x 64.0 mm (approximate, for 6A12)

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1 (typical for naturally aspirated)

Horsepower Naturally Aspirated:

168 hp (125 kW) @ 6500 rpm (for 16-valve SOHC, non-MIVEC variations) to 197 hp (145 kW) @ 7000 rpm (for 24-valve DOHC MIVEC)

Torque Naturally Aspirated:

135 lb-ft (183 Nm) @ 5000 rpm (for 16-valve SOHC) to 145 lb-ft (197 Nm) @ 6000 rpm (for 24-valve DOHC MIVEC)

Engine Code Variants:

6A12 (DE3A chassis primarily uses this V6 engine). Specific variants like 6A12 MIVEC existed for higher trims.

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (ECI-Multi), Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (RON 91/95 recommended)

Engine Oil Type:

API SG/SH/SJ or ILSAC GF-2, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended. Check manual for specific MIVEC recommendations.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.0 - 4.5 Liters (4.2 - 4.8 US Quarts) with filter change. Exact capacity specified in manual.

Coolant Type:

Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (MS-91052) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with long-life additives.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed Manual Transmission (and 4-speed INVECS-II Sport Mode Automatic Transmission available on many models).

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed INVECS-II Sport Mode Automatic Transmission with fuzzy logic control and manual shifting modes.

Automatic Transmission Features:

INVECS-II (Intelligent & Innovative Vehicle Electronic Control system) with Sport Mode, allowing for driver-selectable gear changes.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil recommended. Consult manual for specific Mitsubushi specification.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

DIA QUEEN ATF SP-III (or equivalent JASO 1-A specification ATF). Capacity approx. 7-8 Liters for full drain and fill. Consult manual.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4310 mm (169.7 inches)

Width:

Approx. 1755 mm (69.1 inches)

Height:

Approx. 1300 mm (51.2 inches)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2500 mm (98.4 inches)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

4x114.3 mm (4-stud)

Tire Sizes:

Common sizes include 205/55R15, 215/50R16, or 215/45R17 on higher trims.

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1300-1400 kg (2866-3086 lbs) depending on specification and transmission.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

N/A (No widespread official crash test ratings from major bodies like NHTSA or Euro NCAP for this specific model year, common for JDM vehicles of this era.

ABS:

Available on most models, Anti-lock Braking System.

Traction Control:

TCL (Traction Control) available on some higher-spec models.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags (SRS - Supplemental Restraint System) were standard or optional depending on trim.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted AM/FM stereo with cassette player and CD player (on some models). Speaker configuration typical for its era.

Cruise Control:

Available on many models as an option or standard on higher trims.

Gps Navigation:

Very limited or non-existent on most 1998 models. Early forms of navigation were rare and rudimentary.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Every 7,500 to 10,000 miles (12,000 to 16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Check manual for specific MIVEC recommendations.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (24,000 to 48,000 km) or 24 months. Inspect regularly.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Iridium/Platinum plugs: 60,000 to 100,000 miles (96,000 to 160,000 km). Standard plugs: 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Critical: Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years for the 6A12 engine. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Transmission Fluid Change Auto:

Every 30,000 to 50,000 miles (48,000 to 80,000 km) or 48 months. Filter replacement recommended during major service.

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Every 50,000 to 60,000 miles (80,000 to 96,000 km) or 48 months.

Engine Mivec Issues:

Potential issues with MIVEC solenoid and oil control valve due to age and carbon buildup. Timing belt failure is critical.

Automatic Transmission Issues:

INVECS-II can sometimes exhibit harsh shifting or fail to shift correctly if not maintained. Valve body issues can occur.

Electrical Gremlins:

Age-related electrical issues such as sensor failures, wiring harness degradation, or minor electrical component malfunctions are possible.

Suspension Wear:

Bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends can wear over time, leading to looseness or knocking sounds.

📚 Vehicle History

Mitsubishi Motors:

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, a major Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer with a history of innovation in engines, drivetrains, and performance vehicles.

Futo Development:

The FTO (Future-Total-Objective) was conceived as a front-wheel-drive sports coupe, a unique offering in Mitsubishi's lineup during the 1990s. It was designed to be a halo car, showcasing advanced technologies. It was initially intended for export markets but became popular in Japan and later gained a cult following globally.

First Generation Years:

1994–2000

Production Period:

1994 to 2000

Manufacturing Location:

Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Jdm Car Of The Year:

The Mitsubishi FTO was awarded the 'Car of the Year Japan' award for 1994-1995, highlighting its innovative design and technology at the time of its release.