🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Space Star

Year:

1998

Model Code:

N10, N20, N30, N40 Series (Chassis codes vary based on drivetrain and body style)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact MPV / Small Family Car

Competitors 1998:

Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf Variant, Opel/Vauxhall Astra Caravan, Renault Mégane Scenic, Citroën Xsara Picasso (early models).

Unique Selling Points:

Practicality, spacious interior for its size, flexible seating configurations, fuel efficiency, reliable Mitsubishi engineering.

📋 Manual Details

Regions Covered:

Primarily North America and Europe (specific market variations may exist)

Estimated Page Count:

1000+ pages (typical for a comprehensive service manual)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, valve train, piston and connecting rod, crankshaft and main bearings, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system (carburetor/injection), ignition system, exhaust system, engine overhaul procedures, torque specifications.

Engine Management:

Engine Control Unit (ECU), sensors (MAF, MAP, O2, TPS, ECT, CKP, CMP), actuators, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams for engine management.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch, gearbox assembly, gear shifting mechanisms, removal and installation, overhaul procedures, torque specifications, fluid types and capacities.

Transmission Automatic:

Torque converter, transmission hydraulic control, valve body, planetary gear sets, automatic transmission fluid (ATF) types and capacities, removal and installation, overhaul procedures, diagnostic procedures.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) system, drive shafts, CV joints, front differential (if applicable), rear axle (if applicable).

Suspension:

Front suspension (MacPherson struts, control arms, ball joints, sway bars), rear suspension (torsion beam, multi-link depending on model), shock absorbers, coil springs, bushings, alignment specifications.

Steering:

Steering column, steering rack, power steering system (pump, hoses, fluid), steering linkage, tie rod ends, alignment.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes (calipers, pads, rotors), rear drum or disc brakes (cylinders, shoes, drums or calipers, pads, rotors), brake lines, master cylinder, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, ABS system components and diagnostics.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system (starter motor), ignition switch, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior lights), fuses, relays, wiring harnesses, ground points.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, hood, trunk, interior trim, glass replacement, underbody coatings, corrosion protection.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system (compressor, condenser, evaporator, refrigerant types and charge quantities), heating system, blower motor, climate control panel, diagnostic procedures.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS), seat belt mechanisms, ABS system diagnostics.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush and replacement, transmission fluid change, brake fluid change, tire rotation and pressure checks, battery testing.

Engine Repair:

Head gasket replacement, timing belt/chain replacement, piston ring replacement, bearing replacement, valve seat grinding, engine rebuilds.

Transmission Repair:

Clutch replacement, transmission overhaul (manual and automatic), seal replacement, torque converter replacement.

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Shock absorber replacement, control arm bushing replacement, tie rod end replacement, power steering pump replacement, steering rack overhaul.

Brake System Repair:

Brake pad and rotor replacement, brake caliper overhaul, master cylinder replacement, brake line repair, ABS sensor replacement, brake bleeding.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting electrical faults using wiring diagrams, component testing, fuse and relay diagnostics, charging system testing, starting system testing.

HVAC Service:

Refrigerant recharging, leak detection, compressor replacement, blower motor replacement, evaporator core replacement.

Bodywork And Trim:

Door panel removal, bumper replacement, fender repair, interior component replacement.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Diagnostic flowcharts for common drivability issues, starting problems, electrical faults, and brake system malfunctions.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures and component-level repair instructions. Includes wiring diagrams and technical specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Text-searchable PDF (assuming OCR quality)

Printability:

Printable pages for workshop use.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type 1:

Inline-4 Cylinder, SOHC/DOHC (Depending on market and trim)

Displacement 1:

1.3L (1332cc)

Displacement 2:

1.6L (1597cc)

Displacement 3:

1.8L (1834cc) (Potentially including GDI variants)

Horsepower 1.3L:

Approx. 75 HP (varies by market and tuning)

Horsepower 1.6L:

Approx. 90-100 HP (varies by market and tuning)

Horsepower 1.8L:

Approx. 110-120 HP (varies by market and tuning, GDI variants may differ)

Fuel Delivery 1.3/1.6L:

Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Delivery 1.8L:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) or Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) depending on variant.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Drivetrain Options:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4150 mm (163.4 inches)

Width:

Approx. 1690 mm (66.5 inches)

Height:

Approx. 1540 mm (60.6 inches)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2500 mm (98.4 inches)

Seating Capacity:

5 passengers

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:

Approx. 370 liters (13.0 cubic feet)

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Folded:

Approx. 1200 liters (42.3 cubic feet)

Curb Weight Min:

Approx. 1050 kg (2315 lbs)

Curb Weight Max:

Approx. 1150 kg (2535 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Euroncap Rating:

Likely 3-4 stars (Euro NCAP ratings for this era were less standardized, but generally competitive for the class).

ABS:

Available on higher trims or as an option.

Electronic Brakeforce Distribution:

May be integrated with ABS systems.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard or optional depending on market.

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants, three-point or lap belts for rear occupants.

Child Seat Anchors:

ISOFIX compatible anchor points often available.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted radio/cassette player, with CD player optional on higher trims. Basic speaker setup.

ABS Availability:

Optional, depending on market and trim level.

Auxiliary Input:

Typically not available in factory systems for this era.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil And Filter:

Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first.

Air Filter:

Every 20,000-30,000 km (12,000-18,000 miles) or 24 months.

Spark Plugs:

Every 40,000-60,000 km (25,000-37,000 miles) depending on spark plug type (copper vs. platinum/iridium).

Timing Belt:

Crucial: Typically every 80,000-100,000 km (50,000-60,000 miles) or 5-7 years. Refer to manual for specific engine and material. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG/SH or higher, viscosity typically 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for specific engine requirements).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4, viscosity 75W-90 or 80W-90.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Mitsubishi Diaqueen ATF SP-II or equivalent (e.g., Dexron III).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron II/III compatible ATF or specific power steering fluid.

Common Wear Items:

Worn suspension bushings, CV joint boots, exhaust system components, and potential for minor electrical gremlins.

Engine Specific Concerns:

Early GDI engines might require specific carbon cleaning procedures. Ensure timely timing belt replacement on all engines.

📚 Vehicle History

Mitsubishi Motors Focus:

Known for robust engineering, rally heritage (Lancer Evolution), and reliable powertrains.

Generation Info:

The 1998 model represents the first generation of the Mitsubishi Space Star, introduced in 1998, often referred to as the 'Space Star' or 'Dingo' in some markets. It was designed to compete in the growing compact MPV segment.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Japan and Europe (e.g., Netherlands for some European market models).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Category Awards:

Often recognized for practicality and value within the compact MPV segment during its production run. Specific awards may vary by region.