Segment:
Compact MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) / Minivan
Competitors:
Toyota Ipsum/Spacia, Nissan Prairie, Honda Odyssey (early models), Mazda MPV.
Versatility:
Offered flexible seating configurations, often with removable or fold-flat rear seats, maximizing cargo and passenger utility.
Practicality:
Designed for families, offering good passenger comfort and ample cargo space.
Drivetrain Options:
Available in both Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) configurations, enhancing versatility in varying conditions.
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, diagnostics, component testing, repair procedures for all specified engine variants.
Transmission:
Automatic and manual transmission service, repair, overhaul, and fluid specifications.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and All-wheel drive (AWD) system diagnostics, CV joints, driveshafts, differential service.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, power steering pump and fluid.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), ABS diagnostics, brake fluid specifications, caliper and rotor replacement.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, starter, alternator, battery, lighting systems, power windows, door locks, horn.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system service, refrigerant recharge, component replacement.
Bodywork:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, trim removal and installation, chassis specifications.
Fuel:
Fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel filter replacement, fuel tank service, fuel pressure.
Exhaust:
Exhaust system components, muffler, catalytic converter, lambda sensors (oxygen sensors).
Cooling:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump, coolant types and capacities, cooling fan operation.
Emissions:
Emission control systems, EGR valve, PCV valve, catalytic converter function.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-ups, brake pad replacement, tire rotation.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common issues, symptom-based diagnostics, OBD-I/OBD-II (if applicable) code interpretation.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for virtually all vehicle components.
Rebuilds:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures with torque specifications and tolerances.
Installation:
Installation procedures for common replacement parts and accessories.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical data, and diagnostic parameters.
Depth:
Comprehensive; suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics. Covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds.
Engine Code 1:
4G63 (2.0L SOHC)
Bore Stroke 1:
85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Compression Ratio 1:
8.5:1 (typical)
Horsepower 1:
125-135 PS (approx. 93-100 kW) at 6000 rpm (typical)
Torque 1:
172-180 Nm (approx. 127-133 lb-ft) at 3000-3500 rpm (typical)
Engine Code 2:
4G64 (2.4L SOHC)
Bore Stroke 2:
86.5 mm x 100.0 mm
Compression Ratio 2:
9.0:1 (typical)
Horsepower 2:
145-155 PS (approx. 108-115 kW) at 5500-6000 rpm (typical)
Torque 2:
205-215 Nm (approx. 151-159 lb-ft) at 3000-3500 rpm (typical)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating as per market recommendations, typically 91 RON or higher)
ECU:
Proprietary Mitsubishi ECU (Engine Control Unit) controlling fuel injection and ignition timing.
Transmission Type 1:
4-speed Automatic (e.g., F4A33)
Transmission Type 2:
5-speed Manual (less common, often on base models)
AWD System:
Optional full-time 4WD with viscous coupling center differential (Super Select 4WD system in some configurations) or similar AWD system.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification, e.g., DIAQUEEN ATF-SP II M)
Automatic Transmission Capacity:
Approximately 7.0-8.0 liters (pan drop and refill, full overhaul capacity will be higher).
Crash Test Results:
Information not readily available for specific governmental crash test ratings (e.g., NHTSA, Euro NCAP) for this model year range, as testing protocols varied significantly in that era and coverage was not universal.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) often optional or standard on higher trims.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag typically standard. Passenger airbag may have been optional or introduced later in the production run.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts for all occupants, with pre-tensioners for front seats.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) for standard plugs, longer for iridium/platinum.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for 4G6x engines. Typically every 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-144,000 km) or 5-7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 is commonly recommended. Refer to manual for specific viscosity based on temperature.
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant. Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent blue coolant is often specified. A 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Timing Belt Wear:
The timing belt is a critical wear item. Failure can lead to severe engine damage (interference engine).
Cv Joint Boots:
Torn CV joint boots can lead to premature wear and failure of the joints, especially on AWD models.
Automatic Transmission Reliability:
While generally robust, some transmissions can experience wear with high mileage or neglect, leading to harsh shifting or slipping.
Rust Corrosion:
Like many vehicles of this era, particularly those in areas with harsh winters, rust and corrosion on the body panels, suspension components, and exhaust system can be a concern.
Power Steering Leaks:
Occasional leaks from power steering hoses or the pump can occur.
Mitsubishi Motors:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer with a history dating back to the early 20th century, known for innovation in 4WD technology and robust vehicle platforms.
Generation 2 Start:
The second generation (UA/UB chassis) debuted in 1991 and received a facelift around 1993/1994, introducing updated styling and minor feature enhancements. This manual covers the post-facelift models.
Name Changes:
The Nimbus was sold under various names globally, including Space Wagon and Chariot, reflecting Mitsubishi's strategy of badge engineering and market-specific model naming.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan.
General Reputation:
The Nimbus/Space Wagon/Chariot line was generally well-regarded for its practicality, spaciousness, and the availability of AWD, making it a solid choice for families prioritizing utility over performance.
Reliability Perception:
Mitsubishi vehicles of this era were often considered reliable, though maintenance is key. This manual provides the means to maintain that reliability.
Manual Quality Certification:
N/A (Manual quality is assessed by its comprehensiveness and accuracy, which this manual is designed to provide).
