1997 MITSUBISHI FTO

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: loud ticking or tapping at idle, especially when cold, check engine light with cam position sensor codes, loss of power in high RPM range, metallic rattling on startup

Fix: MIVEC system relies on tight tolerances and clean oil. Neglected oil changes cause lifter collapse and cam lobe wear. Full repair requires heads-off, all lifters replaced, camshafts inspected/replaced, and head resurface if damaged. 18-24 labor hours for complete job with both heads.

Estimated cost: $3,500-6,000

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: clunking when shifting or accelerating, excessive vibration at idle in gear, visible engine movement when revving, difficult shifter engagement

Fix: Rubber transmission mount deteriorates and tears, allowing drivetrain to move excessively. Replacement is straightforward but requires supporting the transmission. 2-3 labor hours including alignment check.

Estimated cost: $250-450

Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: white smoke from exhaust, coolant loss with no visible leaks, overheating under load, oil contamination in coolant reservoir, rough idle and misfire codes

Fix: V6 head gaskets fail from age and heat cycling, especially if coolant maintenance was deferred. Requires both heads removed, resurfaced, new gaskets, timing belt replacement while apart. Budget 16-20 labor hours. Often find warped heads needing machine work.

Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: transmission fluid drips near radiator area, burnt smell after driving, slipping gears or delayed engagement, low fluid level on dipstick

Fix: Steel lines and rubber hoses to the external cooler corrode and crack. Leaks cause transmission starvation and overheating. Replace all cooler lines and flush system. 2-3 labor hours, but if transmission damage occurred from low fluid, rebuild needed.

Estimated cost: $300-600 for lines only, $2,000-3,500 if transmission damaged

Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: visible wobble of crankshaft pulley, serpentine belt shredding repeatedly, vibration felt throughout car at all speeds, squealing or chirping from front of engine

Fix: Rubber damper ring separates from hub, causing pulley wobble and potential timing belt damage. Requires crankshaft pulley puller and timing belt removal for access. 3-4 labor hours, replace timing belt while in there.

Estimated cost: $450-800

Symptoms: hesitation under acceleration, stumbling at high RPM, hard starting when hot, fuel pump whining louder than normal

Fix: Many FTOs imported with old fuel or sediment in tank from sitting. In-tank filter clogs, starving fuel pump. Requires dropping tank to access pump assembly and clean/replace filter. 2-3 labor hours.

Estimated cost: $250-450