Segment:
Compact sedan and hatchback (Lancer), Performance compact sedan (Lancer Evolution)
Competitors:
For Lancer: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Ford Focus. For Lancer Evolution: Subaru WRX STI, Volkswagen Golf R, Audi S3.
Lancer Attributes:
Reliability, fuel efficiency, practicality, affordable performance options.
Lancer Evolution Attributes:
All-wheel drive (AWD) with Active Center Differential (ACD), turbocharged engines, advanced suspension, performance-oriented chassis, rally heritage.
User Benefit:
Enables DIY maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs, saving costs and maximizing vehicle uptime.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, emissions control, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmission, Automatic transmission, Clutch system, Drive shafts, Axles, Differentials (including ACD for Evolution)
Chassis Suspension Steering:
Front suspension, Rear suspension, Shock absorbers, Springs, Steering system, Power steering
Brakes:
Front brakes, Rear brakes, Parking brake, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake fluid specifications
Electrical Electronics:
Battery, Charging system, Starting system, Lighting system, Gauges and instruments, Wiper/washer system, Power windows, Central locking, Audio system, ECU, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Body Control Module (BCM)
Body Chassis:
Body construction, Exterior panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk lid, Bumpers, Interior trim, Seating systems, Glass and seals
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:
HVAC system, Air conditioning (A/C) compressor, Refrigerant, Blower motor, Controls, Cabin filter
Maintenance:
Routine checks, Oil changes, Filter replacements, Spark plug replacement, Fluid level checks and top-offs
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for various systems, Fault code interpretation (OBD-II), Symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair Rebuild:
Engine overhaul, Transmission repair/rebuild, Brake caliper replacement, Suspension component replacement, Electrical component diagnosis and replacement
Installation Replacement:
Component replacement (e.g., alternator, starter, fuel pump), Accessory installation guidance
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications, Gapping procedures, Alignment specifications, Electrical diagrams, Component data
Depth:
Comprehensive (covers basic maintenance to full mechanical and electrical system overhauls and diagnostics)
Engine Code Lancer:
4G64 (2.4L)
Engine Type Lancer:
Inline-4, SOHC, 16-valve
Displacement Lancer:
2351 cc (2.4 Liters)
Horsepower Lancer:
Approx. 135-160 hp (depending on specific market/tune)
Torque Lancer:
Approx. 145-155 lb-ft (depending on specific market/tune)
Engine Code Evolution:
4G63T
Engine Type Evolution:
Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve, Turbocharged and Intercooled
Displacement Evolution:
1997 cc (2.0 Liters)
Horsepower Evolution:
Approx. 270-285 hp (depending on Evolution VII/VIII/IX specifications)
Torque Evolution:
Approx. 255-275 lb-ft (depending on Evolution VII/VIII/IX specifications)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane for Lancer, 91+ octane for Lancer Evolution)
Acceleration 0 60 Lancer:
Approx. 8.5-9.5 seconds
Acceleration 0 60 Evolution:
Approx. 4.5-5.5 seconds
Length:
Approx. 4475-4625 mm (Lancer Sedan), Approx. 4300-4350 mm (Lancer Sportback), Approx. 4360-4430 mm (Lancer Evolution, depending on wing/body kit)
Width:
Approx. 1740-1770 mm
Height:
Approx. 1415-1445 mm (Lancer Sedan/Sportback), Approx. 1450-1490 mm (Lancer Evolution)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2630-2635 mm
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1300-1450 kg (Lancer), Approx. 1450-1550 kg (Lancer Evolution)
Trunk Capacity:
Approx. 390-420 Liters (Lancer Sedan), Approx. 340-370 Liters (Lancer Sportback)
NHTSA Front Crash Test Driver:
Good (for 2004 Lancer models, typically)
NHTSA Front Crash Test Passenger:
Good (for 2004 Lancer models, typically)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (for 2004 Lancer models, typically)
ABS:
Standard on most trims, enhanced on Evolution.
Traction Control:
Available on select Lancer trims, standard and advanced on Evolution (e.g., AYC - Active Yaw Control).
Electronic Stability Control:
Available on some later models or specific trims, less common on early 2004 models.
Airbags:
Frontal airbags standard, side airbags and curtain airbags available on higher trims.
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio systems with more speakers.
Display Screen:
Basic digital display for clock/radio, no large central touchscreens on most models.
Cruise Control:
Available on many Lancer trims, standard on Evolution.
Keyless Entry:
Available on higher trims.
Bluetooth:
Rarely standard for 2004, likely an aftermarket addition.
Aux Input:
Rarely standard for 2004, likely an aftermarket addition.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first. For Evolution, more frequent changes may be recommended, especially under spirited driving.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) for standard ignition, potentially less for performance plugs in Evolution.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000-105,000 miles (96,000-168,000 km) or 7 years, depending on engine (4G64 usually uses a belt, 4G63T uses a belt). Crucial for 4G63T as it's an interference engine.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SM/SN, ILSAC GF-4/GF-5. Viscosity: 5W-30 or 5W-40 (depending on climate and engine). Consult manual for specific recommendations.
Coolant Specification:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with deionized water, typically a 50/50 mix). Check manual for color/type.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 75W-85.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen SP III Automatic Transmission Fluid (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid). Check manual for precise type.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Engine 4G64:
Occasional oil consumption, potential PCV valve issues.
Engine 4G63T:
Head gasket failures (especially if modified or poorly maintained), turbocharger wear, piston ring land failure (on high mileage or heavily modified engines).
Suspension Steering:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends over time; potential for strut leaks.
Transmission Clutch:
Clutch wear (especially in performance models); transmission synchro wear on manual transmissions.
Electrical:
Alternator failure, window regulator issues, minor sensor failures.
Manufacturer:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (Japan)
Generation:
Seventh Generation Lancer (CS/CT platform), with Evolution VII/VIII/IX variants derived from this platform.
Production Period:
2000-2007 (CS platform)
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan, Australia, USA (for specific models/assembly plants)
Evolution Significance:
The Lancer Evolution is a legendary homologation special derived from rally racing, renowned for its performance and technology.