Segment:
Subcompact to Compact car segment, known for affordability and practicality.
Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, and owners seeking to maintain and repair their vehicles.
Competitors 1992-1995:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Nissan Sentra, Mazda 323/Protege.
Diy Benefits 1:
Opportunity to avoid other household chores.
Diy Benefits 2:
Encourages acquisition of specialized tools.
Diy Benefits 3:
Potential for significant cost savings on repairs.
Core Offering:
Empowerment for owners to perform self-service and repairs.
Engine:
Internal combustion engine systems (Gasoline), including EFI, ignition, cooling, lubrication, and exhaust.
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic Transmission systems, including clutch, gear shifting mechanisms, and driveline.
Brakes:
Hydraulic braking systems (including ABS on applicable models), parking brake, and brake fluid specifications.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, and alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power and manual steering systems, steering column, tie rods, and steering angle sensors.
Electrical:
Complete electrical system, including battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, fuses, relays, and wiring diagrams.
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, trim, interior components, and body repair procedures.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, including refrigerant, compressor, and controls.
Fuel:
Fuel delivery system, fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, and fuel pressure specifications.
Exhaust:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, and exhaust pipe routing.
Maintenance:
Routine scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, and inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common problems, fault codes, and symptom-based repairs.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems.
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed instructions for the disassembly and reassembly of engine, transmission, suspension, and other key components.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission overhauls.
Diagrams Illustrations:
Detailed step-by-step diagrams and illustrations for all workshop procedures.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque specifications for all fasteners and critical components.
Clearances Tolerances:
Required clearances and tolerances for engine internal components, bearings, and other critical parts.
Common Engine Options:
1.5L Inline-4 (4G15), 1.6L Inline-4 (4G92 MIVEC in some Lancer variants), 1.8L Inline-4 (4G93).
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 80-120 hp depending on engine and specific tuning.
Torque Range:
Approximately 90-110 lb-ft depending on engine and specific tuning.
Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) across most models.
ECU Type:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) for managing fuel and ignition timing.
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
3-speed or 4-speed Automatic Transmission
Clutch Type:
Dry single plate clutch (manual transmission)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 gear oil (viscosity typically SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90, consult manual for specific variant)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent ATF (consult manual for specific variant)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (consult manual for specific engine).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (24,000 to 48,000 km), or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by spark plug type (copper, platinum, iridium); typically 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH classification, viscosity SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended for most conditions (consult manual for exact specification).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant with anti-corrosion additives (typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent ATF (if equipped with power steering).
Common Wear Items:
Timing belt (critical replacement interval), CV joints, front suspension bushings, exhaust system components.
Electrical Gremlins:
Intermittent electrical issues, particularly with grounds and wiring harnesses, can occur with age.
Corrosion:
Rust and corrosion can be an issue in areas with harsh winters or high humidity, especially on body panels and undercarriage.
Mitsubishi History:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer with a long history dating back to 1917.
Colt Lancer Generations:
The 1992-1995 models fall within the 5th generation of the Mitsubishi Mirage-based Colt and the 6th generation of the Lancer.
Cc Generation Debut:
The CC generation of the Mitsubishi Colt/Mirage and Lancer debuted in 1991/1992.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan, with production also occurring in other countries through joint ventures and licensing agreements.
