Segment:
Compact/Small Family Car (Sedan and Hatchback variants)
Competitors 2008:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Ford Focus, Subaru Impreza
Distinguishing Features:
Sporty styling, available All-Wheel Control (AWC) on some trims, potent turbocharged engines in Evolution variants.
Manual Utility:
Provides in-depth technical information essential for DIY mechanics and professional repair shops, covering all aspects of maintenance, repair, and diagnostics.
Market Availability:
Global (specific to the 2008 model year)
Engine Variants Covered:
4A91 (1.5L MIVEC), 4G15 (1.5L), 4G63 (2.0L MIVEC Turbo - Evolution/Ralliart variants), 4B11 (2.0L MIVEC DOHC), 4B12 (2.4L MIVEC SOHC)
Transmission Types Covered:
5-speed Manual, 6-speed Manual (GSR Evo), INVECS-III Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), INVECS-II 5-speed Automatic
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals (2.0L 4B11, 2.4L 4B12, 1.5L 4A91, 2.0L Turbo 4G63), Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Turbocharger Systems (Ralliart/Evo), Transmission (Manual, CVT, Automatic), Drivetrain (FWD, AWD)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front MacPherson Strut, Rear Multi-link), Steering System (Hydraulic Power Steering), Brake System (Front Ventilated Discs, Rear Solid/Ventilated Discs, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Power Distribution, Lighting (Headlamps, Taillamps, Interior), Instrumentation, Audio System, HVAC Controls, Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), SRS (Airbag) System, Keyless Entry and Immobilizer, Wiper and Washer Systems
Body:
Exterior Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass, Interior Trim, Seats, Upholstery
Maintenance:
Oil and Filter Changes, Air Filter Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Coolant Flush and Refill, Brake Pad/Rotor Replacement, Belt Inspection and Replacement, Fluid Level Checks and Top-offs
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts based on symptoms, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation and resolution, Component testing procedures (e.g., sensor resistance, actuator operation)
Repair:
Engine component replacement (e.g., head gasket, pistons, valves), Transmission overhaul and repair, Suspension and steering component replacement, Brake system repair, Electrical component diagnosis and replacement, Body panel repair and replacement
Special Procedures:
Timing Belt/Chain Replacement, Turbocharger Rebuild/Replacement (4G63/4B11T), CVT Fluid Service, AWD System Maintenance, SRS System Calibration, PCM Reprogramming
Depth:
Comprehensive: Includes detailed disassembly, assembly, diagnosis, specifications, and torque values for all major systems.
Digital Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Likely searchable text content for easy navigation and keyword searching.
Layout:
Professional, clear diagrams, schematics, and high-resolution images.
Binding:
Not Applicable (Digital Format)
Paper Quality:
Not Applicable (Digital Format)
Engine Code Common:
4B11 (2.0L MIVEC DOHC)
Horsepower 4B11:
Approx. 143-168 hp (depending on market and configuration)
Torque 4B11:
Approx. 127-145 lb-ft (depending on market and configuration)
Horsepower 4B12:
Approx. 168 hp
Torque 4B12:
Approx. 166 lb-ft
Horsepower 4G63 Turbo:
Approx. 291 hp (Evo IX MR FQ-360 Edition) / Approx. 295 hp (Evo X GSR)
Torque 4G63 Turbo:
Approx. 289 lb-ft (Evo IX MR FQ-360 Edition) / Approx. 300 lb-ft (Evo X GSR)
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI - Multi-Point Injection)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane recommended for turbocharged models)
Other Engines:
4A91 (1.5L MIVEC), 4G15 (1.5L)
Transmission Type Base:
5-speed Manual
Transmission Type Optional:
INVECS-III CVT, INVECS-II 5-speed Automatic, 6-speed Manual (Evo)
AWD System:
Available All-Wheel Control (AWC) with Active Yaw Control (AYC) and ACD (Active Center Differential) on Evolution and Ralliart models.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 SAE 75W-85 or equivalent (check specific model requirements)
Cv T Fluid:
DIAQueen ATF SP-III or equivalent (check specific model requirements)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for models equipped with side airbags and ABS)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Good (for models with specific safety features)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution
Brake Assist:
Available Brake Assist
Airbags:
Frontal Airbags, Front Side Airbags, Curtain Airbags (optional/standard on higher trims)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player with auxiliary input. Optional Rockford Fosgate premium audio system on higher trims.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on select trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard or available cruise control.
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS).
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free connectivity on higher trims.
Keyless Entry:
Standard or available keyless entry system.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), or as per severe driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Iridium spark plugs: 100,000 miles. Standard plugs: 30,000-60,000 miles (refer to manual for exact type).
Coolant Replacement:
First replacement at 105,000 miles or 7 years, then every 52,500 miles or 4 years.
Engine Oil:
0W-20 or 5W-20 Synthetic (refer to owner's manual for specific viscosity and API classification)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific type)
Power Steering Fluid:
Power steering fluid (refer to manual for specific type)
Cv T Wear:
Some early CVT models may experience wear or shifting issues if not maintained properly, particularly fluid changes.
S Tronic Clutch Pack:
In certain performance variants (e.g., TC-SST dual-clutch transmission), clutch pack wear or mechatronic unit issues can occur.
Engine Mounts:
Engine and transmission mounts can degrade over time, leading to increased vibration.
Suspension Components:
Bushings and ball joints can wear, leading to noise and handling issues.
Mitsubishi Legacy:
Mitsubishi has a long history in automotive manufacturing, known for reliable and often performance-oriented vehicles.
Lancer Lineage:
The Lancer nameplate has been in production since 1973, evolving from a compact car to include sporty variants like the Lancer Evolution (Evo).
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan, Thailand, United States, and other global facilities.
Production Years:
2007-2017 (for the tenth generation, with the 2008 model being an early release)
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags)
Popular Mechanics Editor Choice:
The Lancer (including performance variants) has often been recognized for its value and performance characteristics by automotive publications.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings vary by model year and specific powertrain, generally falling in the average to above-average range for the segment. Manuals assist in maintaining this.