🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Space Star

Model Years Covered:

1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003

Chassis Code:

D53A (for the European/global market Space Star, distinct from the North American Mitsubishi RVR/Space Wagon)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) / Minivan

Target Audience:

Families seeking versatile, practical, and fuel-efficient transportation.

Key Competitors:

Opel/Vauxhall Zafira, Ford Focus C-Max, Renault Scénic, Volkswagen Golf SV/Touran, Fiat Multipla.

Design Philosophy:

Compact exterior dimensions with surprisingly spacious and flexible interior packaging, often featuring sliding rear seats and a user-friendly cabin layout.

Unique Selling Points:

Emphasis on practicality, good maneuverability for its class, and a value-oriented approach to family transport.

📋 Manual Details

Overall Scope:

Comprehensive workshop service and repair manual for the 1999-2003 Mitsubishi Space Star.

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 1500+ pages (typical for a full workshop manual of this era)

Type:

Workshop Service and Repair Manual

Primary Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF (Searchable)

Print Quality:

High-resolution digital scans suitable for printing.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical (including timing belt/chain, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft), lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system (injection, pump, lines), exhaust system, ignition system, starting system, charging system.

Transmission:

Manual transmission (clutch, gears, bearings, seals), Automatic transmission (torque converter, planetary gears, valve body, solenoids, fluid control), driveline (CV joints, driveshafts, differentials).

Chassis And Suspension:

Front suspension (MacPherson struts, control arms, ball joints, sway bar), Rear suspension (independent or torsion beam depending on variant), steering system (power steering pump, rack and pinion), wheel bearings.

Braking System:

Hydraulic system (master cylinder, brake lines, fluid), front disc brakes (calipers, rotors, pads), rear drum or disc brakes (wheel cylinders, shoes, drums, calipers, pads), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) components and diagnostics.

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), wiring diagrams for all circuits, fuses and relays, instrument cluster, power windows, central locking, wipers, horn.

Body And Interior:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, seat removal, dashboard disassembly, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), body sealing and weatherstripping.

Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, specific component testing procedures, fuel trim analysis, emission control systems.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fuel filter replacement, coolant flush and fill, brake fluid replacement, tire rotation and balancing, battery check.

Major Repairs:

Engine overhaul, cylinder head gasket replacement, clutch replacement, transmission overhaul, brake caliper/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, timing belt/chain replacement, radiator replacement.

Electrical Repairs:

Wiring harness repair, starter/alternator replacement, sensor diagnostics and replacement (e.g., O2 sensor, MAF sensor), power accessory troubleshooting.

Specifications And Tolerances:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine clearances, valve lash adjustments, wheel alignment specifications, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values.

Diagnostic Level:

Advanced diagnostics, including OBD-II scan tool procedures, live data interpretation, and specific troubleshooting trees.

Repair Level:

Full mechanical and electrical repair procedures, from simple component replacement to complete system rebuilds.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Codes:

4G13 (1.3L), 4G15 (1.5L), 4G18 (1.6L), 4G93 (1.8L GDI - less common in some markets)

Engine Type:

Inline-4 Cylinder, SOHC or DOHC, Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) or Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI for 1.8L).

1.3L (4G13) Approximate Output:

Approx. 75 PS (74 hp; 55 kW) @ 5500 rpm, 110 Nm (81 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm

1.5L (4G15) Approximate Output:

Approx. 90 PS (89 hp; 66 kW) @ 5500 rpm, 131 Nm (97 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm

1.6L (4G18) Approximate Output:

Approx. 103 PS (102 hp; 76 kW) @ 5750 rpm, 145 Nm (107 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm

1.8L Gdi (4G93) Approximate Output:

Approx. 122 PS (120 hp; 90 kW) @ 5500 rpm, 172 Nm (127 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) or Direct Injection (GDI).

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission:

5-speed manual transmission (e.g., KM132 series).

Automatic Transmission:

4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., F4A series).

Gear Ratios:

Specific gear ratios for each transmission type and engine variant are detailed within the manual.

Transmission Fluid:

Manual: API GL-4 Gear Oil. Automatic: ATF SP-III (or equivalent).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4,250 mm (167.3 in)

Width:

Approx. 1,745 mm (68.7 in)

Height:

Approx. 1,635 mm (64.4 in)

Seating Capacity:

5-7 passengers (depending on configuration and market).

Cargo Volume:

Configurable; typically around 400-1500 liters with rear seats folded or removed.

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1,300 - 1,450 kg (2,866 - 3,197 lbs) depending on engine and equipment.

🛡️ Safety Features

Euro Ncap Rating:

The Space Star (or its European equivalent, the Carisma Sportback, which shared some underpinnings) had varied safety ratings depending on the specific test and year. For the early 2000s, typical ratings for vehicles in this class were around 3-4 stars.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on higher trims or as an option.

Traction Control:

Traction control system (TCS) may be available on select models.

Airbags:

Front airbags for driver and passenger. Side airbags may be available on higher trims.

Seat Belts:

3-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants.

Child Seat Anchors:

ISOFIX child seat anchor points standard on rear seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-fitted radio/cassette player or CD player with basic speaker configuration. Upgrade options available.

Cruise Control:

Available on higher trim levels.

Aux Input:

Not typically factory-fitted; aftermarket solutions may be required.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for specific engine/oil type.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 20,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 40,000 - 60,000 miles for standard spark plugs, longer for platinum/iridium plugs. Consult manual for exact type.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Critical for 4G13, 4G15, 4G18 engines: Every 60,000 miles or 4 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage. Manual will detail procedure and torque specs.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.

Brake Fluid Replacement:

Every 2 years.

Engine Oil:

API SG/SH/SJ, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for temperature range recommendations).

Coolant:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water. Consult manual for specific type and capacity.

Transmission Oil Manual:

API GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Mitsubishi DiaQueen ATF SP-III or equivalent.

Common Faults:

Timing belt wear/failure, EGR valve clogging (leading to rough idle), minor electrical gremlins (window motors, central locking), clutch wear on manual transmissions, suspension bushing wear, potential catalytic converter issues.

Maintenance Focus:

Strict adherence to timing belt replacement intervals is paramount. Regular checks of cooling system hoses and belts.

📚 Vehicle History

Parent Company:

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (Japan).

Platform:

Based on the Mitsubishi Carisma platform, sharing many mechanical components.

Design Origin:

Designed primarily for the European market to compete in the growing compact MPV segment.

Manufacturing Plant:

Born Breda, Netherlands (DDS - Dutch Duth Car Company, a joint venture with Mitsubishi).

Production Period:

1998 - 2004 (first generation).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards And Ratings:

The Mitsubishi Space Star/Compact MPV segment generally received moderate reviews for practicality and value during its production run. Specific awards for this model are not widely publicized, but it was a competent contender in its class.