🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mitsubishi Model: Mirage Product Type: Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual Codes Applicable Years: 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Subcompact/Compact Hatchback and Sedan Target Audience: Budget-conscious car buyers, first-time car owners, DIY mechanics Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier Strengths: Fuel efficiency, affordability, reliability (in its class), compact size Key Features Body Styles: Hatchback, Sedan Engine Options: Primarily 1.5L and 1.8L 4-cylinder engines Transmission Options: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Covered Countries: Global (Specific to North American and relevant international markets for these model years) Page Count Estimated Pages: 1500+ Manual Type Type: Workshop Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Downloadable Digital File (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered 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 Procedures Included 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 Technical Depth 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 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF Searchability: Searchable text for quick information retrieval Print Quality Quality: High-resolution scans, clear diagrams and illustrations Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine 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) Secondary Engine 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) Fuel System Injection: Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline Engine Management ECU: Mitsubishi Electronic Control Unit (ECU) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-speed Manual Transmission Optional Type: 4-speed Automatic Transmission Features Drive Type: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Clutch Type: Single Dry Plate Clutch (Manual Transmission) Fluid Specifications 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) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Hatchback Length: Approx. 3915-3955 mm Width: Approx. 1680-1690 mm Height: Approx. 1405-1435 mm Exterior Sedan Length: Approx. 4360-4395 mm Width: Approx. 1690 mm Height: Approx. 1380-1400 mm Wheelbase Wheelbase: Approx. 2440-2500 mm (depending on specific model generation/chassis code) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 980-1100 kg (depending on body style, engine, and transmission) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Refer to vehicle's compliance plate Cargo Cargo Volume Hatchback: Variable, with rear seats folded 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings 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. Active Features ABS: Available on higher trims or as an option Traction Control: Rarely available on base models, potentially on top trims or later years Passive Features 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) 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM/Cassette or CD player. Optional premium audio systems available....
Panel alignment, rust repair, dent removal procedures, trim component installation/removal
Technical Depth
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
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
PDF
Searchability:
Searchable text for quick information retrieval
Print Quality
Quality:
High-resolution scans, clear diagrams and illustrations
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
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)
Secondary Engine
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)
Fuel System
Injection:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Engine Management
ECU:
Mitsubishi Electronic Control Unit (ECU)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Features
Drive Type:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Clutch Type:
Single Dry Plate Clutch (Manual Transmission)
Fluid Specifications
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)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior Hatchback
Length:
Approx. 3915-3955 mm
Width:
Approx. 1680-1690 mm
Height:
Approx. 1405-1435 mm
Exterior Sedan
Length:
Approx. 4360-4395 mm
Width:
Approx. 1690 mm
Height:
Approx. 1380-1400 mm
Wheelbase
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2440-2500 mm (depending on specific model generation/chassis code)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 980-1100 kg (depending on body style, engine, and transmission)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to vehicle's compliance plate
Cargo
Cargo Volume Hatchback:
Variable, with rear seats folded
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
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.
Active Features
ABS:
Available on higher trims or as an option
Traction Control:
Rarely available on base models, potentially on top trims or later years
Passive Features
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)
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette or CD player. Optional premium audio systems available.
Display:
Basic digital or analog instrument cluster. No integrated infotainment screens.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Not factory-equipped for this model year range
Usb Ports:
Not factory-equipped
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
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.
Fluid Specifications
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)
Known Issues
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
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mitsubishi Motors:
Longstanding Japanese automaker with a history in automotive manufacturing since the early 20th century.
Model Evolution
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.
Production
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.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Fuel Economy Ratings:
Consistently rated as one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class by EPA.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Varied reliability ratings over the years, generally considered average to above average for the subcompact segment of its time.
Certifications
Emissions Standards:
Designed to meet prevailing emissions standards (e.g., LEV in California, EPA standards elsewhere).
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