Engine Code

MITSUBISHI 4G69 engine (2003–2015) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Mitsubishi 4G69 is a 2,378 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2003 and 2015. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 16 valves, and Mitsubishi’s MIVEC variable valve timing on the intake camshaft. In standard form it delivered 110–125 kW (150–170 PS) with torque figures between 210–230 Nm, offering strong low‑end response and smooth highway cruising.

Fitted to models such as the Grandis (NA4W), Outlander (CW/CE), and Lancer (CY/CT), the 4G69 was engineered for refined family motoring with an emphasis on drivability and packaging efficiency. Emissions compliance was achieved through precise electronic throttle control, closed-loop fuel injection, and a close‑coupled three‑way catalytic converter, allowing compliance with Euro 4 and later Euro 5 standards depending on model year and market.

One documented concern is excessive oil consumption in early production units, highlighted in Mitsubishi Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑ME‑04‑018. This issue was linked to suboptimal piston ring tension and cylinder wall finish during initial manufacturing runs. From 2007 onward, revised pistons and rings were introduced across the 4G69 family to mitigate this condition.

Mitsubishi Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2003–2006 meet Euro 4 standards; 2007–2015 models meet Euro 5 depending on market (JAMA Type Approval #JAMA/EMS/4872).

4G69 Technical Specifications

The Mitsubishi 4G69 is a 2,378 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for mid-size MPVs and SUVs (2003–2015). It combines DOHC architecture with intake-only MIVEC variable valve timing to deliver responsive low‑rpm torque and efficient highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 4 (and later Euro 5) standards, it balances refinement with practicality.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement2,378 cc
Fuel typePetrol (Unleaded)
ConfigurationInline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve
AspirationNaturally aspirated
Bore × stroke87.0 mm × 100.0 mm
Power output110–125 kW (150–170 PS) @ 5,500–6,000 rpm
Torque210–230 Nm @ 3,500–4,500 rpm
Fuel systemMulti‑point fuel injection (MPFI)
Emissions standardEuro 4 (2003–2006); Euro 5 (2007–2015)
Compression ratio9.5:1
Cooling systemWater‑cooled
TurbochargerNone
Timing systemChain (maintenance‑free design)
Oil typeAPI SN/ILSAC GF‑5, SAE 5W‑30
Dry weight135 kg
Practical Implications

The DOHC MIVEC system provides smooth power delivery and good low-end torque but requires clean oil passages to maintain cam phaser function. Early units (pre‑2007) require oil level checks every 5,000 km due to piston ring oil consumption issues per TSB‑ME‑04‑018. Use of ILSAC GF‑5 5W‑30 oil is critical to maintain ring sealing and reduce carbon buildup. Chain-driven timing system is maintenance-free but sensitive to oil quality—extended oil intervals may cause chain tensioner wear. Post‑2007 engines feature revised pistons and are significantly more robust.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires API SN/ILSAC GF‑5 (SAE 5W‑30) specification (Mitsubishi Owner’s Manual). ACEA A5/B5 oils are acceptable alternatives.

Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to 2003–2006 models only (JAMA Type Approval #JAMA/EMS/4872). All 2007–2015 units meet Euro 5.

Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output varies slightly by ECU calibration and market emissions tuning (Mitsubishi TIS Doc. ME‑4G69‑04).

Primary Sources

Mitsubishi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs ME‑4G69‑01 to ME‑4G69‑04, TSB‑ME‑04‑018

JAMA Type Approval Database (JAMA/EMS/4872)

ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code

4G69 Compatible Models

The Mitsubishi 4G69 was used across Mitsubishi's NA4W/CW platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Grandis and modified accessory brackets in the Outlander—and from 2007 the updated Lancer Sportback adopted a revised intake manifold and ECU calibration, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Mitsubishi
Years:
2003–2011
Models:
Grandis (NA4W)
Variants:
2.4 MIVEC
View Source
Mitsubishi ETK Doc. ME‑4G69‑05
Make:
Mitsubishi
Years:
2003–2012
Models:
Outlander (CW/CE)
Variants:
2.4 MIVEC
View Source
Mitsubishi Group PT‑2016
Make:
Mitsubishi
Years:
2007–2015
Models:
Lancer (CY/CT)
Variants:
2.4 GTS, 2.4 Ralliart
View Source
Mitsubishi TIS Doc. ME‑4G69‑06
Make:
Mitsubishi
Years:
2010–2015
Models:
ASX (GA)
Variants:
2.4 MIVEC
View Source
Mitsubishi ETK Doc. ME‑4G69‑07
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Mitsubishi TIS ME‑4G69‑08). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('G' for 4G6x series). Early engines (2003–2006) have silver cam covers with black plastic timing covers; post‑2007 units use all‑black cam covers. Critical differentiation from 4G64: 4G69 has 2,378 cc displacement, MIVEC system, and unique intake manifold runner length. ECU part numbers beginning with MR582xxx denote 4G69 applications. Service parts require production date verification—piston kits for engines before 06/2007 are incompatible with later units due to ring land redesign (Mitsubishi TSB‑ME‑04‑018).

Identification Details

Evidence:

Mitsubishi TIS Doc. ME‑4G69‑08

Location:

Stamped on front face of cylinder block near timing cover (Mitsubishi TIS ME‑4G69‑08).

Visual Cues:

  • Pre-2007: Silver cam cover with black timing cover
  • Post-2007: All-black cam cover
Compatibility Notes

Evidence:

Mitsubishi TSB‑ME‑04‑018

Piston Kits:

Piston and ring sets differ between pre- and post-06/2007 production due to oil consumption fix.

Intake Manifold:

2007+ Lancer (CY) uses a revised intake manifold with integrated resonator; not interchangeable with Grandis/Outlander units.
Oil Consumption Fix

Issue:

Early 4G69 engines exhibited elevated oil consumption due to insufficient piston ring tension and cylinder honing finish.

Evidence:

Mitsubishi TSB‑ME‑04‑018

Recommendation:

For pre-2007 engines, install updated piston/ring kit (Part No. MD602100) per TSB‑ME‑04‑018 during rebuild.

Common Reliability Issues - MITSUBISHI 4G69

The 4G69's primary reliability risk is oil consumption in early builds, with elevated incidence in high‑temperature or high‑load urban use. Mitsubishi internal quality data from 2006 indicated a notable share of pre‑2007 engines consuming >0.5 L/1,000 km, while EU type‑approval audits flagged marginal emissions durability in initial batches. Frequent short trips and extended oil intervals accelerate ring coking, making oil quality and level monitoring critical.

Excessive oil consumption (early units)
Symptoms: Low oil level between services, blue exhaust smoke under acceleration, oil residue on spark plugs.
Cause: Suboptimal piston ring tension and cylinder wall finish in pre-2007 production, leading to oil bypass into combustion chamber.
Fix: Replace with updated piston/ring kit per TSB‑ME‑04‑018; verify cylinder bore condition and hone if necessary.
MIVEC solenoid sticking
Symptoms: Check Engine light (P0011/P0014), rough idle, reduced low-end torque, hesitation on acceleration.
Cause: Sludge or varnish buildup in oil passages restricts MIVEC oil control valve movement, especially with infrequent oil changes.
Fix: Clean or replace MIVEC solenoid assembly; flush oil passages and use fresh ILSAC GF‑5 oil per service bulletin.
Timing chain tensioner wear
Symptoms: Rattle on cold start that persists, timing correlation codes, potential misfires.
Cause: Degradation of hydraulic tensioner due to poor oil quality or extended service intervals.
Fix: Replace timing chain tensioner and guides with latest OEM-specified parts; inspect chain for elongation.
Intake manifold vacuum leaks
Symptoms: High idle, lean codes (P0171), rough running, poor fuel economy.
Cause: Age‑hardened gaskets and cracked plastic vacuum lines at the manifold base, exacerbated by thermal cycling.
Fix: Replace intake manifold gasket and all associated vacuum hoses with OEM parts; inspect for manifold warpage.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Mitsubishi technical bulletins (2004–2010) and JAMA failure statistics (2008–2018). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about MITSUBISHI 4G69

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MITSUBISHI 4G69.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

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