
. 
1-2 GENERALINFORMATIONAND MAINTENANCE 
Chitton’s Total Car Care manual for the 199M10 
Mitsubishi Mirage, Galant and Diamante is intended 
to help you learn more about the inner workings of 
your vehicle while saving you money on its upkeep 
and operation. 
The beginning of the book will likely be referred to 
the most, since that is where you will find information 
for maintenance and tune-up. The other sections deal 
with the more complex systems of your vehicle. Oper- 
ating systems from engine through brakes are cov- 
ered to the extent that the average do-it-yourselfer be- 
comes mechanically involved. This book will not 
explain such things as rebuilding a differential for the 
simple reason that the expertise required and the in- 
vestment in special tools make this task uneconomi- 
cal. It will, however, give you detailed instructions to 
help you change your own brake pads and shoes, re- 
place spark plugs, and perform many more jobs that 
can save you money, give you personal satisfaction 
and help you avoid expensive problems. 
A secondary purpose of this book is a reference for 
owners who want to understand their vehicle and/or 
their mechanics better. In this case, no tools at all are 
required. 
Before removing any bolts, read through the entire 
procedure. This will give you the overall view of what 
tools and supplies will be required. There is nothing 
more frustrating than having to walk to the bus stop 
on Monday morning because you were short one bolt 
on Sunday afternoon. So read ahead and plan ahead. 
Each operation should be approached logically and 
all procedures thoroughly understood before attempt- 
ing any work. 
All sections contain adjustments, maintenance, re- 
moval and installation procedures, and in some cases, 
repair or overhaul procedures. When repair is not con- 
sidered practical, we tell you how to remove the part 
and then how to install the new or rebuilt replacement. 
In this way, you at least save labor costs. “Backyard” 
repair of some components is just not practical. 
Many procedures in this book require you to “label 
and disconnect. . ” a group of lines, hoses or wires. 
Don’t be lulled into thinking you can remember where 
everything goes-you won’t. If you hook up vacuum 
or fuel lines incorrectly, the vehicle may run poorly, if 
at all. If you hook up electrical wiring incorrectly, you 
may instantly learn a very expensive lesson. 
You don’t need to know the official or engineering 
name for each hose or line. A piece of masking tape 
on the hose and a piece on its fitting will allow you to 
assign your own label such as the letter A or a short name. As long as you remember your own code, the 
lines can be reconnected by matching similar letters 
or names. Do remember that tape will dissolve in 
gasolrne or other fluids; if a component is to be 
washed or cleaned, use another method of identifica- 
tion. A permanent felt-tipped marker or a metal scribe 
can be very handy for marking metal parts. Remove 
any tape or paper labels after assembly. 
It’s necessary to mention the difference between 
maintenance and repair Maintenance includes rou- 
tine inspections, adjustments, and replacement of 
parts which show signs of normal wear Maintenance 
compensates for wear or deterioration. Repair implies 
that something has broken or is not working. A need 
for repair is often caused by lack of maintenance. Ex- 
ample, draining and refilling the automatic transaxle 
fluid is maintenance recommended by the manufac- 
turer at specific mileage intervals. Failure to do this 
can shorten the life of the transmission/transaxle, re- 
quiring very expensive repairs. While no maintenance 
program can prevent items from breaking or wearing 
out, a general rule can be stated: MAINTENANCE IS 
CHEAPER THAN REPAIR. 
Two basic mechanrc’s rules should be mentioned 
here. First, whenever the left side of the vehicle or en- 
gine is referred to, it is meant to specify the drivers 
side. Conversely, the right side of the vehicle means 
the passengers side. Second, screws and bolts are 
removed by turning counterclockwise, and tightened 
by turning clockwrse unless specifically noted. 
Safety is always the most important rule. Con- 
stantly be aware of the dangers involved in working 
on an automobile and take the proper precautions. 
See the informatron in this section regarding SER- 
VICING YOUR VEHICLE SAFELY and the SAFETY 
NOTICE on the acknowledgment page. 
Pay attention to the instructions provided. There 
are 3 common mistakes in mechanical work: 
1. Incorrect order of assembly, disassembly or 
adjustment. When taking something apart or putting 
it together, performing steps in the wrong order usu- 
ally just costs you extra time; however, it CAN break 
something. Read the entire procedure before begin- 
ning disassembly. Perform everything in the order in 
which the instructions say you should, even if you 
can’t immedrately see a reason for it. When you’re 
taking apart something that is very intricate, you 
might want to draw a picture of how it looks when as- 
sembled at one point in order to make sure you get everything back in its proper position. We will supply 
exploded views whenever possible. When making 
adjustments, perform them in the proper order. One 
adjustment possibly will affect another. 
2. Overtorquing (or undertorquing). While it is 
more common for overtorquing to cause damage, 
undertorquing may allow a fastener to vibrate loose 
causing serious damage. Especially when dealing 
with aluminum parts, pay attention to torque specifi- 
cations and utilize a torque wrench in assembly. If a 
torque figure is not available, remember that if you 
are using the right tool to perform the job, you will 
probably not have to strain yourself to get a fastener 
tight enough. The pitch of most threads is so slight 
that the tension you put on the wrench will be multi- 
plied many times in actual force on what you are 
tightening. A good example of how critical torque is 
can be seen in the case of spark plug installation, es- 
pecially where you are putting the plug into an alu- 
minum cylinder head. Too little torque can fail to 
crush the gasket, causing leakage of combustion 
gases and consequent overheating of the plug and 
engine parts. Too much torque can damage the 
threads or distort the plug, changing the spark gap. 
There are many commercial products available for 
ensuring that fasteners won’t come loose, even if they 
are not torqued just right (a very common brand is 
Loctite? If you’re worried 
about getting something 
together tight enough to hold, but loose enough to 
avoid mechanical damage during assembly, one of 
these products might offer substantial insurance. Be- 
fore choosing a threadlocking compound, read the 
label on the package and make sure the product is 
compatible with the materials, fluids, etc. involved. 
3. Crossthreading. This occurs when a part such 
as a bolt is screwed into a nut or casting at the wrong 
angle and forced. Crossthreading is more likely to 
occur if access is difficult. It helps to clean and lubri- 
cate fasteners, then to start threading the bolt, spark 
plug, etc. with your fingers If you encounter resis- 
tance, unscrew the part and start over again at a dif- 
ferent angle until it can be inserted and turned several 
times without much effort. Keep in mind that many 
parts, especially spark plugs, have tapered threads, 
so that gentle turning will automatically bring the part 
you’re threading to the proper angle. Don’t put a 
wrench on the part until its been tightened a couple 
of turns by hand. If you suddenly encounter resis- 
tance, and the part has not seated fully, don’t force it. 
Pull it back out to make sure it’s clean and threading 
properly. 
Be sure to take your time and be patient, and al- 
ways plan ahead. Allow yourself ample time to per- 
form repairs and maintenance You may find main- 
taining your car a satisfying and enjoyable 
experience. 
b See Figures 1 thru 15 
Naturally, without the proper tools and equipment 
it is impossible to properly service your vehicle. It 
would also be virtually impossible 
to catalog every 
tool that you would need to perform all of the opera- 
tions in this book. Of course, It would be unwise for 
the amateur to rush out and buy an expensive set of 
tools on the theory that he/she may need one or more 
of them at some time, The best approach is to proceed slowly, gathering savings will 
be far outweighed by frustration and 
a good quality set of those tools that are used most mangled knuckles. 
frequently Don’t be misled by the low cost of bargain Begin accumulating those tools that are used most 
tools. It is far better to spend a little more for better frequently: those associated with routine maintenance 
quality. Forged wrenches, 6 or 12-point sockets and and tune-up. In addition to the normal assortment of 
fine tooth ratchets are by far preferable to their less screwdrivers and pliers, you should have the follow- 
expensive counterparts. As any good mechanic can ing tools: 
tell you, there are few worse experiences than trying 
l Wrenches/sockets and combination open 
to work on a vehicle with bad tools. Your monetary end/box end wrenches in sizes from %-% in. or  

I-4 GENERALINFORMATIONAND MAINTENANCE 
Fig. 12 A screw-in type compression gauge- Fig. 13 A vacuum/pressure tester is neces- 
is recommended for compression testing sary for many testing procedures 
Fig. 14 Most modern automotive multime- 
ters incorporate many helpful features 
your workbench. Some useful household items are: a 
large turkey baster or siphon, empty coffee cans and 
ice trays (to store parts), ball of twine, electrical tape 
for wiring, small rolls of colored tape for tagging lines 
or hoses, markers and pens, a note pad, golf tees (for 
plugging vacuum lines), metal coat hangers or a roll 
of mechanic’s wire (to hold things out of the way), 
dental pick or similar long, pointed probe, a strong 
magnet, and a small mirror (to see into recesses and 
under manifolds). 
A more advanced set of tools, suitable for tune-up 
work, can be drawn up easily. While the tools are 
lmvl Fig. 15 Proper information is vital, so at 
ways have a Chiiton Total Car Care manua 
handy 
l Feeler aauoes for valve adiustment 
* Timing-light. 
The choice of a timing fight should be made 
carefully. A light which works on the DC current 
supplied by the vehicle’s battery is the best choice; 
it should have a xenon tube for brightness. On any 
vehicle with an electronic ignition system, a timing 
light with an inductive pickup that clamps around 
the No. 1 spark plug cable is preferred. 
In addition to these basic tools, there are several 
other tools and gauges you may find useful. These 
include: 
l Compression gauge. The screw-in type is 
slower to use, but eliminates the possibility of a 
fauliy reading due to escaping pressure. 
l Manifold vacuum gauge. l 12V test light. l A combination volt/ohmmeter l induction Ammeter. This is used for determin- 
ing whether or not there is current in a wire. These 
are handy for use if a wire is broken somewhere in a 
wiring harness. 
As a final note, vou will orobablv find a torque 
wrench necessary for all but the most basic work. 
The beam type models are perfectly adequate, al- 
though the newer click types (breakaway) are easier 
to use. The click type torque wrenches tend to be 
more expensive. Also keep in mind that all types of 
torque wrenches should be periodically checked 
and/or recalibrated. You will have to decide for your- 
self which better fits your pocketbook, and purpose. 
ilightly more sophisticated, they need not be outra- 
feously expensive. There are several inexpensive 
achldwell meters on the market that are every bit as 
Toad for the average mechanic as a professional 
nodel. Just be sure that it goes to a least 1200-1500 
pm on the tach scale and that it works on 4,6 and 8- 
:ylinder engines. The key to these purchases is to 
nake them with an eye towards adaptability and wide 
ange. A basic list of tune-up tools could include: 
l Tach/dwell meter. l Spark plug wrench and gapping tool. Normally, the use of special factory tools is 
avoided for repair procedures, since these are not 
readily available for the do-it-yourself mechanic. 
When it is possible to perform the job with more 
commonly available tools, it will be pointed out, but 
occasionally, a special tool was designed to perform 
a specific function and should be used. Before sub- 
stituting another tool, you should be convinced that 
neither your safety nor the performance of the vehicle 
will be compromised. 
Special tools can usually be purchased from an 
automotive parts store or from your dealer. In some 
cases special tools may be available directly from the 
tool manufacturer. 
p See Figures 16, 17, 16, and 19 
It is virtually impossible to anticipate all of the haz- 
ards involved with automotive maintenance and ser- 
vice, but care and common sense will prevent most 
accidents. 
The rules of safety for mechanics range from “don’t 
smoke around gasoline,” to “use the proper tool(s) for 
the job.” The trick to avoiding injuries is to develop 
safe work habits and to take every possible precaution. 
Do keep a fire extinguisher and first aid kit 
l handy. 
Do wear safety glasses or goggles when cut- l ting, drilling, grinding or prying, even if you have 
20-20 vision. If you wear glasses for the sake of vi- 
sion, wear safety goggles over your regular glasses. 
l Do shield your eyes whenever you work around 
the battery. Batteries contain sulfuric acid. In case of 
contact with the eyes or skin, flush the area with water 
or a mixture of water and baking soda, then seek im- 
mediate medical attention. 
l Do use safety stands (jackstands) for any un- 
dervehicle service. Jacks are for raising vehicles; 
jackstands are for making sure the vehicle stays 
raised until you want it to come down. Whenever the 
vehicle is raised, block the wheels remaining on the 
ground and set the parking brake. 
l Do use adequate ventilation when working 
with any chemicals or hazardous materials, Like car- 
bon monoxide, the asbestos dust resulting from 
some brake lining wear can be hazardous in suffi- 
cient quantities. 
l Do disconnect the negative battery cable when 
working on the electrical system. The secondary ig- nition system contains EXTREMELY HIGH VOLT- 
AGE. In some cases it can even exceed 50,000 volts. 
l Do follow manufacturer’s directions whenever 
working with potentially hazardous materials. Most 
chemicals and fluids are poisonous if taken inter- 
nally. 
l Do properly maintain your tools. Loose ham- 
merheads, mushroomed punches and chisels, frayed 
or poorly grounded electrical cords, excessively 
worn screwdrivers, spread wrenches (open end), 
cracked sockets, slipping ratchets, or faulty droplight 
sockets can cause accidents. 
* Likewise, keep your tools clean; a greasy 
wrench can slip off a bolt head, ruining the bolt and 
often harming your knuckles in the process. 
l Do use the proper size and type of tool for the 
job at hand. Do select a wrench or socket that fits the 
nut or bolt. The wrench or socket should sit straight, 
not cocked.  

1-6 GENERALINFORMATIONAND MAINTENANCE 
Fig. 16 Screwdrivers should be kept in good 
:ondition to prevent injury or damage which 
:ould result it the blade slips from the screw 
0 
0 
PP tccs1022 Fig. 16 Using the correct size wrench will 
help prevent the possibility of rounding off 
a nut 
7 
lwo.WIRE CouDuClOR TMREE-WIRE CONO”CTOI 
MIRD WIRE GROUNDING GROUNDING TNRU 
THE CASE A CmxlIT 
. 
i$Y$$pQ 
p-+ 
TNHREE-WIRE CONDUCTOR THREE-WIRE CONDUCTOR 
ONE WIRE TO 4 GROUND GROUNOlNG TMRU 
AN ADAPTER PLUG 
tccm21 
Fig. 17 Power tools should always be prop- 
erly grounded 
Fig. 19 NEVER work under a vehicle unless it 
is supported using safety stands (jackstands) 
l Do, when possible, pull on a wrench handle l Do set the parking brake and block the drive 
rather than push on it, and adjust your stance to pre- 
vent a fall. wheels if the work requires a running engine. 
l Do be sure that adjustable wrenches are 
tightly closed on the nut or bolt and pulled so that 
the force is on the side of the fixed jaw. 
l Do strike squarely with a hammer; avoid glanc- 
ing blows. l Don’t run the engine in a garage or anywhere 
else without proper ventilation-EVER! Carbon monoxide is poisonous; it takes a long time to leave 
the human body and you can build up a deadly sup- 
ply of it in your system by simply breathing in a !ittle 
every day. You may not realize you are slowly poi- 
soning yourself. Always use power vents, windows, 
fans and/or open the garage door. 
l Don’t work around moving parts while wearing 
loose clothing. Short sleeves are much safer than 
long, loose sleeves. Hard-toed shoes with neoprene 
soles protect your toes and give a better grip on slip- 
pery surfaces. Jewelry such as watches, fancy belt 
buckles, beads or body adornment of any kind is not 
safe working around a vehicle. Long hair should be 
tied back under a hat or cap. 
l Don’t use pockets for toolboxes. A fall or bump 
can drive a screwdriver deep into your body. Even a 
rag hanging from your back pocket can wrap around 
a spinning shaft or fan. 
l Don’t smoke when working around gasoline, 
cleaning solvent or other flammable material. 
l Don’t smoke when workrng around the battery. 
When the battery is being charged, it gives off explo- 
sive hydrogen gas. 
l Don’t use gasoline to wash your hands; there 
are excellent soaps available. Gasoline contains dan- 
gerous additives which can enter the body through a 
cut or through your pores. Gasoline also removes all 
the natural oils from the skin so that bone dry hands 
will suck up oil and grease. 
l Don’t service the air conditioning system un- 
less you are equipped with the necessary tools and 
trainmg. When liquid or compressed gas refrigerant 
is released to atmospheric pressure it will absorb 
heat from whatever it contacts. This will chill or freeze 
anything it touches. 
l Don’t use screwdrivers for anything other than 
driving screws! A screwdriver used as an prying tool 
can snap when you least expect it, causing injuries. 
At the very least, you’ll ruin a good screwdriver. 
. Don’t use an emergency jack (that little ratchet, 
scissors, or pantograph jack supplied with the vehi- 
cle) for anything other than changing a flat! These 
jacks are only Intended for emergency use out on the 
road; they are NOT designed as a maintenance tool. If 
you are serious about mamtaining your vehicle your- 
self, invest in a hydraulic floor jack of at least a 1% 
ton capacity, and at least two sturdy jackstands. 
sion which can increase the torque necessary to proper installation and safe operation of the vehicle 
achieve the desired clamp load for which that fastener afterwards. 
was originally selected. Additionally, be sure that the Thread gauges are available to help measure a bolt 
p See Figures 20, 21, 22, and 23 driver surface of the fastener has not been compro- or stud’s thread. Most automotive and hardware 
mised by rounding or other damage. In some cases a stores keep gauges available to help you select the 
Although there are a great variety of fasteners found driver surface may become only partially rounded, al- proper size. In a pinch, you can use another nut or 
in the modern car or truck, the most commonly used lowing the driver to catch in only one direction. In bolt for a thread gauge. If the bolt you are replacing is 
retainer is the threaded fastener (nuts, bolts, screws, many of these occurrences, a fastener may be in- not too badly damaged, you can select a match by 
studs, etc.). Most threaded retainers may be reused, stalled and tightened, but the driver would not be able finding another bolt which will thread in its place. If 
provided that they are not damaged in use or during to grip and loosen the fastener again. (This could lead you find a nut which threads properly onto the dam- 
the repair. Some retainers (such as stretch bolts or J to frustration down the line should that component aged bolt, then use that nut to help select the replace- 
torque prevailing nuts) are designed to deform when ever need to be disassembled again). ment bolt If however, the bolt you are replacing is so 
tightened or in use and should not be reinstalled. If you must replace a fastener, whether due to de- badly damaged (broken or drilled out) that its threads 
Whenever possible, we will note any special re- sign or damage, you must ALWAYS be sure to use cannot be used as a gauge, you might start by look- 
tainers which should be replaced during a procedure. the proper replacement In all cases, a retainer of the ing for another bolt (from the same assembly or a 
But you should always inspect the condition of a re- same design, material and strength should be used. similar location on your vehicle) which will thread 
tainer when It is removed and replace any that show Markings on the heads of most bolts will help deter- into the damaged bolt’s mounting. If so, the other bolt 
signs of damage. Check all threads for rust or corro- mine the proper strength of the fastener. The same 
can be used to select a nut; the nut can then be used 
material, thread and pitch must be selected to assure 
to select the replacement bolt.  

GENERALINFORMATIONAND MAlNTENAiCE I-7 
POZIDRIVE PHILLIPS RECESS 
TORX@ 
CLUTCH RECESS 
INDENTED HEXAGON HEXAGON TRIMMED HEXAGON WASHER HEAD 
tccs1037 
Fig. 20 Here are a few of the most common screw/bolt driver styles 
GRADE 8 MADE 2 GRADE 5 QRADE 8 GRADE 7 WADE 0 ALLEN CARRIAGE 
NUTS 
Q e 
PUIN JAM CASTLE 
(CASTELLATED) SELF-LOCKINQ 
SPEED 
FILLISTER 
LOCKWASHERS 
4% 43 Q c3 
INTERNAL EXTERNAL SPLIT PLAIN 
Toonl 
TQonl 
STUD 
Fig. 21 There are many different types of threaded retainers found on vehicles 
In all cases, be absolutely sure you have selected 
the proper replacement. Don’t be shy, you can always 
ask the store clerk for helo. 
Be aware that when you find a bolt with dam- 
aged threads, you may also find the nut or 
drilled hole it was threaded into has also 
been damaged. If this is the case, you may 
have to drill and tap the hole, replace the nut 
or otherwise repair the threads. NEVER try to 
force a replacement bolt to fit into the dam- 
aaed threads. 
Torque is defined as the measurement of resis- 
. 
tance to turning or rotating. It tends to twist a body 
about an axis of rotation. A common example of this 
would be tightening a threaded retainer such as a nut, 
bolt or screw. Measuring torque is one of the most 
common ways to help assure that a threaded retainer 
has been properly fastened. 
When tightening a threaded fastener, torque is ap- 
plied in three distinct areas, the head, the bearing 
surface and the clamp load. About 50 percent of the 
measured torque is used in overcoming bearing fric- 
tion This is the friction between the bearing surface of the bolt head, screw head or nut face 
and the base 
material or washer (the surface on which the fastener 
is rotating). Approximately 40 percent of the applied 
torque is used in overcoming thread friction. This 
leaves only about 10 percent of the applied torque to 
develop a useful clamp load (the force which holds a 
joint together). This means that friction can account 
for as much as 90 percent of the applied torque on a 
fastener. 
TORQUE WRENCHES 
ti See Figures 24 and 25 
In most applications, a torque wrench can be used 
to assure proper installation of a fastener. Torque 
wrenches come in various designs and most auto- 
motive supply stores will carry a variety to suit your 
needs. A torque wrench should be used any time we 
supply a specific torque value for a fastener. A torque 
wrench can also be used if you are following the gen- 
eral guidelines In the accompanying charts. Keep in 
mind that because there is no worldwide standardiza- 
tion of fasteners, the charts are a general guideline 
A - Length 
B - Diameter (major diameter) 
C - Threads per inch or mm 
D - Thread length 
E - Size of the wrench required 
F - Root diameter (minor diameter) 
IccSlO3l 
Fig. 22 Threaded retainer sizes are deter 
mined using these measurements 
E - DCTERNAL tm1016 Yg. 23 Special fasteners such as these 
font@’ head bolts are used by manufactur- 
?rs to discourage people from working on 
rehicles without the proper tools  

. 
l-10 GENERALINFORMATIONAND MAINTENANCE 
which are available today will have two scales so the 
The conversion factor chart is used by taking the 
Standard or Metric measurements may easily be given specification and multiplying it by the neces- 
taken. If any of the various measuring tools which are sary conversion factor. For instance, looking at the 
available to you do not contain the same scale as first line, if you have a measurement in inches such 
listed in the specifications, use the accompanying 
as “free-play should be 2 in.” but your ruler reads 
conversion factors to determine the proper value. only in millimeters, multiply 2 in. by the conversion factor of 25.4 to get the metric equivalent of 50.8mm. 
Likewise, if the specification was given only in a Met- 
ric measurement, for example in Newton Meters 
(Nm), then look at the center column first. If the mea- 
surement is 100 Nm, multiply it by the conversion 
factor of 0.738 to get 73.8 ft. Ibs. 
b See Figures 32,33, and 34 
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located 
on a plate which is attached to the left top side of the 
instrument panel. These numbers are visible from the 
outside of the vehicle. All Vehicle Identification Num- 
bers contain 17 digits. The vehicle number is a code 
which tells country, make, vehicle type, engine, body 
and many other important characteristics of that spe- 
cific vehicle. 
There is also a vehicle information code plate 
which is riveted to the bulkhead in the engine com- 
partment. The plate shows the VIN, model code, en- 
gine model, transaxle model and body color codes. 
The engine code used on this plate differs from the 
code letter used in the 8th position of the Vehicle 
Identification Number (VIN). Either code can be used 
to identify the particular engine in the vehicle. Since 
the vehicle owners card is usually carried, it may be if the engine is equipped with a turbocharger. If the 
8th VIN number is a U, there is no doubt that the en- 
gine in question is a 2.OL DOHC engine equipped 
with a turbocharger. 
The engine codes found on the vehicle information 
code plate are as follows: 
l 4G15--1.5L SOHC engine l 4G61-1.6L DOHC engine l 4G93-1.8L SOHC engine l 4G63-2.OL (SOHC or DOHC) engine l 4G64-2.4L (SOHC or DOHC) engine l 6G72-3.OL (SOHC or DOHC) engine l 6G74-3.5L DOHC engine 
A vehicle safety certification label is attached to 
the face of the left door pillar post. This label indi- 
cates the month and year of manufacture, Gross Ve- 
hicle Weight Rating (GRVW) front and rear, and Ve- 
hicle Identification Number (VIM). 4 character code as on the vehicle information code 
plate is used. The engine serial number is also 
stamped near the engine model number. As men- 
tioned above, the engine can also be identified by the 
8th digit in the VIN number. 
The transaxle model code is located on the vehicle 
information code plate. The transaxle identification 
number is etched on a boss located on the front up- 
per portion of the case. 
The code for the drive axle is etched on a boss lo- 
cated on the case of the differential carrier. 
easier to use the code letter in the VIN for engine ref- 
erence. A second reason for referring to the VIN for 
engine identification is that code 4663, located on 
the vehicle information code plate, does identify the 
engine as a 2.OL DOHC engine, but does not tell you ) See Figure 35 
The engine model number is stamped at the front 
side on the top edge of the cylinder block. The same 
Fig. 32 The Vehicle Identification Number 
g3’51p’o  of the instrument panel _I:^1 / Fig. 33 The vehicle model, engine model, 
(VIN) plate is attached to the top left side 
bansaxle model, and body color code are all 
noted on the vehicle information code plate 
ENGINE AND VEHiCLE IDENTlFlCATlON 
EnglnCode 
ModelYerr 
todeal 
LIten (cc) 
Cu. In. W. Fuel+ Type m.hWg. Code@ Year ,G15JA 1.5 (1468) 92 4 MFI SOHC Mitsubishi 
L 1990 
IG61N 1.6(15QQ) 98 4 MFI DOHC 
Mitsubishi M 1991 
1G93lC 1.8 (1834) 112 4 MFI SOHC Mitsubishi N 1992 
IG63N 2.0 (1997) 122 4 MFI SOHC “-Mitsubishi P 
1993 
!G63Fi 2.0 (1997) 122 4 MFI DOHC Mitsubishi 
R 1994 
,G63iU 2.0 (1997) 122 4 MFI-Tuibo DOHC Mitsubishi 
S 1995 
.GMffi 2.4 (2351) 143 4 MFI SOHC 
Mitsubishi T 1996 
iG64L 2.4 (2351) 143 4 MFI DOHC Mitsubishi V 
lEzH 3.0 1997 
(2972) 161 6 MFI SOHC Mitsubishi W  1998 
;G7ZJ 3.0 (2Q72) 161 6 MFI GQHC Mitsubishi 
~.. X 1999 
iG7zL 3.0 (2972) 181 
~  6 MFI SOHC ___-___  Miisubishi 
Y 2000 
iG74lP 3.5 (3497) 213 6 MFI SOHC Miisubishi 
The transfer case has no separate model code, the 
code is located on the transaxle. The transfer case is 
onlv eoUiODed on manual transaxle All Wheel Drive 
(AWD)‘mbdels. 
Fig. 34 Your car should have a vehicle 
Fig. 35 Engine model number location- 
4663 (2.OL) engine shown  

l 
1-18 GENERALINFORMATIONAND MAINTENANCE 
the clamps and remove the cables, negative cable 
first. On batteries with posts on top, the use of a 
puller specially made for this purpose is recom- 
mended. These are inexoensive and available in most alternator or turn the adjusting bolt to adjust belt ten- 
sion. Once the desired value is reached, secure the 
bolt or locknut and recheck tension. 
d”t” lJdlL> X”lt;>. 31°C LtXlllllldl lJdllt2)’ MLJIC, dlt’ X- cured with a small bolt. ST& I REMOVAL &INSTALLATION 
Clean the cable clamps and the battery terminal I 
with a wire brush, until all corrosion, grease, etc., is 
removed and the metal is shinv. It is esneciallv imnnr- 
tant to c 
knife is useful nere), since a smart 
material or oxidation there will pre  Clean the cable clamps and the battery terminal 
with a wire brush, until all corrosion, grease, etc., is 
removed and the metal is shiny. It is especially impor- 
tant to clean the inside of the clamp thoroughly (an old 
knife is useful here), since a small deposit of foreign 
material or oxidation there will prevent a sound electri- 
cal connection and inhibit either starting or charging. 
Special tools are available for cleaning these parts, 
one type for conventional top post batteries and an- 
other type for side terminal batteries. It is also a good 
idea to apply some dielectric grease to the terminal, as 
this will aid in the prevention of corrosion, 
After the clamps and terminals are clean, reinstall 
the cables, negative cable last; DO NOT hammer the 
clamps onto battery posts. Tighten the clamps se- 
curely, but do not distort them. Give the clamps and 
terminals a thin external coating of grease after in- 
stallation, to retard corrosion. 
Check the cables at the same time that the terminals 
are cleaned. If the cable insulation is cracked or bro- 
ken, or if the ends are frayed, the cable should be re- 
placed with a new cable of the same length and gauge. 
CHARGING 
the cables, negative cable last; DO NOT hammer the 
curely, but do not distort them. Give the clamps and 
terminals a thin external coating of grease after in- 
stallation, to retard corrosion. 
Check the cables at the same time that the terminals 
are cleaned. If the cable insulation is cracked or bro- 
ken, or if the ends are frayed, the cable should be re- 
placed with a new cable of the same length and aauae. 
CHARGING 
Fig. 62 mere are typically 3 types of ac- 
cessory drive belts found on vehicles today 1. Loosen the alternator support nut. 
2. Loosen the adjuster lock bolt. 
3. Rotate the adjuster bolt counter clockwise to 
I .I , . . . * . . 
I Tn i”et*ll*  Fig. 62 There are typically 3 types of ac- 
Fig. 64 Deep cracks in this belt will cause 
flex, building up heat that will eventually 11, 1.8L, 2.OL and 2.4L Engines 
cal connection and inhibit either starting or charging. 
Special tools are available for cleaning these parts, 
one type for conventional top post batteries and an- 
other type for side terminal batterin, I+ if QI@* 3 nnnd 
idea to apply some dielectric grr 
this will aid in the prevention of ,,vIIuaIUII. 
After the clamps and terminals are clean, reinstall 1.5L, 1.6 
AL TERNA TOR BE1 T 
e See Figures 67,68, and 69 
1. Loosen the alternator support nut. 
2. Loosen the adjuster lock bolt. 
3. Rotate the adjuster bolt counter clockwise to 
release the tension on the belt. 
4. Remove the belt. 
To install: 
5. Install the belt on the pulleys. 
6. Rotate the adjuster bolt clockwise until the 
proper tension is reached. 
7. Tighten the adjuster lock bolt and the alternator 
support nut. 
POWER STEERING BELT 
8 See Figures 70 and 71 
1. Remove the alternator belt as described above. 
2. Loosen the power steering pump adjusting 
bolts. 
3. Remove the power steering oumo fixed bolt on 
R Rntatn the cxiillrtm hnit A&+,& until the r -r- .- .- ._.. ._ .______ 
7. Tighten the adjuster lock bolt and the alternator 
support nut. 
POWER STEERING BELT 
1 ..“‘.I ““..Y...Y up II”“. ..IU. ..m.* 
1 lead to belt failure V. 
I 
I 
The chemical reaction which takes place in -  1 the rear of the bracket. 
4. Rotate the pump toward the engine and remove 
the belt. 
all batteries generates explosive hydrogen 
gas. A spark can cause the battery to explode 
and splash acid. To avoid serious personal 
injury, be sure there is proper ventilation and 
take appropriate fire safety precautions when 
connecting, disconnecting, or charging a bat- 
tery and when using jumper cables. To fnstall: 
5. Install the belt on the pulleys. 
A battery should be charged at a slow rate to keep 
the plates inside from getting too hot. However, if 
some maintenance-free batteries are allowed to dis- 
charge until they are almost “dead,” they may have to 
be charged at a high rate to bring them back to “life.” 
Always follow the charger manufacturers instructions 
on charging the battery. 85 The cover of this belt ex- 
Fig. is worn, 
REPLACEMENT 
When it becomes necessary to reolace thn haeoN 
‘” yyL’“‘J’  I or oreMer 
select one with an amperage rating equal tc . 
a ---- 
than the battery originally installed. Deterioration and 
just plain aging of the battery cables, starter motor, 
and associated wires makes the battery’s job harder 
in successive years. The slow increase in electrical 
resistance over time makes it prudent to install a new 
battery with a greater capacity than the old. 1 Fig. 67 Loosen the adjuster lock bolt . . . 
I ‘- 
I -. -_ tm1217 Fig. 66 Installing too wide a belt can resylt 
in serious belt wear and/or breakage 
the belt and run outward. All worn or damaged drive 
belts should be replaced immediately. It is best to re- 
place all drive belts at one time, as a preventive 
uring this service operation.  maintenance measure, d 
- ADJUSTMENT : * 
INSPECTION Excessive belt tension will cause damage to the al- 
e See Figures 62, 83, 64, 65, and 88 
Inspect the belts for signs of glazing or cracking. A 
glazed belt will be perfectly smooth from slippage, 
while a good belt will have a slight texture of fabric 
visible. Cracks will usually start at the inner edge of pulley bearings, while, on 
It tension will 
Droduce slin ternator and water pump 
the other hand, loose be 
r ------ r 
and premature wear on the belt. Therefore, be sure to 
adjust the belt tension to the proper level. 
To 
adjust the tension ’ ’ ’ ” ’ ‘* adjusting bolt or fixing b 
alternator bracket or tens on a onve Den. loosen me I Fig. 68 . . . then 
from the engine remove the alternator 
bolt locknut on the alternator, 
iion pulley. Then move the  

GENERAL INFORMATION AND MAlNTENANdE l-19 
792UQ4 Fig. 69 Accessory V-belt routing-Mii 
subishf 1.6L, 1.6L,-1.6L, 2.OL and 2.4L en 
gines 
33151PM Fig. 70 After the adjusting and fixed bolt! 
are loosened, rotate the pump . . . 
/ F$71t immtl$mm&a the power ::: 6. Rotate the pump until the proper tension is 
reached. 
7. Tighten the adjusting bolts on the pump. 
8. Tighten the fixed bolt on the rear of the bracket. 
9. Install the alternator belt. 
A/r: COMPRESSOIl BEL f 
1. Loosen the tension oullev and remove the belt. 
2. The installation is the reverse of the removal. 
.3.gL DGHC, 3.OL SOHC (Gaiant models 
only) and 3.5L Engines 4. Remove the belt. 
To install: 
5. Install the belt on the crankshaft and alternator 
pulleys. 
6. Using the adjusting bolt on the tensioner, 
tighten the belt to the desired tension. 
7. Tighten the fixing nut to hold the adjustment. 
8. Install the undercover and lower the vehicle to 
_, 
the tloor. 
9. Connect the negative battery cable. 
POWER SliEERlNG BEL f 
6 See Figures 72 and 73 1. Disconnect the neaative batteN cah+P 
-I 
Wait at least 60 seconds after the negative 
battery cable is disconnected to prevent poS- 
sibie deployment of the air bag. 
2. Raise and safely support the vehicle and re- 
mob re the undercover. 
3. Remove the alternator and NC compressor 
belt. 
4. Lower the vehicle and remove the cruise con- 
trol oumn link iW%mblV. 79244Q.37 
-- I-- r ---- - _I 
Fig. 72 Serpentine belt routing-Mitsubishi 5. Place the power steering hose under the oil 
reservoir. 
3.OL engines (except 1696-00 Galant mod- 
6. 
Loosen the tension pulley fixing bolts and re- 
els) 
Generator pulP 
1 move the power steering pump drive belt. 
To install: 
1 7. install the Dower steerina oumu r+r+v~ hp++ 
8. Insert an extension bar &eoufvaik;;t”f;;id‘he 
opening at the end of the tension pulley bracket and 
pivot the pulley to apply tension to the belt. 
9. Tighten the fixing bolts. 
10. Raise the vehicle and install the alternator and 
compressor belt. 
Il. Install the undercover and lower +hfi vph+r+p 
.I,., .VII.“.Y. 
12. Connect the negative battery cable. 
I 3.OL SGHC (Diamante Models Onivl Enotne 
I ,r ” 1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. 
2.’ Loosen the lockbolt on the face nf the A/C _ __.- tensioner pulley. 
3 
Turn the adiustina bolt of the A/C +fincrnner 
pulley to loosen the tension of the A/C belt. 
4. Remove the A/C compressor belt. 
5. 
Loosen the locknut on the face of the power 
to loosen the tc 
7. Remov 
Fig. 73 Accessory V-belt routing-Mitsubishi 
3.5L and 1996-00 3.OL SOHC Galant en- 
gines steering/alternator tensloner pulley. 
6. Turn the adjusting bolt of the tensioner pulley 
msion of the belt. 
‘e the power steering/alternator belt. 
To install: 
8. Install the power steering/alternator belt first 
.* .* . ,^ 
ssor drive belt.  ana tnen tne A/ti compre: 
9. Adjust the belts t+ 
ing the adjusting bolts anu 
II~IIWII pueey tlxmg  I the proper tension by turn- 
A.:-L I-..-.. I,^, .’ 
nut/bolt. 
10. Tighten the mounting nut of the power steer- 
ing/alternator tensioner pulley to 36 ft. Ibs. (50 Nm). 
Wait at least 60 seconds after the negative 
battery cable is disconnected to prevent pos- 
sible deployment of the air bag. -The manufacturer does not provide a 
torque specification for the bolt that secures 
A/C tensioner pulley. 
2. Raise and safely support the vehicle and re- 11. Connect the negative battery cable. 
move the front undercover. 
3. Loosen the tension pulley fixing nut and relieve 
the tension on the belt by turning the adjusting bolt.  

l-22 GENERALINFORMATIONAND MAINTENANCE 
tears. If the boot is damaged, it should be replaced 
trode is to the block’s cooling passages) the cooler it 
your driving is long distance, high speed travel, use a 
immediately. Please refer to Section 7 for procedures. 
will operate. A plug that absorbs little heat and re- 
colder plug; if most of your driving is stop and go, 
mains too cool will quickly accumulate deposits of 
use a hotter plug. Original equipment plugs are gen- 
oil and carbon since it is not hot enough to burn 
erally a good compromise between the 2 styles and 
them off. This leads to plug fouling and consequently 
most people never have the need to change their 
to misfiring. A plug that absorbs too much heat will 
plugs from the factory-recommended heat range. 
ti See Figure 88 have no deposits but, due to the excessive heat, the 
,electrodes will burn away quickly and might possibly 
REMOVAL &INSTALLATION 
A typical spark plug consists of a metal shell sur- lead to preignition or other ignition problems. Preig- 
rounding a ceramic insulator. A metal electrode ex- nition takes place when plug tips get so hot that they 
ti See Figures 90 thru 95 
tends downward through the center of the insulator glow sufficiently to ignite the air/fuel mixture before 
and protrudes a small distance. Located at the end of the actual spark occurs. This early ignition will usu- A set of spark plugs usually requires replacement 
the plug and attached to the side of the outer metal ally cause a pinging during low speeds and heavy after about 20,000-30,000 miles (32,000-48,000 
shell is the side electrode. The side electrode bends loads. km), depending on your style of driving. In normal 
in at a 90” angle so that its tip is just past and paral- The general rule of thumb for choosing the correct operation plug gap increases about 0.001 in. 
lel to the tio of the center electrode. The distance be- heat range when picking a spark plug is: if most of (0.025mrn) for every 2,500 miles 
(4,000 km). As the 
tween these two electrodes (measured in thousandths 
of an inch or hundredths of a millimeter) is called the 
spark piug gap. 
The spark plug does not produce a spark, but in- 
steed provides a gap across which the current can 
arc. The coil produces anywhere from 20,000 to 
50,000 volts (depending on the type and application) 
which travels through the wires to the spark plugs. 
The current passes along the center electrode and 
jumps the gap to the side electrode, and in doing so, 
ignites the air/fuel mixture in the combustion charn- 
ber. 
SPARKPLUG HEATRANGE 
ti See Figure 89 
Spark plug heat range is the ability of the plug to 
dissipate heat. The longer the insulator (or the farther 
INSULATOR CRACKS 
OFTEN OCCUR HERE 
SIDE ELECTRODE ENTER ELECTRODE: 
(SEND TO ADJUST GAP) FILE FLAT WHEN 
ADJUSTING GAP; 
DO NOT BEND 
Fig. 88 Cross-section of a spark plug 
it extends into the engine), the hotter the plug will 
operate; the shorter the insulator (the closer the elec- Fig. 90 Carefully twist the boot end of the 
I 
spark plug wire and withdraw the spark plug 
wire boot from the cylinder head 
Fig. 92 A locking extension such as this is 
extremely helpful when removing spark 
plugs that are centrally located in the cyhn- 
Fig. 94 . . . 
then carefully withdraw the 
spark plug from the engine Fig. 91 A special spark plug socket with a 
rubber insert is required to remove the 
spark plugs. Typically the spark plugs 
re- 
quire a Ya spark plug socket 
Fig, 93 Using the appropriate sized spark 
plug socket, necessary extensions and drive 
tools, loosen the spark plug . . . 
93151ptxl Fig. 95 After removing the plug from the en- 
gine, inspect it using the spark plug condi- 
tion chart in this section to determine the 
running condition of your engine