🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mitsubishi Model: FTO Year: 1998 Market Designation: Japan (JDM) Generation Chassis Code: DE2A, DE3A 👋 Introduction Market Position Target Audience: Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops working on the 1998 Mitsubishi FTO Competitive Analysis Value Proposition: Provides factory-level repair information essential for maintaining and repairing the 1998 Mitsubishi FTO, often unavailable through generic repair guides. Key Features Features: Official factory documentation, detailed diagrams, specific torque values, diagnostic procedures, extensive coverage of all vehicle systems. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Comprehensive repair and service procedures for the 1998 Mitsubishi FTO Secondary Coverage: Maintenance, diagnostics, troubleshooting, specifications, and diagrams Page Count Estimated Pages: Approximately 800-1200 pages (typical for full factory service manuals of this era) Manual Type Type: Factory Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Digital Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine (V6 MIVEC, V6 SOHC), Engine Lubrication, Fuel System, Engine Cooling, Intake and Exhaust Systems, Engine Electrical Systems, Emission Control Systems, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission Drivetrain: Front Axle, Rear Axle, Wheel and Tyre, Power Plant Mounts Suspension Steering Brakes: Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Service Brakes, Parking Brakes, Steering System Body Interior Electrical: Body, Exterior Trim and Components, Interior Trim and Components, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Chassis Electrical Systems, Heater, Air Conditioner and Ventilation (HVAC) Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections Repair: Engine mechanical repairs, transmission overhauls, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, electrical system troubleshooting and repair, body panel repair Diagnostics Troubleshooting: Fault finding, diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical schematics 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF Readability: High resolution scans, generally searchable text (depending on original source quality) Print Quality Printability: Printable pages for workshop use Binding Type Binding: Digital Delivery (Not a physical product) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: 6A12 (V6 24V MIVEC, V6 24V SOHC) Engine Code Engine Variant: 2.0L V6 24-valve DOHC MIVEC (197-220 hp), 2.0L V6 24-valve SOHC (approx. 170 hp) Performance Bore X Stroke: 78.5 mm x 69.0 mm (for 6A12) Compression Ratio: 10.0:1 (MIVEC), 9.4:1 (SOHC) Fuel System Induction: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Premium Gasoline Lubrication Oil Type Recommendation: API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for specific ambient temperature ranges) Cooling Coolant Type: Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water Emission Control System: ECI-Multi, EGR, O2 Sensors, Catalytic Converter 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-speed Manual Transmission (e.g., KM132) Optional Type: 4-speed INVECS-II Automatic Transmission with Sportronic (Tiptronic-style manual shifting) Features Manual Gear Ratios: Specific ratios detailed within the manual (e.g., 1st: 3.083, 2nd: 1.947, 3rd: 1.310, 4th: 1.029, 5th: 0.850, Reverse: 3.039, Final: 4.222 for one common configuration) Automatic Features: INVECS-II adaptive shift control, Sportronic mode Fluid Specification Manual Fluid: API GL-4, SAE 75W-85 or 75W-90 Gear Oil Automatic Fluid: DIAQUEEN SP-III (or equivalent ATF SP-III specification) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 4,315 mm (169.9 in) Width: Approx. 1,690 mm (66.5 in) Height: Approx. 1,300 mm (51.2 in) (varies by model/trim) Wheelbase: Approx. 2,500 mm (98.4 in) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1,260 - 1,400 kg (2,778 - 3,086 lbs) depending on engine and transmission 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Safety: Not officially rated by modern standards like NHTSA or Euro NCAP as it predates widespread standardized testing and was JDM-specific. Design incorporated safety features common for its era. Passive Features Features: Driver and Passenger Airbags (SRS), Seatbelts with pretensioners, Crumple zones, Reinforced passenger cell Steering Column: Collapsible steering column Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) often standard on higher trims or optional 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Features: Factory radio/cassette player, often with CD changer compatibility. Basic climate controls. Driver Assistance Assistance Systems: Available ABS. No advanced electronic driver aids like traction control or stability control. Connectivity Connectivity Features: Limited to factory audio system. No Bluetooth or USB connectivity from factory. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first. Spark Plugs: Platinum-tipped spark plugs typically recommended for 60,000 - 100,000 mile replacement intervals (refer to specific plug type). Timing Belt: Crucial service. 60,000 - 90,000 miles (96,000 - 144,000 km) or 5-7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage. Inspect tensioner and water pump at the same time. Fluid Specifications Brake Fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4 Power Steering Fluid: Dexron II-E or equivalent ATF Coolant Capacity: Approx. 6.8 Liters (7.2 US Quarts) Known Issues Engine: MIVEC system solenoids/actuators can fail, potential for carbon buildup on intake valves, coolant leaks from front engine seals. Transmission: Automatic transmission 'limp mode' due to sensor issues, manual clutch wear. Suspension Steering: Wear in bushings, ball joints, and...
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops working on the 1998 Mitsubishi FTO
Competitive Analysis
Value Proposition:
Provides factory-level repair information essential for maintaining and repairing the 1998 Mitsubishi FTO, often unavailable through generic repair guides.
Key Features
Features:
Official factory documentation, detailed diagrams, specific torque values, diagnostic procedures, extensive coverage of all vehicle systems.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive repair and service procedures for the 1998 Mitsubishi FTO
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, diagnostics, troubleshooting, specifications, and diagrams
Page Count
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 800-1200 pages (typical for full factory service manuals of this era)
Front Axle, Rear Axle, Wheel and Tyre, Power Plant Mounts
Suspension Steering Brakes:
Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Service Brakes, Parking Brakes, Steering System
Body Interior Electrical:
Body, Exterior Trim and Components, Interior Trim and Components, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Chassis Electrical Systems, Heater, Air Conditioner and Ventilation (HVAC)
Engine mechanical repairs, transmission overhauls, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, electrical system troubleshooting and repair, body panel repair
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for specific ambient temperature ranges)
Cooling
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Emission Control
System:
ECI-Multi, EGR, O2 Sensors, Catalytic Converter
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (e.g., KM132)
Optional
Type:
4-speed INVECS-II Automatic Transmission with Sportronic (Tiptronic-style manual shifting)
Features
Manual Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios detailed within the manual (e.g., 1st: 3.083, 2nd: 1.947, 3rd: 1.310, 4th: 1.029, 5th: 0.850, Reverse: 3.039, Final: 4.222 for one common configuration)
Approx. 1,260 - 1,400 kg (2,778 - 3,086 lbs) depending on engine and transmission
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Safety:
Not officially rated by modern standards like NHTSA or Euro NCAP as it predates widespread standardized testing and was JDM-specific. Design incorporated safety features common for its era.
Passive Features
Features:
Driver and Passenger Airbags (SRS), Seatbelts with pretensioners, Crumple zones, Reinforced passenger cell
Steering Column:
Collapsible steering column
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) often standard on higher trims or optional
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Features:
Factory radio/cassette player, often with CD changer compatibility. Basic climate controls.
Driver Assistance
Assistance Systems:
Available ABS. No advanced electronic driver aids like traction control or stability control.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
Limited to factory audio system. No Bluetooth or USB connectivity from factory.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first.
Spark Plugs:
Platinum-tipped spark plugs typically recommended for 60,000 - 100,000 mile replacement intervals (refer to specific plug type).
Timing Belt:
Crucial service. 60,000 - 90,000 miles (96,000 - 144,000 km) or 5-7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage. Inspect tensioner and water pump at the same time.
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron II-E or equivalent ATF
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 6.8 Liters (7.2 US Quarts)
Known Issues
Engine:
MIVEC system solenoids/actuators can fail, potential for carbon buildup on intake valves, coolant leaks from front engine seals.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission 'limp mode' due to sensor issues, manual clutch wear.
Suspension Steering:
Wear in bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends common with age; Power steering pump leaks.
Electrical:
Corrosion on connectors, particularly in engine bay and around ABS sensors; Window motor failures.
Body:
Rust in wheel arches, sills, and around the battery tray; Door seals and window seals can degrade.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Focus:
Mitsubishi is known for its sporty coupes and performance-oriented vehicles, with a history in motorsport.
Model Evolution
Introduction:
The FTO (Fresh Touring Original) was introduced in 1994 as a front-wheel-drive coupe, designed as a more affordable alternative to its V6 sibling, the GTO/3000GT. It was never officially sold outside Japan.
Facelift:
Received a significant facelift in 1997, including revised bumpers, headlights, taillights, interior, and a revised MIVEC engine.
Production
Production Years:
1994-2000
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Journalism:
The FTO was named 'Japanese Car of the Year' for 1994-1995 by Motor Fan magazine and RJC. It also won the 'Car of the Year' special award for its innovative V6 MIVEC engine.
Design Awards:
Its striking coupe styling received positive recognition.