Market Segment:
Compact sedan and hatchback, positioned as an affordable and reliable economy car.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier.
Design Philosophy:
Practicality, fuel efficiency, and value for money. Offered in sedan and hatchback body styles.
Target Audience:
First-time car buyers, budget-conscious families, and individuals seeking a dependable daily driver.
Regions Covered:
Global (North America, Europe, Asia, Australia - specific market variations may apply)
Trim Levels Covered:
All major trim levels including base, GL, GS, GT, and sport variants.
Estimated Page Count:
Over 1500 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine control systems (ECU/ECM), manual and automatic transmissions, clutch, driveline, axles.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front disc, rear drum/disc), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrumentation, power windows, power locks, HVAC blower, audio system, anti-theft systems (if equipped).
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, HVAC system (comfort and controls), safety restraints (seatbelts, airbags - if equipped).
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance schedules, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt adjustments and replacement, brake pad and shoe replacement.
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake caliper and master cylinder replacement, suspension component replacement, steering rack overhaul, electrical component diagnosis and repair.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common engine performance issues, electrical faults, transmission problems, and chassis component failures. Includes symptom-based troubleshooting trees.
Technical Depth:
Factory-level diagnostic procedures, torque specifications, electrical schematics, component testing methods, and detailed disassembly/reassembly instructions for virtually every system.
Engine Code 1:
4G13 (1.3L SOHC)
Engine Code 2:
4G15 (1.5L SOHC)
Engine Code 3:
4G93 (1.8L DOHC - found in some GS/GT variants)
Horsepower 1.3L:
Approx. 70-75 hp @ 5000-5500 rpm
Torque 1.3L:
Approx. 77-80 lb-ft @ 3000-3500 rpm
Horsepower 1.5L:
Approx. 82-90 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm
Torque 1.5L:
Approx. 87-95 lb-ft @ 3000-4000 rpm
Horsepower 1.8L:
Approx. 110-125 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 1.8L:
Approx. 118-130 lb-ft @ 4000-4500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) with electronic control.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for standard engines, higher for performance variants).
Bore Stroke 1.5L:
75.5 mm x 83.0 mm
Compression Ratio 1.5L:
9.5:1
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed manual transmission.
Transmission Type Optional:
3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmission (depending on engine and market).
Clutch Type:
Dry single-plate, hydraulically actuated (manual transmission).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-85 or 75W-90 gear oil. (Refer to manual for specific OEM fill).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mitsubishi Diaqueen ATF SP-II or equivalent Dexron II/III. (Refer to manual for specific OEM fill).
Length Sedan:
Approx. 4310 mm (169.7 in)
Width:
Approx. 1690 mm (66.5 in)
Height:
Approx. 1390-1410 mm (54.7-55.5 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2500 mm (98.4 in)
Curb Weight 1.5L Sedan:
Approx. 1050-1150 kg (2315-2535 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by configuration, consult manual.
Towing Capacity:
Not recommended for towing.
NHTSA Ratings:
Limited data available for this era. Generally considered to have basic safety for its class. No comprehensive side-impact or rollover ratings typical of modern vehicles.
ABS:
Optional on some higher trims, standard on select later models.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag optional on early models, standard on some later models. Passenger airbag generally not available.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seatbelts, with pretensioners and force limiters on front belts on later models.
Audio System:
Factory-installed AM/FM stereo radio with cassette player. Some models may have optional CD player. Speaker configurations vary by trim.
Climate Control:
Manual HVAC system with fan speed, temperature, and air direction controls. Optional air conditioning system.
Cruise Control:
Optional on select higher trim levels.
Bluetooth Usb:
Not available. Modern aftermarket head units can be installed to add these features.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 to 5,000 miles (6,000 to 8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific engine/oil type).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (24,000 to 48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (48,000 to 96,000 km), depending on spark plug type (copper vs. platinum).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 to 90,000 miles (96,000 to 144,000 km) or 5-7 years for non-interference engines. Crucial for interference engines (if equipped) to prevent catastrophic damage. Consult manual for exact interval and engine type.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.5 - 4.5 liters (3.7 - 4.8 US quarts) depending on engine. Recommended viscosity: 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for ambient temperature suitability).
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 5.0 - 6.0 liters (5.3 - 6.3 US quarts). Use a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol-based coolant and distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Common Wear Items:
Worn suspension bushings, aging CV joints, fuel pump failure, occasional alternator issues, interior trim degradation (plastics brittle).
Engine Specific Concerns:
Valve stem seals can degrade leading to oil consumption, timing belt tensioner can fail on some early models.
Mitsubishi Motors:
Mitsubishi Motors, a Japanese automaker with a long history dating back to 1917 (as part of Mitsubishi Group), has a reputation for producing reliable and durable vehicles, often with innovative technology.
Lancer Lineage:
The Lancer nameplate has been a cornerstone of Mitsubishi's lineup since its introduction in 1973. The 1992-1995 models represent the fifth generation of the Lancer worldwide, known for its aerodynamic styling and improved chassis dynamics compared to previous generations.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary production was in Japan, with significant assembly and production also occurring in plants worldwide, including Australia, Colombia, and for the North American market, often through Chrysler's Eagle brand or as the Mitsubishi Mirage/Colt.
Production Years Covered:
1992, 1993, 1994, 1995