🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mitsubishi Model: FTO Year: 1998 Codes Chassis Code: DE3A 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The Mitsubishi FTO was a unique front-wheel-drive sports coupe, positioned as a stylish and performance-oriented personal car. It competed with models like the Toyota Celica, Honda Prelude, and Nissan Silvia. Competitive Analysis Competition: The FTO offered a distinctive design and engaging driving dynamics, particularly with its V6 engine options, differentiating it from more mainstream coupes of its era. Key Features Unique Selling Points: Asymmetrical dashboard design, advanced Active Yaw Control (AYC) on higher trims (GPX), stylish coupe body, and potent V6 engine options. Manual Value Proposition Value: This workshop manual provides comprehensive, professional-grade information essential for the maintenance, diagnosis, and repair of the 1998 Mitsubishi FTO, enabling owners and technicians to keep the vehicle in optimal condition. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Comprehensive service and repair procedures for the 1998 Mitsubishi FTO. Page Count Estimated Page Count: Variable, typically 500-1000+ pages for a full workshop manual. Manual Type Type: Workshop Repair Manual / Service Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Detailed coverage including general maintenance, lubrication, cooling, fuel system, intake and exhaust, and engine electrical systems. Drivetrain: Includes clutch, manual transmission, automatic transmission, front axle, and rear axle. Suspension Steering: Comprehensive coverage of front and rear suspension systems, steering system, wheels, and tires. Brakes: Detailed procedures for service brakes and parking brakes. Body Interior: Includes body construction, exterior components, interior trim, and supplemental restraint system (SRS). Electrical HVAC: Covers chassis electrical systems, heater, air conditioner, and ventilation. Procedures Included Maintenance: Routine maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, and inspections. Diagnostics Troubleshooting: Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic procedures, and fault code interpretation for various systems. Repair Overhaul: Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, overhaul, and reinstallation. Technical Specifications: Torque specifications, clearances, alignment data, and other critical technical measurements. Technical Depth Depth: Designed for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts, covering detailed component-level repairs and diagnostics. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF Compatibility: All Versions of Windows & Mac Requirements: Adobe PDF Reader Print Quality Quality: High-resolution, searchable PDF for clear text and diagrams. Binding Type Type: Digital (N/A for physical binding) Paper Type Type: Digital (N/A for physical paper type) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code Options: 6A12 (2.0L V6 MIVEC), 6A12 (2.0L V6 MPI). Performance Horsepower Range: Approximately 170-200 hp (depending on engine variant and market). Torque Range: Approximately 144-149 lb-ft (depending on engine variant). Fuel System Injection: Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI), MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) on higher performance models. Lubrication Oil Type Specification: API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended. Check manual for specific viscosity based on climate. Cooling Coolant Type: Ethylene glycol based antifreeze (e.g., Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent). 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-speed manual transmission (FS5A-EL). Optional Type: 4-speed INVECS-II Automatic Transmission with Sport Mode. Features Automativ Features: INVECS-II (Intelligent & Novel Control Education System II) adapts to driver's style. Sport mode offers more aggressive shift points. Fluid Specification Manual Transmission Fluid: API GL-3 or GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil. Automatic Transmission Fluid: Mitsubishi DiaQueen ATF SP-III or equivalent. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approximately 4,285 mm (168.7 in) Width: Approximately 1,695 mm (66.7 in) Height: Approximately 1,300 mm (51.2 in) Weights Curb Weight Range: Approximately 1,200 - 1,350 kg (2,646 - 2,976 lbs) depending on model and equipment. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Refer to vehicle's compliance plate or owner's manual for exact GVWR. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Results: Specific crash test ratings from independent bodies (e.g., NHTSA, Euro NCAP) for the 1998 FTO are not widely publicized. However, it featured standard safety equipment for its era. Active Features Braking System: Standard front ventilated disc brakes, rear disc brakes. ABS was optional on some trims and standard on others (e.g., GPX). Traction Control: Traction Control System (TCL) was available on some higher-spec models. Active Yaw Control (AYC) was a key feature on the GPX model, enhancing cornering stability. Passive Features Airbags: Driver's airbag was standard. Passenger airbag was optional or standard on specific trims. Seatbelts: Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners for front occupants. Two-point lap belts for rear occupants. Body Structure: Reinforced body structure designed to absorb and dissipate impact energy. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory fitted Clarion or Mitsubishi branded radio/cassette player with AM/FM tuner. CD changer preparation or optional CD player on higher trims. Driver Assistance Active Yaw Control: A standout technology, AYC (Active Yaw Control) on the GPX model used hydraulic pressure to control torque distribution to the rear wheels, significantly improving cornering ability and stability. Cruise Control: Optional on many models, typically a vacuum-actuated system. Connectivity Original Features: No built-in smartphone connectivity or advanced telematics as per its 1998 manufacturing date. Modifications...
The Mitsubishi FTO was a unique front-wheel-drive sports coupe, positioned as a stylish and performance-oriented personal car. It competed with models like the Toyota Celica, Honda Prelude, and Nissan Silvia.
Competitive Analysis
Competition:
The FTO offered a distinctive design and engaging driving dynamics, particularly with its V6 engine options, differentiating it from more mainstream coupes of its era.
Key Features
Unique Selling Points:
Asymmetrical dashboard design, advanced Active Yaw Control (AYC) on higher trims (GPX), stylish coupe body, and potent V6 engine options.
Manual Value Proposition
Value:
This workshop manual provides comprehensive, professional-grade information essential for the maintenance, diagnosis, and repair of the 1998 Mitsubishi FTO, enabling owners and technicians to keep the vehicle in optimal condition.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive service and repair procedures for the 1998 Mitsubishi FTO.
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Variable, typically 500-1000+ pages for a full workshop manual.
Manual Type
Type:
Workshop Repair Manual / Service Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Digital (PDF)
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine:
Detailed coverage including general maintenance, lubrication, cooling, fuel system, intake and exhaust, and engine electrical systems.
Drivetrain:
Includes clutch, manual transmission, automatic transmission, front axle, and rear axle.
Suspension Steering:
Comprehensive coverage of front and rear suspension systems, steering system, wheels, and tires.
Brakes:
Detailed procedures for service brakes and parking brakes.
Body Interior:
Includes body construction, exterior components, interior trim, and supplemental restraint system (SRS).
Electrical HVAC:
Covers chassis electrical systems, heater, air conditioner, and ventilation.
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, and inspections.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic procedures, and fault code interpretation for various systems.
Repair Overhaul:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, overhaul, and reinstallation.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, alignment data, and other critical technical measurements.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Designed for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts, covering detailed component-level repairs and diagnostics.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
PDF
Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader
Print Quality
Quality:
High-resolution, searchable PDF for clear text and diagrams.
Binding Type
Type:
Digital (N/A for physical binding)
Paper Type
Type:
Digital (N/A for physical paper type)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code Options:
6A12 (2.0L V6 MIVEC), 6A12 (2.0L V6 MPI).
Performance
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 170-200 hp (depending on engine variant and market).
Torque Range:
Approximately 144-149 lb-ft (depending on engine variant).
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended. Check manual for specific viscosity based on climate.
Cooling
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze (e.g., Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent).
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-speed manual transmission (FS5A-EL).
Optional
Type:
4-speed INVECS-II Automatic Transmission with Sport Mode.
Features
Automativ Features:
INVECS-II (Intelligent & Novel Control Education System II) adapts to driver's style. Sport mode offers more aggressive shift points.
Fluid Specification
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-3 or GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen ATF SP-III or equivalent.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approximately 4,285 mm (168.7 in)
Width:
Approximately 1,695 mm (66.7 in)
Height:
Approximately 1,300 mm (51.2 in)
Weights
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 1,200 - 1,350 kg (2,646 - 2,976 lbs) depending on model and equipment.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to vehicle's compliance plate or owner's manual for exact GVWR.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Results:
Specific crash test ratings from independent bodies (e.g., NHTSA, Euro NCAP) for the 1998 FTO are not widely publicized. However, it featured standard safety equipment for its era.
Active Features
Braking System:
Standard front ventilated disc brakes, rear disc brakes. ABS was optional on some trims and standard on others (e.g., GPX).
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCL) was available on some higher-spec models. Active Yaw Control (AYC) was a key feature on the GPX model, enhancing cornering stability.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver's airbag was standard. Passenger airbag was optional or standard on specific trims.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners for front occupants. Two-point lap belts for rear occupants.
Body Structure:
Reinforced body structure designed to absorb and dissipate impact energy.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory fitted Clarion or Mitsubishi branded radio/cassette player with AM/FM tuner. CD changer preparation or optional CD player on higher trims.
Driver Assistance
Active Yaw Control:
A standout technology, AYC (Active Yaw Control) on the GPX model used hydraulic pressure to control torque distribution to the rear wheels, significantly improving cornering ability and stability.
Cruise Control:
Optional on many models, typically a vacuum-actuated system.
Connectivity
Original Features:
No built-in smartphone connectivity or advanced telematics as per its 1998 manufacturing date. Modifications for modern connectivity may require aftermarket solutions.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for specific recommendations.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 60,000 miles (96,000 km), depending on spark plug type (platinum or iridium recommended).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for V6 engines. Typically every 60,000 - 90,000 miles (96,000 - 144,000 km) or 5-7 years. This is a non-interference engine on some variants, but replacement is vital for reliability.
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 glycol-based brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Genuine Mitsubishi power steering fluid or Dexron II/III ATF.
Differential Fluid:
API GL-5 SAE 75W-90 gear oil for viscous coupling or Limited Slip Differential (LSD) if equipped.
Known Issues
Engine:
Carbon buildup on intake valves (especially MIVEC engines), occasional oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or oil pan, potential issues with the viscous coupling in the All-Wheel Drive (AWC) system if equipped.
Transmission:
Wear in automatic transmission valve bodies or solenoids can lead to shifting problems. Manual clutch wear is normal with mileage.
Suspension Steering:
Worn suspension bushings and ball joints can lead to noise and handling degradation. Power steering pump can develop leaks.
Electrical:
Aging wiring harnesses, corroded connectors, and failure of electronic control units (ECUs) can occur in older vehicles.
Body Chassis:
Corrosion in common areas like wheel wells, sills, and around windows. Paint delamination on certain trim pieces.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage:
Mitsubishi has a long history of producing sporty and technologically advanced vehicles, with the FTO building on this reputation in the personal coupe segment.
Model Evolution
Introduction Year:
The Mitsubishi FTO was first introduced in 1994 as a 1995 model year vehicle.
Facelift:
A significant facelift occurred in late 1997 for the 1998 model year, including revised styling, updated interior features, and engine enhancements.
Production
Production Period:
1994-2000
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Journalism Awards:
The Mitsubishi FTO was awarded 'Car of the Year' in Japan for 1994-1995.
Motor Sport Heritage:
The FTO was successfully campaigned in motorsport, including GT racing championships in Japan, showcasing its performance potential.