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Introduction
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Market Position
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Segment:
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Affordable compact sports coupe segment.
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Target Audience:
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Enthusiasts, budget-conscious performance buyers, individuals seeking a stylish and sporty coupe.
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Competitive Analysis
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Key Competitors:
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Nissan 350Z, Honda Civic Si Coupe, Acura RSX, Ford Mustang (base models), Hyundai Tiburon.
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Key Features
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Manual Value Proposition:
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Provides factory-level accuracy and depth for DIY repairs, saving significant costs compared to dealership service. Enables owners to maintain and repair their vehicles with confidence.
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Vehicle Selling Points:
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Sporty styling, accessible performance, available all-wheel drive (on certain trims in previous generations, but primarily FWD for 2006-2008), good value for the price.
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Manual Coverage
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Systems Covered
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Powertrain:
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Engine mechanical, engine lubrication, engine cooling, engine control systems (ECU/ECM diagnostics), fuel system, exhaust system, manual transmission, automatic transmission.
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Chassis:
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Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system (power steering), brake system (hydraulic, ABS, EBD), wheel alignment, tires, wheels.
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Body & Electrical:
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Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, locks, power accessories, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior lights), wiper system, horn, security system, airbags, supplemental restraint system (SRS), comfort systems (HVAC, air conditioning).
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Electrical Systems:
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Starting system, charging system, battery, fuses, relays, wiring harnesses, diagnostic connectors (OBD-II), body control module (BCM), audio system, instrument cluster.
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Procedures Included
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Maintenance:
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Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
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Diagnosis:
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Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, symptom-based diagnostics, electrical circuit testing, component testing.
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Repair:
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Engine component removal and installation (e.g., cylinder head, pistons), transmission overhaul, brake component replacement (pads, rotors, calipers), suspension component replacement (struts, ball joints), steering rack repair, exhaust system repair.
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Technical Specifications:
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Torque specifications, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, diagnostic procedures, component identification.
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Technical Depth
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Depth:
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Factory-level, comprehensive. Covers from basic maintenance tasks to advanced engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed wiring diagrams and diagnostic flowcharts. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers.
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Engine Specifications
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Primary Engine
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Engine Code Base:
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4G69 (2.4L SOHC MIVEC)
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Displacement Base:
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2.4 Liters (2378 cc)
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Horsepower Base:
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162 hp @ 5750 rpm (approx.)
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Torque Base:
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162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
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Performance
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Engine Code Performance:
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4G63T (2.0L DOHC Turbocharged MIVEC - GTS Trim)
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Displacement Performance:
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2.0 Liters (1997 cc)
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Horsepower Performance:
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263 hp @ 6500 rpm (approx. for GTS)
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Torque Performance:
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255 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (approx. for GTS)
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Fuel System
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Injection Type:
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Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
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Fuel Requirement:
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Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended for turbo, 87 octane acceptable for naturally aspirated)
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Engine Mechanical
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Block Material:
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Aluminum Alloy
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Head Material:
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Aluminum Alloy
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Valvetrain:
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DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 16 valves (2.0L Turbo), SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 16 valves (2.4L)
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Safety Features
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Ratings
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NHTSA Front Impact:
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Not explicitly rated or information not readily available for this specific model year's detailed breakdown.
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IIHS Front Impact:
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Good (for models tested), depending on specific year and testing protocol.
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Active Features
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ABS:
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Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
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Ebd:
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Standard (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
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Traction Control:
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Available (TCS) on some models, especially GTS.
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Passive Features
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Airbags:
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Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, available side curtain airbags (check specific trim).
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Seatbelts:
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3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
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Rollover Protection:
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Reinforced chassis and A-pillars.
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Maintenance
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Service Intervals
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Oil Change Interval:
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Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended).
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Engine Coolant Flush:
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Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
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Spark Plug Replacement Base:
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Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) using iridium-tipped spark plugs (4G69).
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Spark Plug Replacement Gts:
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Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for the turbocharged engine (4G63T).
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Fluid Specifications
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Engine Oil Type Base:
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SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SN or later)
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Engine Oil Capacity Base:
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4.5 US quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter (4G69)
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Engine Oil Type Gts:
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SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SN or later) - High-performance oil recommended for turbo
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Engine Oil Capacity Gts:
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4.8 US quarts (4.6 Liters) with filter (4G63T)
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Coolant Type:
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Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (Green or Pink Type, check vehicle placard) or equivalent HOAT coolant.
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Transmission Fluid Manual:
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API GL-3 or GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil
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Transmission Fluid Automatic:
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Mitsubishi DiaQueen ATF-J2 or equivalent DEXRON III/VI compatible fluid
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Power Steering Fluid:
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Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) - DiaQueen ATF-J2 or equivalent
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Brake Fluid:
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DOT 3 or DOT 4 High-Temperature Brake Fluid
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Known Issues
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Engine Performance Issues:
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Potential for oil consumption in higher mileage naturally aspirated engines. Turbocharger issues on GTS models can occur if not maintained properly (oil starvation, intercooler leaks).
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Transmission Issues:
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Manual transmissions can experience clutch wear. Automatic transmissions can develop shifting problems or wear if fluid is not changed regularly.
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Suspension And Brakes:
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Worn suspension components (bushings, ball joints, struts) are common with age. Brake wear is typical, but rotor warping or caliper issues can arise.
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Electrical Issues:
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Window regulator failures, power lock actuator issues, and some sensor failures are reported.
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Body And Interior:
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Interior plastic trim can be prone to scratching. Some reports of rust on the undercarriage or wheel wells in humid climates.
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