Segment:
Subcompact/Compact Hatchback and Sedan
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious car buyers, first-time car owners, DIY mechanics
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier
Strengths:
Fuel efficiency, affordability, reliability (in its class), compact size
Body Styles:
Hatchback, Sedan
Engine Options:
Primarily 1.5L and 1.8L 4-cylinder engines
Transmission Options:
5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing system, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, emissions control
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting system, charging system, engine control unit (ECU), sensors, actuators, wiring diagrams
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, clutch, driveline, transaxle, gear shift mechanisms
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), disc and drum brake service, parking brake, brake lines and hoses
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment
Electrical Body:
Lighting system, power windows, power locks, wipers, horn, instrument cluster, HVAC controls, comfort and convenience systems
Body Chassis:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, chassis components, frame, exhaust system
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:
HVAC system operation, refrigerant handling, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, heater core
Safety Restraints:
Airbag system operation and service, seat belts
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Repair Rebuild:
Complete engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, component-level repairs
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagram interpretation, component testing, circuit diagnosis, module programming (where applicable)
Bodywork:
Panel alignment, rust repair, dent removal procedures, trim component installation/removal
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostics and electrical troubleshooting)
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on required tools, including specialized factory tools and common diagnostic equipment
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners and assemblies
Clearances Tolerances:
Engine and transmission component clearances and manufacturing tolerances
Displacement 1 5L:
1.5 Liters (1490 cc)
Configuration 1 5L:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC or DOHC (depending on trim/market)
Bore Stroke 1 5L:
75.5 mm x 83.0 mm (approximate)
Compression Ratio 1 5L:
9.4:1 (typical)
Horsepower 1 5L:
92-101 hp @ 6000 rpm (approximate, depending on specific engine code)
Torque 1 5L:
94-97 lb-ft @ 3500-4000 rpm (approximate, depending on specific engine code)
Displacement 1 8L:
1.8 Liters (1834 cc)
Configuration 1 8L:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC (GDI engines, typically in higher trims like GT)
Horsepower 1 8L:
111-113 hp @ 6000 rpm (approximate)
Torque 1 8L:
112-114 lb-ft @ 4000-4500 rpm (approximate)
Injection:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
ECU:
Mitsubishi Electronic Control Unit (ECU)
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Drive Type:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Clutch Type:
Single Dry Plate Clutch (Manual Transmission)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (or 80W-90, refer to manual for specific viscosity based on temperature)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Diamond SP-III or equivalent ATF (refer to manual for exact specification)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:
4-Star (Driver), 4-Star (Passenger) for comparable models from this era (specific ratings may vary)
IIHS Crash Test Results:
Moderately rated for its time; often considered 'Acceptable' or 'Marginal' in frontal impacts.
ABS:
Available on higher trims or as an option
Traction Control:
Rarely available on base models, potentially on top trims or later years
Airbags:
Dual front airbags standard
Seat Belts:
Three-point front and rear seat belts
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system (introduced around the latter part of this generation's production)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific engine/climate conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km), or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) depending on spark plug type (standard vs. platinum/iridium).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical: Every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) or 7 years, whichever comes first (interference engine design). Check manual for exact interval.
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on temperature)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.5 - 4.0 Liters (with filter, depending on engine)
Coolant Spec:
Mitsubishi Long Life Coolant (LLC) or equivalent Ethylene Glycol-based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
Dexron II/III or equivalent ATF (check manual)
Engine Mounts:
Premature wear of engine mounts, leading to vibrations
Automatic Transmission:
Potential for harsh shifting or slippage in older automatic transmissions
Oxygen Sensors:
Failure of oxygen sensors, leading to check engine lights and poor fuel economy
Radiator:
Leaking or clogged radiators, affecting cooling system performance
Wheel Bearings:
Premature wear of front wheel bearings
Exhaust System:
Corrosion and leaks in the exhaust system, especially in rust-belt regions
Mitsubishi Motors:
Longstanding Japanese automaker with a history in automotive manufacturing since the early 20th century.
Third Generation Mirage:
This manual covers the third generation of the Mitsubishi Mirage, often referred to as the 'Mirage (A00)' platform, produced from 1995 to 2000. A facelift occurred in 1998. Some markets continued with this generation or a closely related platform through 2002.
Platform Sharing:
Shared platform and components with the Mitsubishi Lancer of the same era.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan, with some production in other global facilities.
Sales Trend:
Was a significant contributor to Mitsubishi's global sales, particularly in the economy car segment.