First launched in 1998 and relaunched in 2012 as a compact city car, the Mitsubishi Space Star wins fans with its compact dimensions, sure-footed handling and fuel efficiency. On this front-wheel-drive 80 bhp petrol version, a few simple habits are all it takes to keep the five-speed manual gearbox in good shape. Here is our maintenance guide for the Space Star gearbox.
Day-to-day gearbox maintenance
Good habits to adopt
A manual gearbox demands more from the driver than an automatic, since you are constantly working the clutch and gear lever. A few simple reflexes will protect the whole assembly: avoid resting your hand on the gear lever, as this places unnecessary load on the internal components; never force a gear change, and always move through each ratio smoothly. At brief stops — traffic lights and queues — select neutral rather than holding the clutch down, and read the road ahead to keep unnecessary gear changes to a minimum.
Spotting the early warning signs
A gearbox rarely fails without warning. Knowing how to read the signs helps your mechanic make an accurate diagnosis. Keep an eye out for the following:
- vibrations inside the cabin, particularly in neutral;
- a slipping sensation on pull-away;
- grinding, clunking or whistling noises at various points;
- excessive resistance from the clutch pedal or gear lever;
- a burning smell;
- oil leak marks under the vehicle.
The last two points are the most critical, as they indicate a loss of transmission fluid — the lifeblood of your Space Star. If you notice either, contact a professional immediately.
Repair or replace: when damage is advanced
Most manual gearbox faults can be sorted at the garage — replacing a worn part, adjusting the linkage or carrying out an oil change is often all that is needed. Some more serious problems, however, require a complete gearbox replacement. Second-hand units should be treated with caution, as there is no guarantee of quality, while new units are rare and expensive for a niche model like the Space Star.
Before things reach that point, good maintenance habits often make all the difference. On this front-wheel-drive petrol city car, the manual gearbox works in tandem with the clutch: a worn clutch shows itself through juddering on pull-away or a stiff pedal, and indirectly puts strain on the synchromesh. Checking the condition of the transmission fluid, keeping to the recommended oil change intervals and staying alert to the first unusual noises allows you to act while the repair is still straightforward and affordable.
Exchange is the answer to this dilemma: each gearbox is stripped down completely, thoroughly cleaned and tested before dispatch. You get a fully reconditioned transmission, and your old gearbox is taken back to be reconditioned in turn.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Space Star have an automatic gearbox? The city car version comes as standard with a five-speed manual gearbox; an automatic gearbox is not available on this range.
What habits extend gearbox life? Not leaning on the gear lever, changing gear smoothly and selecting neutral at stops all significantly reduce wear.
Is an oil leak serious? Yes: it reduces lubrication and can damage the gearbox. Have a professional look at it without delay.
What should I do if the gearbox is beyond repair? Opt for a reconditioned gearbox on an exchange basis — fully rebuilt and inspected.
Why choose EDEN BOITES?
Compact and economical, the Space Star is a pleasure to drive as long as its transmission is up to the job. EDEN BOITES offers reconditioned, proven gearboxes to get it back on the road.
- Reconditioned gearboxes tested by our technicians before dispatch;
- A warranty of up to 24 months depending on the reference;
- Pay in up to 10 instalments to spread the cost;
- Delivery across France and the European Union, with a lead time confirmed on quote;
- A satisfaction-or-refund guarantee on exchange units, subject to our Terms and Conditions;
- Your old gearbox taken back as part of the exchange, for responsible recycling.
To browse the references available for your vehicle and get a personalised quote, visit our Mitsubishi gearboxes collection.
Continue with our gearboxes collection, our guides on the Mitsubishi Space Wagon gearbox and the Mitsubishi Colt gearbox, or our in-depth article on the differences between a manual and an automatic gearbox.
