Model Years Covered:
1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
Chassis Codes:
CJ (JDM/Global variations), CK (South Africa), CS (North America)
Engine Codes Common:
4G13, 4G15, 4G91, 4G92, 4G93 (DOHC/SOHC)
Market Segment:
Compact Car / Subcompact Car
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, professional technicians, enthusiast owners
Key Competitors Era:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier
Key Selling Points:
Reliability, fuel efficiency, sporty handling (in certain trims), affordability
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs accurately, reducing labor costs and extending vehicle lifespan.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing components
Engine Management:
Fuel injection system, ignition system, emission control systems, sensors, actuators
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox overhaul, shift mechanism, gears, bearings
Transmission Automatic:
Torque converter, valve body, planetary gears, hydraulic control, ATF specifications
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive, constant velocity (CV) joints, driveshafts, differential
Suspension:
Front struts, rear shock absorbers, control arms, springs, bushings, alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system, rack and pinion, steering column, tie rods
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum/disc brakes, ABS system, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting system, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams
Body Exterior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass replacement, trim
Body Interior:
Dashboard, seats, upholstery, door panels, HVAC system, sound insulation
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, refrigerant, operation and service
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seat belt mechanisms, related diagnostics
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, belt replacements
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major systems
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common fault identification, solutions
Specifications Data:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle circuits
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for certain repairs
Depth Level:
Factory Level Diagnostics and Repair
Rebuild Instructions:
Detailed procedures for engine and transmission rebuilds
Component Disassembly:
Complete disassembly and reassembly of all major components
Diagnostic Codes:
OBD-I and OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings/causes
Engine Options Common:
1.3L SOHC I4 (4G13), 1.5L SOHC I4 (4G15), 1.6L DOHC I4 (4G92 MIVEC), 1.8L SOHC I4 (4G93), 1.8L DOHC I4 (4G93 DOHC)
Engine Description:
Inline 4-cylinder, multi-point fuel injection (MPI) or carburetor (early models), SOHC or DOHC configurations.
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 70-125 hp (depending on engine variant)
Torque Range:
Approx. 80-110 lb-ft (depending on engine variant)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Recommended Octane:
87 Octane (AKI)
Standard Transmission:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Optional Transmission:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III (Automatic), Manual Transmission Fluid API GL-4 75W-90
Transmission Fluid Capacity Auto:
Approx. 6.7 Liters (14.2 Pints)
Transmission Fluid Capacity Manual:
Approx. 2.0 Liters (2.1 Quarts)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), depending on plug type.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for interference engines; typically every 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-144,000 km). Consult manual for specific engine.
Engine Oil Type:
API SJ/SL, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for climate variations)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.5-4.5 Liters (3.7-4.8 Quarts) depending on engine
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Wear Items:
Front struts, rear shock absorbers, control arm bushings, engine mounts, CV boots, exhaust components.
Engine Problems:
Timing belt failure (if not replaced), oil leaks, occasional head gasket issues on higher mileage engines.
Transmission Problems:
Automatic transmission harsh shifting or slipping (older units), manual clutch wear.
Electrical Problems:
Alternator failures, power window motor issues, corrosion in electrical connectors.
Mitsubishi History:
Mitsubishi Motors has a long history of producing reliable and affordable vehicles, known for its engineering prowess and innovation.
Colt Lancer Lineage:
The Lancer nameplate has been used by Mitsubishi for decades, evolving through multiple generations. The 1996-2001 models represent the sixth generation (CK/CM Lancer).
Key Design Elements:
Aerodynamic styling, available hatchback (Colt) and sedan (Lancer) variants, sporty GSR and Evolution variants (not typically covered in standard Colt Lancer manuals but relevant to the platform).
Production Locations:
Japan, Australia, South Africa, and other global assembly plants.
Market Introduction Period:
Sixth generation introduced globally starting in the mid-1990s.
