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.
đ Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Overall Scope:
Comprehensive workshop service and repair manual for the 1999-2003 Mitsubishi Space Star.
Page Count
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 1500+ pages (typical for a full workshop manual of this era)
Manual Type
Type:
Workshop Service and Repair Manual
Language
Primary Language:
English
Format
Digital Format:
PDF (Searchable)
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital scans suitable for printing.
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.
Procedures Included
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.
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).
đ Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 4,250 mm (167.3 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,745 mm (68.7 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,635 mm (64.4 in)
Interior
Seating Capacity:
5-7 passengers (depending on configuration and market).
Cargo
Cargo Volume:
Configurable; typically around 400-1500 liters with rear seats folded or removed.
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,300 - 1,450 kg (2,866 - 3,197 lbs) depending on engine and equipment.
đĄïž Safety Features
Ratings
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.
Active Features
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.
Passive Features
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.
đĄ Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory-fitted radio/cassette player or CD player with basic speaker configuration. Upgrade options available.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels.
Connectivity
Aux Input:
Not typically factory-fitted; aftermarket solutions may be required.
đ§ Maintenance
Service Intervals
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.
Fluid Specifications
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.
Known Issues
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.
đ Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Parent Company:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (Japan).
Model Evolution
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.
Production
Manufacturing Plant:
Born Breda, Netherlands (DDS - Dutch Duth Car Company, a joint venture with Mitsubishi).
Production Period:
1998 - 2004 (first generation).
đ Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
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.