Era Positioning:
Mid-size family sedan/coupe, competing with Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Ford Tempo, Chevrolet Celebrity
Key Competitors:
Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Maxima, Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Lumina
Platform Variant:
Often featured advanced chassis technologies for its time, including multi-link rear suspension and optional All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Engine Options Variety:
Offered a range of 4-cylinder and V6 engines, including performance-oriented turbocharged variants for some models
Design Evolution:
Marked a significant stylistic departure with more aerodynamic and modern styling compared to previous generations
Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, cylinder head, block assembly, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, exhaust, emissions
Engine Management:
ECU, sensors, actuators, diagnostics, fuel injection, ignition timing
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox overhaul, shifting mechanisms, drive shafts
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission overhaul, hydraulic control, torque converter, electronic control units
Drivetrain AWD:
Center differential, transfer case, rear differential (for AWD models)
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension geometry, components, alignment, shock absorbers, springs, bushings
Steering:
Power steering system, rack and pinion, steering column, wheel alignment
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), ABS (if equipped), parking brake, hydraulic components, fluid specifications
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, body electricals
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system components, refrigerant, servicing
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, glass, doors, latches, seats
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, timing belts, fluid checks and changes
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based fault finding, common problem solutions
Engine Repair:
Piston ring replacement, bearing service, valve adjustments, head gasket replacement, timing belt replacement
Transmission Overhaul:
Complete disassembly and reassembly of manual and automatic transmissions
Brake Service:
Brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor/drum resurfacing or replacement, caliper overhaul, bleeding procedures
Electrical Diagnostics:
Using multimeters, oscilloscopes, tracing short circuits, open circuits, diagnosing sensor failures
Suspension Alignment:
Adjustment procedures for camber, caster, toe
Ac Service:
Refrigerant charging, leak detection, component replacement
Bodywork Repair:
Panel replacement, dent repair, rust treatment
Depth:
Comprehensive: from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, detailed electrical schematics
Diagnostic Information:
Detailed diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and troubleshooting flows
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners
Tolerances:
Engine and transmission component wear tolerances for rebuilding
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete and detailed electrical system wiring diagrams
Engine 1 Type:
2.0L DOHC 16-valve Inline-4 (Naturally Aspirated and Turbocharged)
Engine 1 Displacement Cc:
1997
Engine 1 Hp Na:
~140-155 hp
Engine 1 Hp Turbo:
~190-200 hp (GSi/GT models)
Engine 1 Torque Nm Na:
~175-185 Nm
Engine 1 Torque Nm Turbo:
~255-260 Nm
Engine 2 Type:
2.5L SOHC 24-valve V6
Engine 2 Displacement Cc:
2496
Engine 2 Torque Nm:
~200-210 Nm
Performance Engine Options:
Available with naturally aspirated 4-cylinder, turbocharged 4-cylinder (4G63T), and V6 engines
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Octane Rating Recommended:
87 AKI (for NA engines), 91 AKI (for Turbocharged engines)
Engine Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using recommended oil type)
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles or 4 years (critical for 4G63/6G71 engines to prevent catastrophic failure)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on plug type (e.g., platinum vs. standard)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Every 60,000 miles; Automatic: Every 30,000-50,000 miles (depending on driving conditions)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on temperature)
Engine Oil Capacity Liters:
~4.0 - 4.5 (depending on engine)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (e.g., Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Dexron II or equivalent ATF
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (or specified viscosity)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron II or equivalent ATF
Engine:
Timing belt failure (critical maintenance), oil leaks from seals, some issues with ignition system components (e.g., distributor cap/rotor on older models).
Suspension:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings due to age and mileage; strut mounts can degrade.
Electrical:
Corroded ground points, aging wiring harnesses, failing window regulators, HVAC blower motor resistor failures.
Rust:
Common rust areas include wheel wells, rocker panels, and subframes, especially in areas with harsh winters.
Timing Belt Kit Example:
e.g., Gates TCK186 (verify for specific engine)
Oil Filter Example:
e.g., Fram PH5793 or Wix 51515 (verify for specific engine)
