Market Segment:
Compact/Subcompact car segment, offering a balance of practicality, economy, and sporty driving characteristics, particularly in Lancer GT/GSR variants.
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Nissan Sentra, Mazda 323/Familia during its production run.
Vehicle Attributes:
Reliable powertrain, good fuel economy, practical interior, often available with sporty engine options and suspension tuning, especially in Lancer GT and GSR trims.
Value:
Provides DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics with the necessary technical data and procedures to maintain, diagnose, and repair the 1992-1996 Mitsubishi Colt Lancer efficiently and accurately.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission systems, clutch operation, driveline components
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system, wheels and tires
Electrical:
12V battery system, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, infotainment, power accessories, body control modules, engine control unit (ECU) diagnostics
Body:
Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, exterior trim, HVAC system, safety systems (seatbelts, airbags where applicable)
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system information, including DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) retrieval and interpretation for ECU issues. May include older Mitsubishi proprietary diagnostic procedures.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, lubrication points, tune-up procedures
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common problems, electrical troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for major components and systems, including engine overhauls, transmission rebuilds, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement
Specifications:
Torque specifications for fasteners, engine component clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, alignment data
Alignment:
Wheel alignment specifications and procedures for front and rear suspension adjustments.
Emission Controls:
Information on emission control systems, including catalytic converter, EGR valve, and PCV system operation and maintenance.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical system diagnostics and bodywork repairs.
PDF Quality:
High-resolution scans or digital creation, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams. Searchable text functionality is highly probable for PDF format.
Searchability:
Typically, PDF manuals are searchable by keywords, allowing quick access to specific topics or part numbers.
Printability:
Designed for seamless printing of individual pages or the entire manual, allowing for easy reference in a workshop environment.
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Engine Code Common:
4G13 (1.3L SOHC I4), 4G15 (1.5L SOHC I4), 4G92 (1.6L DOHC I4 - MIVEC in some GT/GSR models), 4G93 (1.8L DOHC I4 - Turbocharged in GSR models)
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 70 HP (1.3L) to 170 HP (1.8L Turbo GSR)
Torque Range:
Approximately 100 Nm (1.3L) to 230 Nm (1.8L Turbo GSR)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Ignition Type:
Distributor-based or Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) depending on specific engine and market
ECM Controls:
Engine Control Module (ECM) manages fuel injection timing, ignition timing, idle speed, and emissions control.
Emission Standards:
The manual will likely detail emissions-related components and their function to meet the relevant emissions standards for the model years and regions covered.
Manual Transmission:
5-speed manual transmission (e.g., F5M33) available on most models.
Automatic Transmission:
4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., F4A21, F4A22) available on many models.
AWD:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) was an option on some Lancer GT and GSR performance models, typically mated to the 1.8L turbo engine and a 5-speed manual.
Wheelbase Mm:
Approximately 2500 mm (varies slightly by generation and specific body style)
Length Mm:
Approximately 4300-4400 mm (varies slightly by generation and specific body style)
Width Mm:
Approximately 1700 mm
Curb Weight Kg:
Approximately 1050-1250 kg (depending on engine and trim)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Kg:
Typically around 1500-1700 kg
NHTSA Ratings:
Variable; likely received 3 or 4-star ratings in front-impact crash tests from NHTSA in the US during its era. Specific data may require historical lookup.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an available option on many trims, particularly higher-performance models.
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag became standard on many models by the mid-1990s. Passenger airbags were less common but available on some later models.
Seatbelts:
Front 3-point seatbelts with pretensioners, rear lap and shoulder belts.
Oil Change Interval:
Recommended every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical: Recommended replacement interval is typically 60,000 to 90,000 miles (96,000 to 145,000 km) for engines using a timing belt (4G13, 4G15, 4G92). Failure can cause severe engine damage. The 4G93T might have a similar interval.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Consult manual for specific color/type if available (e.g., green).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
API GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90.
Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
Dexron II or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF).
Common Wear Items:
Suspension bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, exhaust system components, clutch wear (on manual transmissions), occasional electrical gremlins (e.g., window regulators, central locking).
Engine Specifics:
Timing belt failure is critical. Older models may experience oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or oil pan gaskets. Some 4G93T engines can have turbocharger issues if not properly maintained.
Mitsubishi Legacy:
Mitsubishi has a long history of producing reliable and often innovative vehicles, known for its engineering prowess, particularly in rally sports with the Lancer Evolution series which began in this era.
Colt Lancer Generations:
The 1992-1996 models represent the sixth generation of the Lancer (Galant/Colt Lancer in some markets). This generation saw a more rounded and aerodynamic design compared to its predecessors.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan, but assembled in various locations globally, including Australia, South Africa, and the United States (as Dodge Colt/Eagle Summit).
