Positioning:
The Mitsubishi FTO was a front-engine, front-wheel-drive sports coupe positioned as a more affordable alternative to premium Japanese sports cars of the era.
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking a stylish and engaging coupe with capable performance, often favored for its distinctive styling and V6 engine.
Competitors:
Toyota Celica, Honda Prelude, Nissan Silvia (S14), Mazda MX-6.
Styling:
Sharp, aerodynamic lines, frameless doors, and a distinctive 'cat's eye' headlight design.
Engine Technology:
Availability of MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) on DOHC models, enhancing power and efficiency.
Transmission Technology:
Introduction of the INVECS-II 'Smart Shift' automatic transmission, which learned driver habits for optimized gear selection.
Handling:
Tuned suspension and chassis for spirited driving dynamics.
Engine:
6A12 (V6 SOHC & DOHC MIVEC), including tuning, diagnostics, and overhaul.
Transmission:
5-speed Manual (W5MG1), 4-speed INVECS-II Automatic (F4A51), including operation, diagnostics, and repair.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) with viscous coupling Limited Slip Differential (LSD) for specific models (e.g., GPvR-X).
Suspension:
Front: MacPherson strut, Rear: Multi-link, including geometry, adjustment, and component replacement.
Brakes:
Front: Ventilated Discs, Rear: Discs (ABS optional), including hydraulic system, caliper overhaul, and bleeding.
Steering:
Power assisted rack and pinion, including pump and linkage.
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, thermostat, coolant flow, and pressure testing.
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), fuel pump, injectors, and pressure regulator.
Electrical:
12V system, battery, alternator, starter, ignition system, lighting, dashboard instruments, ECU diagnostics.
Climate Control:
HVAC system, A/C components, heater core, and airflow controls.
Bodywork:
Exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, locks, bumpers, and chassis structure.
Safety Systems:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), SRS (Supplemental Restraint System - Airbags).
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, belt tensioning.
Engine Repair:
Head gasket replacement, piston ring inspection, valve adjustments, timing belt/chain service.
Transmission Overhaul:
Clutch replacement (manual), torque converter service (automatic), gear set inspection.
Brake Service:
Pad and rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, brake line replacement, ABS bleeding.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, ECU fault code retrieval, sensor testing, component troubleshooting.
Suspension Alignment:
Adjustment procedures for camber, caster, and toe.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Step-by-step diagnostics for common drivability issues, starting problems, and electrical faults.
Body Panel Replacement:
Instructions for replacing fenders, doors, hoods, and trunk lids.
Airbag System Handling:
Safety precautions and procedures for SRS system servicing.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Detail Level:
Includes torque specifications, special tool requirements, clearances, and diagnostic values.
Engine Family:
Mitsubishi 6A1 Series V6
Engine Variants:
6A12 (2.0L V6 SOHC and DOHC MIVEC)
Sohc Power:
150 PS (148 hp; 110 kW) at 6000 rpm (approx.)
Sohc Torque:
180 Nm (133 lb-ft) at 4000 rpm (approx.)
DOHc Mivec Power:
190 PS (187 hp; 140 kW) at 7000 rpm (approx.)
DOHc Mivec Torque:
201 Nm (148 lb-ft) at 6000 rpm (approx.)
Gpvr-X Power:
200 PS (197 hp; 147 kW) at 7500 rpm (approx.)
Induction:
Naturally Aspirated, Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Block Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Valvetrain:
SOHC 24-valve or DOHC 24-valve MIVEC
Oil Type:
API SG/SH or ACEA A2/A3 (e.g., 10W-30 or 10W-40 depending on climate)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 Liters (4.2 US Quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol-based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Crash Test Ratings:
JNCAP ratings for the period are available but may vary. Specific ratings for this generation are not as widely documented as modern vehicles.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (Optional on some models, standard on higher trims like GPX).
Traction Control:
TCL (Traction Control) available on some higher-spec models, particularly those with INVECS-II transmissions.
Airbags:
Driver's airbag standard; passenger airbag optional or standard depending on market and trim.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners on front seats.
Chassis Design:
Reinforced safety cell and crumple zones.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 15,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Platinum tipped plugs: 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km). Standard: 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Timing Belt Replacement:
75,000 - 105,000 miles (120,000 - 168,000 km) or 7 years (CRITICAL: Non-interference engine design, though replacement is still highly recommended for reliability).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km). Automatic: Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as per manual recommendation.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check reservoir cap)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Dexron II/III ATF or equivalent
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 6.0 Liters (6.3 US Quarts)
Engine Misfires:
Can be caused by worn ignition coils, spark plugs, or fuel injectors, particularly on higher mileage DOHC MIVEC engines.
Transmission Grinding:
Manual transmissions can develop synchro wear; automatic transmissions can suffer from torque converter issues or solenoid faults.
Rust Corrosion:
Common in areas with salt exposure, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and underbody components.
Suspension Wear:
Bushings and ball joints can wear over time, leading to knocking noises and compromised handling.
Electrical Gremlins:
Aging wiring harnesses, corroded grounds, and failing sensors can lead to intermittent electrical issues.
Mivec Solenoid Failure:
On DOHC MIVEC engines, the MIVEC oil control solenoid can become clogged or fail, affecting performance.
Manufacturer:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC), Japan.
Introduction:
The FTO (Future) was launched in 1994, marking Mitsubishi's entry into the affordable front-wheel-drive sports coupe segment.
Facelift:
A significant facelift occurred in 1997, introducing revised bumpers, headlights, taillights, wheels, and interior enhancements, which this manual covers.
Production Period:
1994-2000
Manufacturing Location:
Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan.
Sales Focus:
Primarily JDM, with limited export to other markets (e.g., UK, Australia).