🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Lancer

Year:

2003

Chassis Code:

CS Series

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Car / Affordable Sedan

Competitors 2003:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra.

Value Proposition:

Offered a balance of practicality, reliability, and sporty styling, often at a competitive price point.

Design:

Distinctive front-end styling, often praised for its aggressive appearance compared to some rivals.

Performance Variants:

Availability of sportier trims like the GT or GTS (depending on market) offered enhanced performance.

Reliability:

Generally regarded as a reliable vehicle, with proper maintenance.

📋 Manual Details

Region Coverage:

Global (North America, Europe, Asia specified by models covered)

Estimated Pages:

1500-2000+ (typical for full service manuals)

Type:

Full Service & Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

All gasoline engine variants (e.g., 2.0L, 2.4L), including disassembly, assembly, diagnostics, and specifications.

Transmission:

Manual and Automatic Transmissions: Repair, overhaul, fluid specifications, shift control, diagnostics.

Drivetrain:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) systems: Differentials, axles, drive shafts, clutch (if applicable).

Suspension:

Front and Rear Suspension: Struts, shock absorbers, control arms, springs, bushings, alignment procedures.

Steering:

Power Steering System: Pump, rack and pinion, hoses, fluid specifications, troubleshooting.

Brakes:

Front and Rear Brakes (Disc/Drum): Hydraulic system, ABS, master cylinder, calipers, pads, rotors, bleeding procedures.

Electrical:

Complete Electrical System: Battery, alternator, starter, ignition system, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC): Refrigerant system, compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, controls.

Body:

Body and Chassis: Exterior panels, doors, windows, interior trim, bumpers, corrosion protection, chassis components.

Interior:

Interior Components: Seats, dashboard, airbags, seatbelts, interior trim removal and installation.

Diagnostics:

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II): DTC codes, diagnostic procedures, scan tool usage.

Maintenance:

Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement.

Repair:

Component Repair and Replacement: Engine components, transmission, suspension parts, brake assemblies, electrical modules.

Rebuild:

Major Component Rebuilds: Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, differential overhaul.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic Troubleshooting Guides: Fault identification, diagnostic trees, symptom-based problem solving.

Calibration:

Sensor and Module Calibration: Wheel speed sensors, throttle body calibration, etc. (as applicable).

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive Wiring Diagrams: Power distribution, component connections, circuit tracing.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-Resolution PDF: Clear text, legible diagrams, suitable for printing.

Searchability:

Searchable Text: Allows for quick keyword searching of topics and components.

Printability:

Printable: Designed to be printed for workshop use.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Common:

4G63 / 4G64 (2.0L and 2.4L SOHC/DOHC variants)

Displacement Common:

1997 cc (2.0L) and 2351 cc (2.4L)

Configuration:

Inline-4 Cylinder

Valve Train:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) or DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 16 Valves

Horsepower 2.0L Approx:

120-135 hp

Torque 2.0L Approx:

130-140 lb-ft

Horsepower 2.4L Approx:

135-160 hp

Torque 2.4L Approx:

145-170 lb-ft

Induction:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Ignition System:

Electronic Ignition, Distributorless (DIS) or Coil-on-Plug (COP)

🔧 Transmission

Type Common:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Type Common:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (INVECS-II)

AWD Availability:

Available on select models/trims (e.g., AWD variants).

Manual Fluid Spec:

API GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., 75W-90)

Automatic Fluid Spec:

Dexron III or equivalent ATF

📐 Dimensions

Length Approx:

4520 mm (178.0 in)

Width Approx:

1740 mm (68.5 in)

Height Approx:

1430 mm (56.3 in)

Wheelbase Approx:

2630 mm (103.5 in)

Curb Weight Approx Min:

1250 kg (2755 lbs)

Curb Weight Approx Max:

1350 kg (2976 lbs)

Trunk Capacity Approx:

400 L (14.1 cu ft)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4 Stars (2003 model year assessment)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4 Stars (2003 model year assessment)

ABS:

Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Available Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags, Available Side Airbags

Seatbelts:

3-Point Height-Adjustable Front Seatbelts with Pretensioners, Rear 3-Point Seatbelts

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with CD player, 4-6 speakers. Cassette player might be present on base models.

Climate Control:

Manual climate control standard. Automatic climate control available on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims, optional on base models.

Power Accessories:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors available or standard depending on trim level.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Platinum-tipped plugs: 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) depending on specific type. Iridium plugs (if fitted) typically longer.

Timing Belt Replacement:

If equipped with a timing belt: Typically every 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-144,000 km) or 5-7 years. Check manual for specific engine variant.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 API SM or higher (check owner's manual for exact specification).

Coolant Type:

Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (Green) or equivalent OAT/HOAT coolant.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Engine Sludge:

Early models or those with infrequent oil changes could be susceptible to oil sludge buildup, particularly in hotter climates. Regular oil changes are crucial.

Suspension Wear:

Bushings and control arm components can wear over time, leading to noise or alignment issues.

Exhaust Manifold Cracks:

Some 4G6 engines, particularly older ones or those subjected to extreme heat cycles, can develop cracks in the exhaust manifold.

Automatic Transmission Shifting:

While generally reliable, some early automatic transmissions might exhibit hesitant shifting or delayed engagement. Fluid changes are key.

📚 Vehicle History

Mitsubishi History:

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer with a long history of producing diverse vehicles, from small economy cars to performance vehicles and SUVs.

Lancer Generations:

The 2003 model represents the fifth generation of the Lancer (global designation, though often referred to as the 'Cedia' platform in some markets), succeeding the previous generation which gained notoriety with the Evolution variants.

Production Period:

The fifth generation Lancer was produced from roughly 2000 to 2007, with the 2003 model year being a key iteration within this period.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Japan, but also other global assembly plants.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards General:

The Lancer consistently achieved good safety ratings from organizations like IIHS and NHTSA for its class during its production run.

IIHS Front Crash:

Good (for its class in frontal offset testing)

Emissions Standards:

Complies with EPA and CARB emissions standards relevant to the 2003 model year.