🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Lancer Evolution IV

Model Nickname:

Evo IV

Model Variant:

All

Chassis Code:

CN9A

Engine Code:

4G63T

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Lancer Evolution IV was a dominant force in rally racing and a highly sought-after performance sedan, known for its advanced all-wheel-drive system and turbocharged engine. This manual targets enthusiasts and professional mechanics dedicated to maintaining and repairing this iconic vehicle.

Competitors:

Subaru Impreza WRX STi, Ford Escort RS Cosworth, Toyota Celica GT-Four.

Vehicle Highlights:

Advanced Active Yaw Control (AYC), helical limited-slip front differential, viscous coupling center differential, turbocharged 4G63T engine.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Years:

1996, 1997, 1998

Estimated Pages:

Likely extensive, covering all systems. Exact count not provided, but typical for full factory service manuals.

Type:

Factory Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, transmission (manual and automatic options if applicable), drivetrain, differentials, axles.

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS), wheels and tires.

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, seats, climate control, HVAC, body electrical, lighting, wipers, washers.

Electrical And Diagnostics:

Wiring diagrams, component locations, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting procedures, ECU information, sensor diagnostics.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, timing belt inspection/replacement.

Repair And Overhaul:

Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, brake component replacement, suspension component repair, body panel repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Specifications And Data:

Torque specifications for fasteners, clearances, fluid capacities, diagnostic data parameters, wiring diagrams, exploded views.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution, searchable PDF with clear diagrams and text. Likely scanned from original factory documentation.

Searchability:

Text-searchable PDF allows for quick access to specific information.

Printability:

Designed for easy printing of individual sections or the entire manual.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve, turbocharged and intercooled

Engine Code:

4G63T

Displacement:

1997 cc (2.0 L)

Horsepower:

280 PS (276 hp; 206 kW) (Manufacturer's estimate, often higher in reality)

Torque:

350 Nm (258 lb-ft) at 3000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential multi-point injection

Turbocharger:

Mitsubishi TD05HR-16G (often referred to as 'small 16G')

Coolant Type:

Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors).

Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.5 liters (4.8 US quarts) with filter change.

Recommended Oil:

API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 synthetic blend or full synthetic oil.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed manual transmission (Type-M)

Transmission Type:

4-speed automatic (less common, usually on non-performance variants or specific markets)

AWD System:

Mitsubishi's Rally Action All-Wheel Control (RAA) system, featuring Active Yaw Control (AYC) for enhanced cornering stability.

Center Differential:

Viscous coupling center differential.

Front Differential:

Helical limited-slip differential (LSD).

Rear Differential:

Viscous coupling limited-slip differential (LSD).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil.

Transfer Case Fluid:

GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil.

Manual Transmission Capacity:

Approximately 2.5 liters (2.6 US quarts).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4350 mm (171.3 in)

Width:

1770 mm (69.7 in)

Height:

1415 mm (55.7 in)

Wheelbase:

2600 mm (102.4 in)

Front Track:

1510 mm (59.4 in)

Rear Track:

1500 mm (59.1 in)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1400 kg (3086 lbs)

Gross Weight Rating:

Not specified, but typical for performance sedans of the era.

Wheel Size:

17 x 7.0 inches

Bolt Pattern:

5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)

Tire Size:

225/45R17

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

Specific official crash test ratings (e.g., NHTSA/Euro NCAP) for the 1996-1998 JDM Lancer Evolution IV are not readily available in a standardized format due to its Japanese Domestic Market origin and homologation focus.

AWD System:

Active Yaw Control (AYC) enhances stability and traction.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard.

Brake Bias:

Adjustable brake bias control often found in performance variants.

Airbags:

Driver's airbag standard, passenger airbag optional or market dependent.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners.

Chassis Structure:

Reinforced chassis and crumple zones designed for rally homologation requirements.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Factory head units typically included an AM/FM radio with cassette player, often with an optional CD player. Aftermarket upgrades are very common.

Speakers:

Standard speaker configuration, usually 4 or 6 speakers.

Traction Control:

While the AWD and AYC provide significant traction management, a dedicated electronic traction control system (like ESP/TCS) was not a standard feature on the Evo IV as it is on later models.

Connectivity Features:

No modern connectivity features (Bluetooth, USB, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto) were integrated into the factory system. These would be aftermarket additions.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil used.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km), or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) depending on plug type (platinum/iridium recommended).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial: Every 60,000 - 90,000 miles (96,000 - 145,000 km) or 5-7 years. The 4G63T is an interference engine, and belt failure will cause catastrophic engine damage.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron III or equivalent.

Clutch Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Engine Reliability:

The 4G63T engine is robust but susceptible to detonation/knocking if improperly tuned or maintained, especially with modifications. Check for oil leaks from valve cover and oil pan gaskets. Timing belt maintenance is critical.

Ayc System:

The Active Yaw Control (AYC) pump and sensors can fail over time, leading to error codes or loss of function. Regular inspection and fluid level checks are recommended.

Rust:

Common on older Japanese performance cars; check wheel arches, sills, and underbody for corrosion, especially in areas with road salt usage.

Suspension Components:

Wear and tear on bushings, ball joints, and shock absorbers are common with age and mileage.

Oil Filter:

Examples: Mitsubishi MD134565, Wix 51398, Fram PH8300.

Air Filter:

Examples: Mitsubishi MR188681, Wix 49398.

Cabin Air Filter:

Not standard on all Evo IV models, but if equipped, part numbers vary by aftermarket supplier.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

Mitsubishi Motors has a long history in motorsports, particularly in rallying, with the Lancer nameplate dating back to the early 1970s.

Evo Lineage:

The Evolution line was created specifically to homologate Mitsubishi's cars for World Rally Championship (WRC) Group A regulations. The Evo IV marked a significant evolution with its new chassis and advanced AYC system.

Production Years:

Evo IV: August 1996 - August 1998

Manufacturing Location:

Japan (Japanese Domestic Market - JDM)

Special Editions:

RS (Rally Sport) and GSR (Grand Sport Rally) variants, with RS being lighter and more performance-focused.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motorsport Success:

The Lancer Evolution platform, including the Evo IV, achieved significant success in the World Rally Championship (WRC) with drivers like Tommi Mäkinen. This racing pedigree significantly boosted its reputation and desirability.

Automotive Press:

Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its handling, performance, and advanced technology for its era, solidifying its status as a legendary performance car.