1988 Mitsubishi Starion Oil Type & Capacity: 5W-30 (4.5 quarts)
The 1988 Mitsubishi Starion takes 5W-30 motor oil — 4.5 quarts with a filter change, per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
5W-30 — 4.5 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESI — 2.6L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 (-10Deg.F to Above 120Deg.F), 20W-20/40 (32Deg.F to Above 120Deg.F). API Classification SE or SF/CC. | — | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| ESI-R, Automatic — 2.6L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 (-10Deg.F to Above 120Deg.F), 20W-20/40 (32Deg.F to Above 120Deg.F). API Classification SE or SF/CC. | — | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| ESI-R, Standard — 2.6L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 (-10Deg.F to Above 120Deg.F), 20W-20/40 (32Deg.F to Above 120Deg.F). API Classification SE or SF/CC. | — | 4.00 QTS. | — |
More factory specs & repair guides for your Starion
🛞 1988 Mitsubishi Starion Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 1988 Mitsubishi Starion Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 1988 Mitsubishi Starion Light Bulb Sizes →📖 1988 Mitsubishi Starion Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
9.5 quarts (8.99 L) — 50/50 mixture of High quality ethylene-glycol antifreeze and water
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1988 Mitsubishi Starion take?
The 1988 Mitsubishi Starion takes 5W-30 motor oil (SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 (-10Deg.F to Above 120Deg.F), 20W-20/40 (32Deg.F to Above 120Deg.F). API Classification SE or SF/CC.), per the factory service manual.
What is the oil capacity of a 1988 Mitsubishi Starion?
The 1988 Mitsubishi Starion oil capacity is 4.5 quarts with a filter change, or 4.0 quarts without changing the filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 1988 Mitsubishi Starion?
Most 1988 Mitsubishi Starion owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — Mitsubishi recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1988 Mitsubishi Starion?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1988 Mitsubishi Starion. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.