Engine Mechanical:
Complete disassembly, inspection, and reassembly procedures for both engine variants, including cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing systems, lubrication, and cooling.
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emission controls, exhaust systems, engine diagnostics and troubleshooting.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox, shift mechanisms, fluid specifications, and repair procedures for the 5-speed manual transmission.
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission operation, hydraulic control, valve body, torque converter, fluid service, and diagnostic procedures for the 4-speed automatic.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive axle shafts, differentials, CV joints, and related components.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, springs, control arms, ball joints, bushings, and alignment procedures.
Steering:
Power steering system, pump, rack and pinion, steering column, and troubleshooting.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components and diagnostics, brake fluid specifications, and servicing.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), ignition system, lighting systems, power distribution, and fuses.
Electronics Control:
ECU (Engine Control Unit), TCM (Transmission Control Module), ABS controller, immobilizer system, and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant handling, blower motor, climate controls, and troubleshooting.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, convertible top mechanisms, interior trim, seats, and upholstery.
Convertible Top System:
Hydraulic and electrical systems for the power convertible top, including pump, cylinders, switches, and troubleshooting.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system components, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) diagnostics and servicing.
Preventative Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, and belt inspections.
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, including symptom-based troubleshooting charts and DTC interpretation.
Repair And Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for virtually every component and system, from minor adjustments to major component overhauls.
Component Replacement:
Instructions for replacing parts such as alternators, starters, water pumps, fuel pumps, brake pads, and suspension components.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, component location charts, circuit testing procedures, and multimeter usage for electrical fault finding.
Convertible Top Service:
Specific procedures for convertible top operation checks, adjustments, repairs, and hydraulic system maintenance.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive from basic owner maintenance to advanced engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and convertible top hydraulics.
Diagrams And Illustrations:
Extensive use of exploded views, schematics, wiring diagrams, and diagnostic flowcharts for clear understanding.
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners across all systems.
Special Tools:
Identification of any specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3.75 months for severe driving, or 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 7.5 months for normal driving, using synthetic oil. Refer to manual for exact specs.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
4-Cylinder: 60,000 miles (96,000 km). V6: 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (typically platinum or iridium type).
Timing Belt Replacement:
75,000 miles (120,000 km) for 4-cylinder (4G64). V6 (6G72) uses a timing chain. Crucial for 4-cylinder to prevent catastrophic engine damage.
Engine Oil Capacity:
2.4L: 4.5 US qts (4.3 L) with filter. 3.0L V6: 4.5 US qts (4.3 L) with filter. Consult manual for precise fill level.
Engine Oil Type:
API Service SG, SH, or SJ. Viscosity: SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 recommended. Check manual for specific OEM recommendations and temperature charts.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Use an Asian vehicle specific coolant or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-3 or GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil. Capacity approx. 2.2 US qts (2.1 L).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III (or equivalent ATF). Capacity approx. 7.0 US qts (6.6 L) for service refill, higher for full overhaul.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III ATF or specific power steering fluid recommended by Mitsubishi.
Common Engine Issues:
Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), coolant leaks, exhaust manifold cracks (especially on V6), occasional misfires due to ignition components or fuel injectors.
Common Transmission Issues:
Manual transmission synchros can wear, automatic transmission clutch pack wear or solenoid issues leading to shifting problems.
Common Suspension Issues:
Worn ball joints, control arm bushings, and strut mounts are common due to age and mileage.
Common Convertible Top Issues:
Hydraulic leaks, pump failure, switch malfunctions, and canvas wear or degradation.
Common Electrical Issues:
Corroded grounds, faulty window regulators, power mirror issues, and HVAC blower motor resistor failures.