FTO Workshop Tips


The FTO is, despite its age and relative complexity,  like most other Japanese vehicles, a pretty reliable beast. From our experience, problems often arise when the inherent Mitsubishi reliability is compromised by sloppy maintenance or simply duff repairs . We would suggest a service interval of ideally 6 months or 6000 miles and no longer than 9 months or 9000 miles. You should alternate an interim or oil service with a major service where, in addition, all brakes are stripped and cleaned. Don't forget that there are differing service schedules for the replacement of  timing belt, spark plugs, auto transmission fluid, brake fluid and engine coolant. 

Mechanically, there are 3 main versions of the FTO
      
GS -  4 cylinder 1800cc 16v DOHC engine - 130bhp

GR/GX - V6 2.0 24v non Mivec engine - 170/180bhp


GPX/GPvR - V6 2.0 24v Mivec engine - 200bhp
The extra 20bhp or so is courtesy of electronically controlled variable cam lift and timing.


The Mivec engine can be distinguished from it's lesser brethren by the large black plastic engine cover handily displaying the words MIVEC in bright red letters. A second, perhaps redundant, check is the location of the oil filler cap. On the non-Mivec engines this is on the nearside (passenger side) of the front bank of cylinders, whereas with the Mivec engines the oil filler cap is on the offside or drivers side. I have purposely not used left and right, as these terms are generally accepted as viewed from the driver's seat and in this case your head's under the bonnet.

Cosmetically there are 2 versions of the FTO

             

The original version of the FTO ran from 1994 until 1996 under the guises of GS, GR and GPX, available in both 5 speed manual and the much more popular, in Japan anyway, 4 speed tiptronic auto versions.  

Except for the comparatively unloved 4 cylinder 1.8 GS model, a facelift version was introduced in 1997 for the remaining 2 litre models. This later offering can be identified by a different front bumper and the ovalish combined front sidelight, indicator and foglight arrangement gave way to separate round front fog lamps and front indicators with the side light migrating to the headlamp cluster.

 Whilst the MIVEC engined GPX retained its name from 1994 onwards, the GR was replaced by the face-lifted GX model from 1997onwards. The GP version R was only available in facelift form from 1997 and is essentially a stripped down lightweight version of the GPX with different interior trim and more angular rear spoiler. 

Although the pre and post facelift FTOs are broadly similar, under the skin there are quite a number of important changes, the most significant being the adoption of 5 speed for the tiptronic models.  


The following information is based on over 30 years in the motor trade and 10 years experience with FTOs. This advice should help you make a more informed decision regarding parts purchase and may also be useful for any DIY'ers out there.

Please click on the appropriate green link below.

Engine

Brakes

Suspension

Exhausts

Alternatively, if you are sick of stabbing yourself in the hand with a screwdriver, then you may wish to avail yourself of our workshop services.

SMC Workshop Services


We have over 10 years of experience servicing and repairing FTOs and we are proud to say we have countless satisfied customers, and many positive mentions on owner's club forums. 

In addition to routine servicing, repairs and MOT preparation, we also carry out the following:

spark plug change
timing belt fitted
auxiliary belts fitted
hydraulic lifters fitted
MIVEC valve clearances
alternators and starter motors fitted
exhaust systems supplied and fitted
auto transmission fluid changes
suspension bushes and links fitted
clutches supplied and fitted
air conditioning system diagnosis and re-gassing.

For straightforward, honest and professional attention please call Malcolm on 0191 586 7724



Technical Advice - Important 
If you are an existing cars sales, workshop or parts customer then our usual courteous technical advice service remains the same.

In principle we have no problem giving free advice to all, after all we recognise that you may be a future customer, but this facility has been abused recently by some callers. Before phoning, please read the workshop tips. If these do not cover your particular problem, then send us an email using the link at the bottom of this page, with the full details of your car, including the VIN, plus a brief description of the symptoms. 

We will endeavour to reply to all emails within 24 hours. 

For more urgent technical enquiries please call 07973 144 589

WARNING  
 If you have bought your parts elsewhere, and you still think that calling us for fitting advice is entirely acceptable, please don't be surprised if you encounter a forthright response. 

IMPORTANT
Although we have been very careful in the compilation of our advice pages,  we cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage caused if you decide to follow the advice contained herein. Don't tackle any any jobs unless you are confident that you fully understand the complexity of the task you are undertaking. Make sure that you have the correct tools and never, ever work under an unsupported vehicle. If you are not completely confident that you can finish the job, then it should be entrusted to a specialist.

If you feel that there are any errors on any aspect of this page, or simply wish to comment, please call Malcolm on 0191 586 7724 

or you can email us here


WANTED FTO ALTERNATORS
We require old FTO alternators for reconditioning.
Both 2 pin and 4 pin, any condition as long as casing is undamaged and not excessively corroded.
CASH WAITING
Please call Malcolm on 0191 586 7724


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