The Mitsubishi 4G94 (GDI) is a 1,999 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1996 and 2007. It features an aluminum block, DOHC 16‑valve architecture, and Mitsubishi’s pioneering gasoline direct injection (GDI) system. In standard form it delivered 103–108 kW (140–147 PS) and 185–190 Nm of torque, with stratified-charge lean-burn capability for improved urban fuel economy.
Fitted to models such as the Galant (E5#), Legnum (EA#), and Carisma (DA#), the 4G94 (GDI) was engineered for efficiency-focused performance in compact and mid-size sedans. Emissions compliance was achieved through precise high-pressure direct injection, exhaust gas recirculation, and lean NOx traps, meeting Japanese ECV and European Euro 2/Euro 3 standards.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves due to the absence of fuel washing over the ports, highlighted in Mitsubishi Technical Service Bulletin TSB-ENG-98-021. This issue was linked to the GDI system’s inherent design and exacerbated by short-trip urban driving. From 2001 onward, Mitsubishi introduced revised injector spray patterns and updated ECU logic to mitigate deposit formation.
Production years 1996–2000 meet Euro 2 standards; 2001–2007 models meet Euro 3 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2567).
The Mitsubishi 4G94 (GDI) is a 1,999 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact and mid-size sedans (1996–2007). It combines DOHC 16-valve architecture with gasoline direct injection to deliver responsive power and urban fuel efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 2 and Euro 3 emissions standards, it balances stratified-charge lean operation with conventional homogeneous combustion.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,999 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 87.0 mm × 83.7 mm | |
| Power output | 103–108 kW (140–147 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 185–190 Nm @ 3,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | High-pressure gasoline direct injection (GDI), up to 50 bar | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 (1996–2000); Euro 3 (2001–2007) | |
| Compression ratio | 11.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Belt‑driven camshafts | |
| Oil type | API SJ/SL, SAE 5W‑30 | |
| Dry weight | 128 kg |
The GDI system enables lean-burn operation for improved urban fuel economy but eliminates fuel washing over intake valves, leading to carbon accumulation under short-trip conditions. Use of API SJ/SL 5W‑30 oil is essential to maintain VVT and hydraulic lifter function. Timing belt replacement every 90,000 km is critical—failure causes valve/piston contact due to interference design. Fuel must meet EN 228 standards with adequate detergent content; Top Tier fuels are recommended to reduce injector coking. Post-2001 ECUs feature updated injection strategies to minimize deposits per TSB-ENG-98-021.
Oil Specs: Requires API SJ/SL (5W‑30) specification (Mitsubishi Owner’s Manual 1997). ACEA A5/B5 also acceptable.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to 1996–2000 models; Euro 3 applies to 2001–2007 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2567).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output varies slightly by model calibration (Mitsubishi TIS Doc. ENG‑4G94‑A).
Mitsubishi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs ENG‑4G94‑A, ENG‑4G94‑B, TSB-ENG-98-021
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2567)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Mitsubishi 4G94 (GDI) was used across Mitsubishi's E/DA-series platforms with transverse mounting and co-developed with Volvo for limited use in European markets. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Galant and revised intake manifolds in the Carisma—and from 2001 the Legnum received updated ECU calibration, creating minor ECU interchange limits. Partnerships enabled Volvo to evaluate the GDI system for potential use, though no production models resulted. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crankshaft pulley (Mitsubishi TIS ENG‑4G94‑A). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('4' for 4G94 series). Early models (1996–2000) use silver valve covers with black timing covers; post-2001 units feature all-black covers. Critical differentiation from 4G94 MPI: GDI version has high-pressure fuel rail, cam-driven fuel pump on cylinder head, and no intake manifold fuel injectors. ECU part numbers must match model year—pre-2001 ECUs lack updated deposit mitigation logic per TSB-ENG-98-021.
The 4G94 (GDI)'s primary reliability risk is carbon buildup on intake valves due to the direct injection design, with elevated incidence in short-trip urban use. Mitsubishi internal data from 2000 indicated up to 18% of early units exhibited drivability issues before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show increased emissions failures linked to lean-combustion instability. Extended idling and infrequent high-RPM operation accelerate deposit formation, making fuel quality and driving pattern critical.
Analysis derived from Mitsubishi technical bulletins (1998–2005) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2002–2012). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MITSUBISHI 4G94-GDI.
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