Segment:
Performance Rally Homologation Special / Sport Compact
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, tuners, professional mechanics, collectors
Key Rivals:
Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Ford Escort RS Cosworth, Toyota Celica GT-Four
Vehicle Focus:
All-wheel drive, turbocharged performance, rally-bred handling, aggressive aerodynamics.
Manual Value:
Essential resource for maintaining and repairing one of the most iconic performance sedans.
Primary Focus:
Mechanical, Electrical, Bodywork, Maintenance, Repair
Included Systems:
Engine, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Clutch, Transmission, Drivetrain (Front/Rear Differentials, Transfer Case), Suspension (Front/Rear), Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, HVAC, Body Panels, Interior Trim, Audio System, Security System
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed disassembly, inspection, and assembly of 4G63T engine components including block, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, cylinder head, camshafts, valvetrain.
Engine Management:
Wiring diagrams, sensor locations and specifications, ECU diagnosis, ignition system, fuel injection system troubleshooting.
Transmission Drivetrain:
F5M51 manual transmission overhaul, clutch system service, transfer case and rear differential inspection and repair, AWD system diagnostics.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension component replacement and alignment procedures, steering rack and power steering system service.
Braking System:
Brake component replacement (discs, pads, calipers), ABS system diagnosis and repair, brake fluid specifications and bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, fuse and relay locations, starter, alternator, lighting system troubleshooting, power windows, mirrors, and central locking service.
HVAC System:
Air conditioning system diagnosis, refrigerant handling (where applicable by year), heater core and blower motor service.
Body Exterior:
Panel removal and installation, door, hood, trunk, and bumper service, glass replacement procedures.
Body Interior:
Dashboard, seats, door panels, and trim component removal and installation.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant flushes, brake pad/disc replacement, timing belt replacement (critical for 4G63T).
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common and specific issues across all major systems, error code interpretation.
Repair Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for engine, transmission, differential, turbocharger, and other major component overhauls.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-I/II where applicable), specific sensor testing, electrical continuity and resistance checks.
Specifications Torque:
All critical torque specifications for engine, chassis, and drivetrain fasteners.
Adjustments:
Engine idle speed, clutch pedal free play, parking brake adjustment.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and drivetrain rebuilds.
Diagnostic Detail:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, including electrical testing with multimeter and oscilloscope references.
Component Diagrams:
Detailed exploded views and part diagrams for most components.
Engine Type:
Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve, Turbocharged and Intercooled
Displacement:
1997 cc (2.0 Liters)
Horsepower Ps:
280 PS (at 6,500 rpm, JDM spec)
Torque Nm:
330 Nm (at 3,000 rpm, JDM spec)
Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating typically 95 RON or higher recommended)
Type:
Mitsubishi TD05H-16G (or similar variant)
Type:
Front-mounted Air-to-Air Intercooler
Crash Test Results:
NHTSA/IIHS ratings for this specific era may be limited; focus is on structural integrity and driver control.
AWD System:
Advanced All-Wheel Drive with Driver-Selectable Modes (Tarmac, Gravel, Snow)
Ayc System:
Active Yaw Control for enhanced cornering stability and torque vectoring.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System
Airbags:
Driver and Front Passenger Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point Inertia Reel Seatbelts with Pre-tensioners
Body Structure:
Reinforced unibody construction for chassis rigidity and occupant protection.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette/CD player, speakers. Many owners upgrade.
Instrumentation:
Comprehensive gauge cluster including boost gauge, tachometer, speedometer, fuel, coolant temp, oil pressure.
Traction Control:
No dedicated electronic traction control system beyond the AWD and AYC differentials.
Original Connectivity:
Basic; no integrated Bluetooth or navigation from factory.
Oil Change:
Typically 5,000-7,500 km or 3-6 months (dependent on driving conditions; refer to manual for exact recommendation).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical: Recommended every 80,000 - 100,000 km or 5-7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 40,000 km.
Spark Plugs:
Refer to manual for specific type and interval (e.g., platinum or iridium plugs).
Engine Oil Type:
Refer to manual for viscosity (e.g., 10W-30, 10W-40, 20W-50 depending on climate and use). High-performance synthetic recommended.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for confirmation).
Power Steering Fluid:
Refer to manual for specification (often ATF or specific power steering fluid).
Engine:
Connecting rod bearing failure (especially on modified engines), turbocharger wear, rear main seal leaks, head gasket issues (less common than later models but possible).
Ayc System:
AYC pump failure, accumulator leaks, electrical issues with the AYC controller.
Rust:
Common areas include strut towers, rear quarter panels, rocker panels, and floor pans.
Electrical:
Corrosion on grounds, aging wiring harness components, intermittent issues with power windows or door locks.
Turbocharger:
Seal failure leading to oil consumption or smoke, wastegate actuator issues.