🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Colt-Lancer

Model Generation:

Sixth Generation (CJ, CE, CK)

Model Years Covered:

1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact car segment, offering a blend of practicality, fuel efficiency, and sporty styling, often positioned as a value-oriented option.

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Elantra.

Model Positioning:

The Mitsubishi Colt-Lancer during this era was known for its reliable engines, well-balanced chassis, and often sporty driving dynamics, especially in higher trim levels like the GSR or Evolution variants (though this manual likely covers broader civilian models).

Reliability:

The Colt-Lancer of this era is generally regarded as a reliable vehicle, provided regular maintenance is performed, which this manual meticulously guides.

Benefit To Owner:

Empowers owners and independent repair shops with the same in-depth technical knowledge used by dealership technicians, facilitating accurate diagnostics, efficient repairs, and proper maintenance, thereby extending vehicle lifespan and performance.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

General Information, Engine Mechanical, Engine Lubrication, Engine Cooling, Engine Control, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Accelerator Control, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Propeller Shaft, Rear Final Drive, Front Axle, Rear Axle, Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Brake System, Parking Brake, Brake Control, Steering Control, Seat Belts, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Body, Lock & Security, Glasses, Window System & Mirrors, Exterior & Interior, Instrument Panel, Seats, Automatic Air Conditioner, Starting & Charging System, Lighting System, Driver Information System, Wiper, Washer & Horn, Body Control System, LAN System, Audio Visual, Navigation & Telephone System, Auto Cruise Control System, Power Supply, Ground & Circuit Elements, Maintenance

Procedures Included:

Maintenance, Diagnosis, Repair, Servicing, Troubleshooting

Alphabetical Index:

Includes an alphabetical index for quick reference to specific topics and components within the manual.

Estimated Page Count:

N/A (Digital PDF, page count varies with display settings)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

Delivery Format:

.rar/.zip archive

Downloadable:

Yes

Printable:

Yes

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Mechanical aspects, lubrication, cooling, control systems (ECU), fuel delivery, exhaust, accelerator linkage, starting and charging, power supply, ground points, circuit elements.

Drivetrain Systems:

Clutch, manual and automatic transmissions, propeller shaft, rear final drive, front and rear axles.

Suspension Steering Brakes:

Front and rear suspension, brake system components, parking brake, brake control systems, steering control system.

Body Interior Exterior:

Body structure, locks, security systems, glass, windows, mirrors, exterior and interior trim, seats, instrument panel, automatic air conditioning.

Electrical Electronics:

Lighting, driver information systems, wipers, washers, horns, body control modules, LAN (Local Area Network) systems, audio-visual, navigation, telephone systems, auto cruise control.

Body Control System:

Details on central locking, power windows, door locks, and other integrated body electronic modules.

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, component inspection.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, electrical circuit diagnostics, component testing.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for disassembly, repair, and reassembly of all major vehicle systems and components.

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, timing settings, electrical resistance values, fluid capacities, and other critical data for accurate repair.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive factory-level detail, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complex engine and transmission overhauls, electrical system diagnostics, and bodywork repairs.

Diagnostic Tools:

While not explicitly a scan tool manual, it provides the technical basis for using diagnostic tools by detailing system operations, expected values, and troubleshooting logic linked to diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Details:

Digital PDF format, requiring Adobe Acrobat Reader or compatible PDF viewer. Encased in .rar/.zip for download, necessitating extraction with software like 7-Zip, WinZip, or WinRAR.

Printability:

Designed for clear printing of all pages, enabling users to create a physical copy for workshop use.

Binding Type For Printed:

N/A (Digital PDF; users can bind after printing)

Paper Type For Printed:

N/A (Digital PDF; depends on user's printer and paper choice)

Text Searchability:

As a PDF, the document is generally expected to be text-searchable, allowing users to quickly find specific topics using keywords.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

Likely includes a range of 4-cylinder gasoline engines. Common options for this generation were the 1.3L (4G13), 1.5L (4G15), and 1.8L (4G93), with potential for 2.0L variants in certain markets or performance models. Specific engine codes will be detailed within the manual.

Horsepower Range:

Typically ranging from approximately 75 hp (1.3L) to 125 hp (1.8L SOHC) for standard models. Performance variants like the GSR could exceed 150 hp, and turbocharged models (e.g., Evo) significantly higher, though this manual likely focuses on non-turbo civilian applications unless specified.

Torque Range:

Corresponds to engine size and tuning, generally between 100 Nm and 170 Nm for naturally aspirated engines.

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with multi-point injection (MPI) as standard for most models of this era.

Engine Layout:

Inline 4-cylinder, transverse mounted.

ECU Details:

Details on Mitsubishi's ECU systems, sensor inputs (e.g., MAP, TPS, O2, Crank/Cam sensors), actuator outputs, and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) will be covered.

Emissions Control:

Details on emission control systems, including catalytic converters, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and evaporative emission control (EVAP) systems, along with their testing and repair, are covered.

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission:

Likely a 5-speed manual transmission as standard on many trims.

Automatic Transmission:

A 3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmission was commonly available as an option.

Transmission Types:

The manual covers both manual and automatic transmission servicing, including clutch replacement, transmission fluid changes, internal component repair, and shift mechanism adjustments.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

Sedan, Coupe, Hatchback (various door configurations depending on market and specific model name designation).

Curb Weight:

Varies significantly by body style and engine, typically ranging from 950 kg to 1,200 kg.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Standards:

While official crash test ratings from organizations like NHTSA or IIHS might vary by region and specific year, the manual covers safety systems mandated by contemporary standards.

Active Safety:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was available as an option or standard on higher trims. Details on its operation and diagnosis are included.

Passive Safety:

Driver and front passenger airbags, seat belt pretensioners. The manual details the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) components, diagnosis, and replacement procedures.

Seat Belts:

Coverage includes seat belt operation, adjustment, and maintenance, along with pretensioner system details.

💡 Technology Features

Audio Systems:

Factory fitted radio/cassette or CD players. Manual includes wiring diagrams and troubleshooting for the audio system and speakers.

Cruise Control:

Availability of Auto Cruise Control is noted. The manual provides diagnostic and repair procedures for the cruise control system components, including sensors, actuators, and control modules.

Lan System:

Mention of LAN System suggests early forms of vehicle network communication for modules like engine control, ABS, and body control. The manual will detail the architecture and troubleshooting of these networks.

🔧 Maintenance

Recommended Intervals:

The manual will contain detailed service schedules. Typical intervals would include: Oil and Filter Change every 5,000-10,000 km (3,000-6,000 miles), Spark Plug Replacement around 30,000-50,000 km (20,000-30,000 miles), Timing Belt Replacement (if applicable, depending on engine type) often around 100,000 km (60,000 miles).

Engine Oil:

Likely requires API SG or SH rated oils, with viscosities such as 10W-30 or 5W-30 depending on climate. Consult specific engine sections for precise recommendations.

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Capacity varies by engine and cooling system size, usually around 5-7 liters.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil, with specific viscosity grades like 75W-90 or 80W-90. Capacity is typically around 2-3 liters.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Mitsubishi Diaqueen ATF SP-II or SP-III or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon. Capacity approximately 3-4 liters for a fluid change.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

Likely requires a power steering fluid specified by Mitsubishi, typically a Dexron-II/III equivalent or a dedicated power steering fluid. Capacity around 1 liter.

Common Wear Items:

Front suspension components (ball joints, tie rods, bushings) due to road conditions, ignition system components (coil packs, spark plug wires), exhaust system corrosion, and potential for oil leaks from valve cover or oil pan gaskets over time.

📚 Vehicle History

Mitsubishi Legacy:

Mitsubishi has a long history in automotive manufacturing, known for its robust engineering and often performance-oriented vehicles, including iconic rally cars like the Lancer Evolution.

Lancer Lineage:

The Colt-Lancer nameplate represents a lineage of compact cars that have evolved through multiple generations, with the 1996-2000 models being part of the sixth generation, which saw significant styling updates and chassis improvements over its predecessors.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Japan, with assembly also occurring in various other global locations depending on market specificities.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Accolades:

While specific awards for the 1996-2000 Colt-Lancer civilian models are less publicized than performance variants, the Lancer platform has historically received positive reviews for its reliability, value, and driving dynamics in its class.