Market Position:
The Mitsubishi Mirage of this era was positioned as an economical and practical subcompact car, appealing to budget-conscious buyers and those seeking reliable, straightforward transportation. It competed in a segment dominated by models like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Ford Focus.
Competitive Analysis:
The Mirage offered a balance of affordability, fuel efficiency, and a surprisingly spacious interior for its class. Its strengths lay in its low purchase price and running costs, while competitors often offered more refined driving dynamics or advanced features in higher trims.
Key Features:
Fuel-efficient engines, nimble handling for urban environments, good interior packaging, and Mitsubishi's reputation for robust, albeit sometimes basic, engineering. This service manual provides the necessary depth to maintain and repair these core attributes.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine management (fuel injection, ignition), exhaust, cooling, lubrication, starting and charging, manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic system, parking brake, ABS where applicable), wheels and tires.
Body And Electrical:
Body construction and repair, interior trim, exterior trim, lighting, instruments and switches, wipers and washers, audio systems, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), power windows, power locks, airbags, body control modules.
Emissions Control:
Details on catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, EGR systems, and evaporative emission control (EVAP) systems. Includes diagnostic procedures for emissions-related fault codes.
HVAC System:
Covers components like the compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, and refrigerant system. Includes troubleshooting for cooling and heating performance.
Body And Chassis:
Covers structural repair, body panel alignment, door and window mechanisms, interior trim panel removal and installation, and rust prevention/repair guidance.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacement, brake inspections.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides for common issues, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, circuit testing, component testing.
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine disassembly and reassembly, transmission overhaul, brake caliper and master cylinder replacement, suspension component replacement, steering rack repair, body panel replacement.
Specifications And Data:
Torque specifications for fasteners, diagnostic data, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and types, component dimensions.
Fuel System Service:
Fuel filter replacement, fuel pressure testing, injector cleaning and replacement, fuel tank removal and inspection.
Brake System Overhaul:
Detailed instructions for brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper rebuilding, master cylinder replacement, brake bleeding procedures, and parking brake adjustments.
Suspension Component Replacement:
Guidance on replacing control arms, ball joints, tie rod ends, shock absorbers/struts, and sway bar links. Includes alignment specifications.
Electrical System Diagnostics:
Extensive wiring diagrams for all major systems (engine, body, lighting, comfort). Includes procedures for testing sensors, actuators, relays, fuses, and modules.
Air Conditioning Service:
Includes procedures for refrigerant evacuation and recharging, leak detection, component replacement (compressor, drier, expansion valve), and system diagnostics.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical schematics and troubleshooting procedures for advanced diagnostics.
Engine Mechanical:
Includes cylinder head removal/installation, valve adjustment, piston and ring replacement, crankshaft and bearing service, engine block machining specifications.
Transmission Repair:
Detailed diagrams and procedures for manual and automatic transmission disassembly, inspection of gears, bearings, seals, and torque converter. Includes clutch disc and pressure plate replacement.
Electrical Schematics:
Highly detailed, including component locations, connector pinouts, and wiring colors for comprehensive troubleshooting of any electrical fault.
Engine Options:
Primarily 1.5L (4G15) SOHC and 1.8L (4G93) SOHC/DOHC inline-4 gasoline engines. Some markets may have offered other variants. The manual will detail specific engine codes and their configurations.
1.5L Engine (Approximate):
Horsepower: 92-100 PS (91-99 hp), Torque: 130-135 Nm (96-100 lb-ft). Specific output varied by market and emission regulations.
1.8L Engine (Approximate):
Horsepower: 110-125 PS (108-123 hp), Torque: 160-170 Nm (118-125 lb-ft). DOHC variants typically offered higher performance.
Compression Ratio 1 5L:
Approximately 9.5:1 to 10.0:1 (varies by specific engine variant)
Compression Ratio 1 8L:
Approximately 9.8:1 to 10.5:1 (varies by specific engine variant, especially DOHC)
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for most models. The manual covers fuel pump operation, injector testing, pressure regulator, and diagnostics for the entire fuel delivery system.
Engine Codes Identified:
4G15 (1.5L), 4G93 (1.8L). The manual specifies which procedures apply to which engine code.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, using API SG/SH or ILSAC GF-II/GF-III rated oil. The manual provides exact recommendations based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Recommended around 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as per specific engine type. Manual details correct plug type and gap.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for 4G series engines. Typically recommended every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage. Manual provides replacement procedures and alignment timing marks.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG/SH or higher; SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 viscosity recommended for most climates. Manual lists specific capacities and types.
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Manual specifies capacity and type.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
SPII Gear Oil (GL-4) 75W-90 viscosity. Manual lists capacity.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF SP-II (or equivalent Dexron II/III compatible) fluid. Manual lists capacity.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid. Manual specifies type and capacity.
Power Steering Fluid Specification:
ATF Dexron II or equivalent. Manual specifies type and capacity.
Common Issues:
Timing belt failure (if not replaced on schedule), minor electrical gremlins, suspension wear (bushings, ball joints), occasional rust on older models, clutch wear in manual transmissions. The manual offers diagnostic strategies for these.
Idle Control Valve Icv:
Can become dirty and cause rough idling or stalling. Manual provides cleaning and testing procedures.
