Segment:
Compact car segment
Target Audience:
Economy-conscious buyers, enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Escort, Mazda 323.
Vehicle Strengths:
Reliability, fuel efficiency, affordability, practical design, surprisingly capable handling for its class.
Value:
Provides authoritative, factory-level repair information crucial for maintaining and repairing the Colt Lancer across its significant production run.
Years Covered:
1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
Estimated Total Pages:
Approximately 2000+ pages (combined)
Type:
Comprehensive Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine control (ECU), fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, drivetrain (FWD/AWD).
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (front disc/rear drum or disc), wheels, tires.
Body:
Body construction, exterior panels, doors, windows, glass, interior trim, seats, HVAC system, lighting system, wipers, wash system.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, audio systems, power accessories, fuses, relays, diagnostic connectors.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspections and replacement, spark plug replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for engine management systems, electrical system fault finding.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major vehicle systems, including engine overhauls, transmission rebuilds, brake caliper replacement, suspension component renewal, body panel repair.
Disassembly Assembly:
Comprehensive instructions for disassembling and reassembling all components and systems with torque specifications and special tool requirements.
Depth:
Expert level, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics and bodywork.
Engine Codes:
4G13, 4G15, 4G91, 4G92, 4G93 (depending on year and market)
Displacement:
1.3L (1300cc), 1.5L (1500cc), 1.6L (1600cc), 1.8L (1800cc)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder (SOHC and DOHC variants)
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 70 hp to 130 hp (depending on engine and tuning)
Torque Range:
Approx. 100 Nm to 160 Nm (depending on engine and tuning)
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Grade:
Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating varies by market and engine tuning)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant (typically 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.5-4.5 liters (with filter, varies by engine)
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
10W-30 or 5W-30 (check manual for specific climate recommendations)
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
3-speed or 4-speed Automatic Transmission (varies by model and market)
Drivetrain:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), with some models offering All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-85 or 75W-90 gear oil (check manual for specific requirements)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent (check manual for specific requirements)
Crash Test Ratings:
Limited official ratings available for this specific model/year range in all markets. Early models predate stringent modern crash testing requirements.
Braking System:
Front ventilated disc brakes, rear drum brakes (common), with optional rear disc brakes on higher trims.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on select higher trim models or as an option.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag became standard on later models (late 90s), passenger airbag was rare or optional.
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners on some later models, 3-point rear seatbelts.
Child Seat Anchors:
Limited or no ISOFIX/LATCH system; relies on seatbelt systems for child restraint.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette player, optional CD player on higher trims. Basic speaker systems.
Cruise Control:
Optional on higher trim levels.
Connectivity Options:
Limited to basic analog systems; no Bluetooth or USB integration.
Air Conditioning:
Available, though system performance can degrade over time.
Power Windows Locks:
Available on higher trims, manual operation on base models.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (typical for the era).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), depending on plug type (copper vs. platinum).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical: Every 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-144,000 km) or 5-7 years (interference engine - failure causes severe damage).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific vehicle requirements)
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron II/III or specific power steering fluid (check manual)
Engine:
Head gasket leaks (especially on higher mileage 4G93 engines), oil consumption, ignition coil failures, fuel injector clogging.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission solenoid issues, manual clutch wear, synchromesh wear in manual transmissions.
Suspension Steering:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings, strut mounts, power steering pump leaks.
Electrical:
Corroded grounds, alternator issues, faulty window regulators, HVAC blower motor failure.
Body Chassis:
Rust on wheel arches, rocker panels, and underbody, especially in areas with salt use.
Manufacturer:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (Japan)
Generations Covered:
Primarily covers the fourth (1991-1995) and fifth (1995-2001) generations of the Lancer globally, marketed as Colt Lancer in certain regions.
Design Changes:
Significant design updates occurred between the 1992-1995 and 1996-2001 models, affecting body styles, interior, and powertrains.
Production Period:
1992-2001
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan, Australia, and various assembly plants worldwide.
Industry Accolades:
While not a recipient of major 'Car of the Year' awards, the Lancer platform was recognized for its value, reliability, and fuel efficiency by various automotive publications during its production run.
Consumer Reports:
Generally rated as average to above average for reliability in its class for the era, with some specific powertrain combinations performing better than others.
