Segment:
        
        
            Compact Car / Economy Sedan
        
     
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, small families.
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Mazda3, Nissan Sentra.
        
     
    
    
        
            Value Proposition:
        
        
            Affordable pricing, reliable mechanicals, decent fuel economy, available AWD (on some variants).
        
     
    
        
            Trim Levels Overview:
        
        
            ES, LS, GTS, OZ Rally, SE (Varies by market).
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine:
        
        
            Detailed diagnostics, repair, overhaul, timing belt replacement, fuel injection systems, ignition systems, cooling system, lubrication system, emissions control.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission:
        
        
            Manual (5-speed) and Automatic (4-speed INVECS-II) transmission service, repair, diagnostics, fluid changes, clutch service, torque converter, valve body operation.
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Front-wheel drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) systems, differential service, CV joints, driveshafts, transfer case (if applicable to AWD models).
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link suspension, coil springs, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, wheel alignment procedures and specifications.
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Power steering system diagnostics and repair, steering rack, tie rods, power steering pump, fluid specifications.
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Front disc brakes, rear drum or disc brakes, ABS system diagnostics, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, rotor and pad replacement, parking brake.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical:
        
        
            Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all circuits, starter, alternator, battery, lighting systems, power windows, power locks, interior and exterior electronics, fuses, relays, ECUs.
        
     
    
        
            HVAC:
        
        
            Air conditioning system service, refrigerant, compressor, evaporator, condenser, heater core, blower motor, climate control module.
        
     
    
        
            Body And Chassis:
        
        
            Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, glass replacement, door mechanisms, chassis specifications, corrosion protection.
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, drive belt inspection/replacement.
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common problems, electrical system diagnosis.
        
     
    
        
            Repair:
        
        
            Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems, including torque specifications and special tool requirements.
        
     
    
        
            Disassembly And Assembly:
        
        
            Complete instructions for dismantling and reassembling engines, transmissions, suspension components, and body parts.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) system explanation, diagnostic tool usage, sensor data interpretation.
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive (covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds).
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Code 1:
        
        
            4G15 (1.5L SOHC)
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower 1:
        
        
            92 hp @ 5500 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque 1:
        
        
            130 Nm @ 3500 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Engine Code 2:
        
        
            4G19 (1.6L SOHC/DOHC)
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower 2:
        
        
            99 - 105 hp @ 5800-6000 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque 2:
        
        
            137 - 143 Nm @ 3000-4000 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Engine Code 3:
        
        
            4G63 (2.0L SOHC/DOHC - Naturally Aspirated)
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower 3:
        
        
            114 - 135 hp @ 5000-6000 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque 3:
        
        
            170 - 176 Nm @ 4000-4500 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Engine Code 4:
        
        
            4G63T (2.0L DOHC Turbocharged - Ralliart/Evolution variants)
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower 4:
        
        
            261 hp @ 6500 rpm (Ralliart), 271 hp @ 6500 rpm (Evo VIII)
        
     
    
        
            Torque 4:
        
        
            343 Nm @ 3500 rpm (Ralliart), 370 Nm @ 3000 rpm (Evo VIII)
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded Gasoline
        
     
    
    
        
            Injection Type:
        
        
            Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
        
     
    
        
            Ignition System:
        
        
            Electronic ignition with coil-on-plug (COP) or distributor-based systems (depending on engine variant).
        
     
    
    
        
            ECU Type:
        
        
            Engine Control Unit (ECU) specific to engine and transmission configuration.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Front Impact:
        
        
            Not explicitly rated by NHTSA for 2004 in all configurations, but generally considered good for its class.
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Ratings:
        
        
            Similar to NHTSA, specific ratings may vary. Generally good for its era.
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Available (standard on higher trims and performance models).
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Available (often linked with AWD systems or higher trim levels).
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Front airbags standard, side airbags available on select models.
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners.
        
     
    
        
            Body Structure:
        
        
            Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body construction for improved crashworthiness.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first. Consult manual for specific driving conditions.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Coolant Flush:
        
        
            Every 30,000 - 45,000 miles (48,000 - 72,000 km) or 2-3 years.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Change:
        
        
            Manual: Check level regularly, replacement less frequent but recommended every 60,000-100,000 miles. Automatic: Every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on use.
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            100,000 miles for iridium plugs, potentially sooner for conventional plugs (refer to engine type).
        
     
    
        
            Timing Belt Replacement:
        
        
            Crucial for interference engines (e.g., 4G63). Typically 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 5-7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Type:
        
        
            SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic or semi-synthetic oil meeting API SL or SN specifications. Check manual for specific viscosity and API rating.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 4.0-4.5 liters (4.2-4.8 US quarts) with filter, depending on engine.
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Type:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent Ethylene Glycol based coolant with a 50/50 mix with deionized water.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine:
        
        
            Timing belt failure (if not replaced on schedule), oil consumption on higher mileage units, minor oil leaks from valve cover gaskets.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Worn control arm bushings, premature strut wear, occasional rattling from rear suspension components.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical:
        
        
            Window regulator failures, intermittent power window issues, dashboard warning light illumination (often sensor related).
        
     
    
        
            Exhaust:
        
        
            Rusting exhaust components over time.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Mitsubishi History:
        
        
            Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer, has a long history dating back to 1917, known for robust engineering and rally heritage.
        
     
    
    
        
            Lancer Generations:
        
        
            The 2004 Lancer is part of the 8th generation (CS/CT platform, 2000-2007) of the Lancer lineage, which began in 1973.
        
     
    
        
            Evolution Variant:
        
        
            The Lancer Evolution VIII (CT9A chassis) represents a high-performance variant, renowned for its motorsport success in the World Rally Championship (WRC).
        
     
    
    
        
            Manufacturing Locations:
        
        
            Primarily Japan, with assembly also occurring in other countries depending on the market.
        
     
    
        
            Production Years For Cs Ct Platform:
        
        
            2000-2007