Positioning:
Iconic rally homologation special, highly sought-after performance car
Key Rivals:
Subaru WRX STI, Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart (lesser performance)
Performance Attributes:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) with ACD/AYC, powerful turbocharged engine, performance-tuned chassis
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential for owners and independent specialists for accurate maintenance and repair
Engine Mechanical:
Full overhaul, components, timing, lubrication, cooling
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, ECU diagnostics
Transmission Manual:
Removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, assembly, torque specs
Transmission Automati:
Removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, assembly, torque specs
Drivetrain:
ACD (Active Center Differential), AYC (Active Yaw Control), driveshafts, hubs, differentials
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, alignment, shock absorbers, springs, bushings
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear, column, alignment
Brakes:
ABS, EBD, hydraulic system, calipers, rotors, pads, parking brake
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, power distribution, battery, alternator, starter
Body Interior:
Panels, seats, trim, HVAC, safety restraint system (SRS)
Body Exterior:
Bumpers, fenders, doors, hood, trunk, glass, seals
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, climate control
Safety Restraint System:
Airbag system, seatbelt pre-tensioners, SRS diagnostics
Maintenance Tasks:
Fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, belts, hoses
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting charts, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, component testing
Repair Procedures:
Component removal, installation, adjustments, calibration
Overhaul Procedures:
Engine rebuild, transmission rebuild, differential rebuild
Wheel Alignment:
Specifications and procedures
Body Repair:
Panel replacement, dent repair, corrosion protection
Depth:
Full factory diagnostic, repair, and overhaul procedures
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on using MUT-III (Mitsubishi's diagnostic tool)
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
5-Star (for 2008-2010 models)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for many years, including 2010)
Active Safety Systems:
ABS, EBD, Traction Control (TCL), Active Stability Control (ASC), Active Center Differential (ACD), Active Yaw Control (AYC)
Airbags:
Driver, Passenger, Side-Curtain, Knee Airbags
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe service) / 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal service) - consult manual for specifics
Spark Plug Replacement:
~60,000 miles (check manual for specific plug type and interval)
Engine Oil:
5W-30 Synthetic (API SN or ACEA C3 compliant) - consult manual for exact specs and capacity
Coolant:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent blue ethylene glycol based)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
DiaQueen GL-4 (75W-85) or equivalent
Transmission Fluid Sst:
DiaQueen SSTF-J1 (or specific SST fluid spec)
Differential Fluid:
DiaQueen LSD GL-5 (75W-90) for rear differential
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Engine Wear Points:
Potential for piston ring land failure under extreme heat/abuse (requires careful monitoring and quality maintenance)
Sst Transmission Considerations:
Requires regular fluid changes; some earlier units had clutch pack issues, though 2010 models are generally more robust. Manual covers SST specific maintenance.
Acd Service:
Requires specific ACD fluid; failure to maintain can lead to AWD system issues.
