Segment:
Compact/Small Family Car
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, car enthusiasts, independent repair shops.
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Mazda 323/Familia, Subaru Impreza.
Value Proposition:
Affordable, reliable, and often engaging to drive, particularly performance variants like the Evolution.
Dvp Focus:
Empowering owners to maintain and repair their vehicles, saving on labor costs and ensuring proper upkeep.
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures for all listed engine variants (e.g., 4G92 SOHC/DOHC, 4G93 SOHC/DOHC, 4G94 SOHC, 4G63 Naturally Aspirated and Turbocharged for Evo models).
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission repair, clutch service, drivetrain components (CV joints, driveshafts).
Fuel System:
Fuel injection systems (MPI), fuel pump, injectors, pressure regulation, fuel tank and lines, emissions control systems.
Ignition System:
Ignition coils, spark plugs, ignition control modules, distributors (if applicable), timing.
Cooling System:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump, coolant hoses, fan assembly, pressure cap, heater core.
Lubrication System:
Oil pump, oil filter, oil pan, oil pressure diagnostics, oil cooler (if equipped).
Exhaust System:
Manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, exhaust pipes, oxygen sensors.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), brake pads, rotors, calipers, master cylinder, brake lines, parking brake.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, bushings), wheel alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack/gearbox, steering column, tie rod ends.
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams, lighting system, fuses, relays, power windows, mirrors, central locking.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, interior trim, glass replacement, rust prevention, jacking points.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system service, heater core, blower motor, climate control unit.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system diagnostics and replacement (where applicable).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance items, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake, transmission), filter replacements, belt inspections/replacements.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation (OBD-I/OBD-II where applicable).
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components.
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including torque specifications and clearances.
Adjustment:
Valve adjustments, clutch adjustments, brake adjustments.
Installation:
Component installation and removal procedures for key parts.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic owner-level maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics with wiring diagrams.
Engine Options:
1.3L (4G92), 1.5L (4G91/4G93), 1.6L (4G92), 1.8L (4G93/4G94), 2.0L Turbocharged (4G63 - Evolution models).
Typical Horsepower Range:
70-120 hp (naturally aspirated), 270-280 hp (Evolution models).
Typical Torque Range:
110-170 Nm (naturally aspirated), 350-370 Nm (Evolution models).
Injection Type:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI), Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating typically 91 RON minimum for NA, 98 RON recommended for Evo)
Oil Change:
Every 5,000-10,000 km or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for specifics).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000-40,000 km or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 40,000-100,000 km, depending on spark plug type (copper, platinum, iridium).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Typically 80,000-100,000 km or 5-7 years for 4G9x engines. 4G63 (Evo) also requires regular replacement. Critical component to prevent engine damage.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH or higher, Viscosity SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific engine and climate).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (MS-9790) or equivalent. Green or pink color.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-3 or GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 Gear Oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Engine:
Oil consumption in some high-mileage engines, potential head gasket issues on certain 4G93/4G94 variants, ignition coil failures.
Transmission:
Wear in manual gearbox synchros (especially 5th gear), occasional automatic transmission solenoid issues.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, worn shock absorbers/struts, creaks from sway bar links.
Electrical:
Corrosion on electrical connectors, issues with power window motors, intermittent dashboard warning lights.
Body:
Rusting, particularly around wheel arches, sill panels, and rear quarter panels, especially in regions with road salt.
Parent Company:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
Generation Overview:
This period covers the 6th and 7th generations of the Mitsubishi Lancer globally. The 'Colt' name was often used for the Lancer in specific markets (e.g., Europe) during parts of this era, or for distinct smaller models like the Mitsubishi Colt (not a Lancer variant).
Key Variants:
Lancer GLXi, Lancer GSR, Lancer Evolution (IV, V, VI, VII) - highly acclaimed rally homologation specials.
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan (Okazaki Plant), and various international assembly plants depending on market.
