Model Generation:
CE/CF/CG/CH
Model Years Covered:
1996-2003
Chassis Codes:
CJ2A, CJ4A, CJ5A, CK1A, CK2A, CK4A, CK5A, CK8A, CK9A, CL1A, CL2A, CL3A, CM2A, CM5A
Engine Codes:
4G92, 4G93, 4G94, 4G15, 6A10, 6A11, 6A12
Segment:
Compact car, subcompact car (depending on market and specific model variant)
Target Demographic:
Budget-conscious buyers, young drivers, small families, economic commuters
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Elantra
Strengths:
Affordability, fuel efficiency, reliability (generally), practical interior, compact size for city driving
Weaknesses:
Basic interior materials, modest performance, limited standard features on base models, potentially less refined ride compared to some rivals
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, turbocharging (if applicable)
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmission, Automatic transmission, clutch system, drive shafts, axles, differentials
Chassis Suspension Steering:
Front suspension, rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, steering system, power steering, wheel alignment
Brakes:
Front brakes (disc), Rear brakes (disc/drum), ABS system, parking brake
Electrical Electronics:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body electrical, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays
Body Exterior Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, seats, glass, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Component testing, fault code diagnosis (OBD-I/OBD-II), symptom-based troubleshooting, diagnostic procedures
Repair Rebuild:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuild, electrical component repair
Specifications Tolerances:
Torque specifications, clearances, component dimensions, electrical resistance values
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Options:
1.3L I4 (4G13), 1.5L I4 (4G15), 1.6L I4 (4G92), 1.8L I4 (4G93), 2.0L I4 (4G94), 1.6L V6 (6A10), 1.8L V6 (6A11), 2.0L V6 (6A12) - availability varies by market and year.
Displacement Common:
1.6L (1597cc), 1.8L (1830cc)
Cylinder Configuration Common:
Inline 4-cylinder, V6
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 90 hp to 160 hp (depending on engine and tuning, e.g., GSR variants)
Torque Range:
Approx. 120 Nm to 170 Nm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Emission Control:
Catalytic Converter, Oxygen Sensors (OBD-I/OBD-II)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Drivetrain:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available on select performance variants (e.g., Lancer Evolution predecessor models, though Evo itself is a distinct lineage).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-85 or 75W-90 (refer to manual for specific viscosity and capacity)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
DiaQueen ATF-SP II M or equivalent (refer to manual for specific type and capacity)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not consistently rated or available for all configurations; generally fair to good for its era.
IIHS Ratings:
Not extensively tested by IIHS for this specific generation and naming convention across all markets.
ABS:
Optional or standard on higher trims/later years
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags (optional or standard depending on trim and market)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (for synthetic oil), or 3,750 miles/6 months for conventional oil (refer to manual for exact recommendation).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles depending on plug type (standard vs. platinum/iridium).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity based on climate and engine).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.5 - 4.5 liters (with filter, depending on engine)
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi Long Life Coolant (LLC) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Engine Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, crankshaft seals can develop leaks over time.
Suspension Wear:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings can lead to steering looseness and tire wear.
Exhaust System:
Corrosion and failure of mufflers and catalytic converters due to age and climate.
Electrical Issues:
Degraded wiring insulation, faulty relays, and alternator issues can occur.
Automatic Transmission:
Rough shifting or delayed engagement can indicate internal wear or solenoid issues.
Manufacturer:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Japan
Platform Designation:
Based on the Mitsubishi Lancer platform, shared with Colt models in certain markets.
Generations Covered By Manual:
CE (1995-1997), CF (1997-1999), CG (1999-2001), CH (2001-2003) - approximate timelines vary by region.
Production Locations:
Japan, Australia, Netherlands, and other global assembly plants.
